Translucent Energy launches 1.2 GW solar factory in South Carolina

Translucent Energy has announced the launch of a 1.2 GW solar module assembly plant in Summerville, South Carolina. The first-phase investment of $15.6 million is expected to create 167 local jobs.

The facility will utilize flexible N-type lines capable of producing various module architectures, including utility-scale, commercial and industrial, and residential formats. The equipment is currently undergoing factory acceptance testing and is scheduled to arrive in Summerville in October, with commercial shipments expected to begin in December. The company aims to deliver between 600 MW and 800 MW in its first full year of operation.

To assist project owners in meeting Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) domestic content bonus thresholds, Translucent Energy is utilizing a supply chain composed primarily of U.S. components, supplemented by secondary sourcing from Türkiye. This strategy is intended to enhance supply chain resilience and reduce reliance on Southeast Asian procurement channels affected by trade tariffs.