Suniva investing $350 million in Laurens County, creating 564 jobs
Suniva, Inc. (Suniva), a U.S.-owned and -operated solar cell manufacturer, today announced it selects Laurens County for its first South Carolina manufacturing facility. The company’s $350 million investment will create 564 new jobs.
Suniva is one of the largest and oldest merchant solar cell manufacturers in the country. Founded in 2007 out of U.S. Department of Energy-funded research at the University Center for Excellence in Photovoltaics at Georgia Tech, the company became well known for leading the push for solar cell manufacturing in the United States as a pillar of the nation’s energy independence and domestic energy security.
“Since its founding in 2007, Suniva has championed U.S. leadership in solar energy manufacturing,” said Suniva CEO Tony Etnyre. “Solar is the fastest and most economical way to grow our nation’s energy supply — and at this critical juncture, access to energy will determine how America competes for generations to come. Our expansion in South Carolina means that renewable energy, made right here at home, will now do more than ever to secure that future.”
The company plans to lease a 620,000 square-foot building, located at 1200 Commerce Blvd. in Laurens, to produce advanced solar cells. The manufacturing facility, in conjunction with Suniva’s existing plant in Georgia, will support the company’s commitment to independent clean energy production. With the addition of the Laurens County facility, Suniva will produce over 5.5GW of solar cells annually, one of the largest such capacities in the United States.
“Laurens County is excited to welcome Suniva and their first South Carolina operation to our community,” said Laurens County Council Chairman Jeff Carroll. “The investment commitment and job creation are a testament to our business-friendly environment. We look forward to a great partnership with Suniva for many years to come.”
Operations are expected to be online in 2027. Individuals interested in joining the Suniva team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.