Qcells receives $1.45 billion loan to open solar supply chain manufacturing facility in Georgia 

Qcells receives $1.45 billion loan to open solar supply chain manufacturing facility in Georgia 

Aug. 14, 2024
The new production plant will manufacture ingots, wafers, cells, and finished panels at a multi-gigawatt scale.

Qcells has received a conditional commitment for a loan through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO). The company, which specializes in manufacturing solar cells and modules, will use the $1.45 billion loan to support its solar supply chain manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia. According to the company, the new production plant will manufacture ingots, wafers, cells, and finished panels at a multi-gigawatt scale. The project, when completed, is expected to generate 1,950 new jobs for the surrounding area. Additionally, the new plant is projected to produce 3.3 GW of solar panels per year, which the DOE estimates will reduce emissions from power generation by more than 5 million tons of CO2e per year. 

What people are saying

In a recent quote, a representative from Qcells said, “Qcells’ highly anticipated, integrated supply chain facility in Cartersville, Georgia, has made significant progress. By the end of this year, Qcells will produce the full solar supply chain, from ingot to finished panel, all under one roof in Georgia. We have made such ambitious investments because we believe onshoring solar manufacturing is key to building a sustainable, secure and independent energy future in the U.S. The ongoing support for our investments, stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act and the efforts of local to federal officials, affirms the importance of this critical industry and the need for a whole of government approach to see domestic solar manufacturing succeed long term.”  

Manufacturers investing in Georgia

Absolics to receive $75 million from the CHIPS Act to support semiconductor manufacturing in Georgia 
The company, which is a subsidiary of SKC, manufactures glass substrate, an essential component to produce semiconductors.  

Brightmark invests $950 million to build plastics circularity center in Georgia 
The 2.5 million-square-foot facility will have the capacity to repurpose over 400,000 tons of plastic per year.

GF Casting Solutions invests $184 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Georgia 
The new plant will be used to manufacture cast aluminum parts, with a special focus on large structural components for the automotive industry.

Learn more about solar energy

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With new advancements in solar technology, floating solar power plants may finally break free from the restrictions that are preventing them from greater adoption worldwide.

Congress Must Stand Up to China’s Illegal Solar Trade (Opinion)
The facts are clear: China is illegally violating U.S. trade law and the Solar Emergency Declaration protects them.

Investing in American manufacturing in 2024

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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