Invenergy, a privately-held, American-led global developer, owner, and operator of sustainable energy solutions, will invest more than $600 million through Illuminate USA to create one of the largest solar panel production facilities in the country. The investment will include a $220 million commitment to acquire and build out a 1.1 million-sq.-ft. building in Pataskala, OH, using approximately 150 union jobs at peak construction. Once operational, the facility will manufacture high-quality domestic solar panels, creating at least 850 new, good-paying administrative, assembly and engineering jobs. Operations are expected to commence by the end of 2023 and Illuminate USA will begin hiring this spring.
Located approximately 20 miles east of Columbus, the Pataskala manufacturing facility is being developed from an existing industrial building, requiring no farmland development. The facility will be home to advanced panel assembly technology. Pataskala is in Licking County, which is home to an estimated 175,769 residents.
"As an American company and a leading developer and operator of solar projects in the U.S., we recognize the importance of having a strong domestic supply chain to meet the fast-growing demand for affordable solar power," said Art Fletcher, EVP, Global Sourcing at Invenergy. "Invenergy is proud of the role Illuminate USA will play in bringing the highest-quality, domestically produced solar products to market, enhancing our nation's manufacturing capabilities with a long-term investment that will create at least 850 good-paying jobs for Ohioans."
Once complete, the facility will deliver up to 5 gigawatts (GW) of solar module capacity per year. "Five GW represents almost 50% of total U.S. utility-scale solar installations last year and is capable of powering nearly one million American homes," said a spokesperson. "This facility, and the hundreds of American workers that it will employ, is an important early step in the path toward a broader onshoring and rebuilding of advanced manufacturing jobs and productive capacity in the U.S. and in Ohio."
The spokesperson continued, "Most of the solar value chain exists outside of the U.S., creating scarcity challenges and supply chain bottlenecks. Through this investment, solar panels will roll off the production line in Pataskala to meet immediate and growing U.S. customer demand and pipeline needs. This facility is an important step in securing domestic energy supply by bringing the highest-quality solar products to the U.S. and reducing reliance on imported products."
Illuminate USA is partnering with JobsOhio (JobsOhio.com) and One Columbus (ColumbusRegion.com) to create training and skills development programs and to support recruiting efforts. JobsOhio plans to provide assistance for the project, which will be made public after a final agreement is executed. The company intends to deepen its support of the region through partnerships with local schools and universities, as well as sponsorships of local community events like The Hartford Fair. Illuminate USA also intends to advance research and development efforts at the facility to promote American leadership in solar panel production.
Invenergy is the anchor customer of the Illuminate USA joint venture, and it will work with manufacturing partner LONGi to produce Ohio-made solar panels. Invenergy has an existing strong track record in Ohio.
For more information contact:
Invenergy
One South Wacker Dr., Ste. 1800
Chicago, IL 60606
312-224-1400
www.invenergy.com
Illuminate USA
info@illuminate-usa.com
www.illuminate-usa.com