5-GW solar panel plant coming to Tennessee

A new brand will be setting up a 5-GW solar cell and panel manufacturing facility in Portland, Tennessee. ReCreate is a joint venture between European solar panel brand Recom and Create Energy, a supporter of American renewable energy manufacturing founded by Dean Solon, the founder of eBOS manufacturer Shoals. Solon announced the ReCreate brand today with Hamlet Tunyan, CEO of Recom Technologies.

“We’re excited to ignite the rocket engines on this new venture and deliver high-quality, American-made solar solutions,” Solon said. “At Create Energy, our mission is to ReCreate the renewables market and offer comprehensive solutions for solar, BESS, and eMobility projects. ReCreate will set the standard for the solar module and cell markets.”

Create Energy officials told Solar Power World that the ReCreate panels will be made at Create Energy’s existing mega-plant facility. No timeline has been announced for when solar panel manufacturing will begin, but ReCreate will make product for both the U.S. and European markets.

“This project represents a significant advancement in our commitment to renewable energy and innovation,” Tunyan said. “By manufacturing in the USA, we are supporting the local economy and setting new industry standards.”

Recom has over a decade of manufacturing experience, operating as much as 3.2 GW of solar panel manufacturing capacity at sites in France and Italy. Local media reported that Recom’s European manufacturing efforts are now being consolidated solely to Italy.

Follow SPW’s domestic manufacturing coverage here.

Story updated to clarify ReCreate’s facility location.