Made-in-America, finally!
My favorite thing about RE+ — besides the chit chatting and happy hours — is getting to see new products up close. And we’ll be seeing so many Made-in-America products this year, it’s incredible. That domestic manufacturing renaissance that has long been anticipated for the solar industry is finally here.
And yes, seeing products at a tradeshow is great, but nothing beats going to the factory and seeing how things are made for yourself. I visited SEG Solar’s expansive new solar panel factory this summer, and the scale is tremendous. The company is anticipating a 2-GW annual capacity once lines get going and wants to expand even further. SEG has primarily worked in the United States as a sales hub for its Southeast-Asian produced panels, but founder and COO Jun Zhuge said that the company has always wanted to bring manufacturing to America. Although the lines in Houston are completely automated, SEG Solar said it would be hiring at least 500 workers at the new site.
It’s great to see people excited about careers in solar manufacturing again. That was also on full display when I stopped by Sirius PV’s solar panel factory outside Houston. That company’s 1-GW line is working at full-speed, and so much support has been given to the employees at each station. There are many temperature-controlled areas, additional air filtration efforts, automated and sealed potting stations — and this is just a module assembly plant, not a cell manufacturing outfit. When Hurricane Beryl hit Houston this summer, Sirius PV had backup power on-site and opened its doors to community members in need of a safe place to recharge or just rest. The company is taking care of its own and ensuring that careers in solar panel manufacturing are well-respected and desired. Oh, and Sirius PV makes really nice solar panels too — the backsheet on the bifacial module is a must-see.
It’s not a factory tour, but walking the show floor at RE+ is the next best thing. We have an exhibitor preview in the back-half of this issue with some of the products we’ll be checking out. Make sure to say hi when you see the SPW team at the show, and tell us what you’ve found most interesting. I’ll be seeking out those American flag stickers!
Kelly PickerelEditor in Chief