Image: Pv-tech

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar manufacturing jobs in the US are expected to more than triple in the next decade.

Currently, the solar manufacturing industry provides around 35,000 jobs. However, with the US government's increased production efforts and significant investments in expanding domestic solar manufacturing capacity, this number is projected to reach 120,000 jobs by 2033.

In Dalton, Georgia, Qcells plans to enhance its solar module assembly capacity by 2GW. An investment of US$2.5 billion will support the entire supply chain and create over 2,500 jobs. By 2024, the company's total solar panel production capacity in Georgia will reach 8.4GW. Additionally, in Cartersville, Georgia, Hanwha Advanced Materials Georgia (HAGA) will construct a new manufacturing facility for producing encapsulants, which are used to seal solar cells and ensure their durability. These encapsulants will be supplied to QCells for use in their module production.

The Cartersville facility is expected to bring in US$147 million in private investment and generate 160 jobs within the industry. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp stated, "Since we first welcomed Qcells to our state in 2018, we've announced more than 4,000 related jobs for Georgians."

Furthermore, in Memphis, Tennessee, PV tracker supplier Nextracker has collaborated with MSS Steel Tubes USA to establish a new factory specializing in the production of low-carbon steel torque tubes for solar tracking systems. These torque tubes play a crucial role in efficiently rotating PV modules for optimal sunlight absorption.

This factory will create 129 jobs and contribute to millions of dollars in local economic investment. It will also support projects across multiple states, including Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, and Georgia.

The expansion of the solar manufacturing industry, coupled with the development of solar mounting systems, demonstrates the growing significance of the solar sector in job creation, economic growth, and sustainable energy efforts within the United States.