Virginia Solar Panel Startup to Create 150 New Jobs with New Vertically Integrated Manufacturing Facility
RICHMOND, VA (June 4, 2026) — MSolar Manufacturing, a Virginia-based solar panel startup, will invest $23.775 million to establish a new vertically integrated solar manufacturing facility in Shenandoah County. The project will create 150 new jobs in Mount Jackson and support the growing demand for domestic solar panel production in the United States.
The company will operate from a 56,000-square-foot facility that will produce high-efficiency solar modules for large-scale energy projects. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to manufacture more than 500,000 heterojunction technology (HJT) solar panels annually for utility-scale and commercial energy projects nationwide.
MSolar Expands Domestic Solar Manufacturing in Virginia
Founded in 2018, MSolar Manufacturing is focused on producing premium-grade solar panels through a vertically integrated manufacturing model. The new Shenandoah County operation will support multiple stages of the solar production process, including:
- Solar glass production
- Silicon cell production
- HJT cell production
- Final assembly of completed solar modules
- Manufacturing for utility-scale and commercial energy projects
The project strengthens Virginia’s position in clean energy manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and domestic energy supply chain development.
“By choosing to invest in Mount Jackson, MSolar is creating new career opportunities in the Shenandoah Valley and helping make sure Virginia has the infrastructure to make energy more affordable and reliable for local communities across our Commonwealth,” said Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. “Increasing energy generation is critical to addressing high energy costs and supporting greater economic growth. I congratulate MSolar on this exciting investment and look forward to watching them grow in the Shenandoah Valley.”
Shenandoah County Selected for Strategic Location and Workforce
State and regional leaders noted that Shenandoah County’s manufacturing base, workforce and strategic location helped secure the project.
“With a rich history of advanced manufacturing, strategic location, and world-class workforce, Shenandoah County is the ideal location for a company like MSolar to grow and succeed,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “MSolar’s decision to invest in the Shenandoah Valley is a testament to the Commonwealth’s commitment to training and connecting top-tier talent for growing businesses in every corner of Virginia.”
MSolar CEO Michael O’Connor said the Mount Jackson facility represents an important first step in the company’s long-term growth strategy.
“We’re building the foundation of a vertically integrated solar manufacturing platform here in Virginia,” said MSolar CEO Michael O’Connor. “This factory represents the first step in our long-term strategy to expand domestic solar production and deliver high-performance technology for energy projects. We believe the future of solar will be defined by performance, domestic content, energy security, and top customer service, and MSolar is positioning itself at the center of that transition. We’re excited to grow alongside the Commonwealth as we scale our platform.”
Project Supports Advanced Manufacturing and Energy Security
Local officials said MSolar’s investment aligns with Shenandoah County’s economic development goals and adds to the region’s growing manufacturing sector.
“Shenandoah County is strategically positioned as a great location for manufacturing as is evident through MSolar’s decision to locate their facility in Mount Jackson,” said Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors Chairman Tim Taylor. “MSolar will add to our diverse array of local businesses of which manufacturing is a key target sector as outlined in our Economic Development Strategic and Comprehensive Plans.”
The Shenandoah Valley Partnership also welcomed the announcement as a sign of the region’s ability to support next-generation manufacturing operations.
“MSolar’s decision to grow in the Shenandoah Valley is a testament to our region’s strong workforce, supply chain, and ability to serve the next generation of American manufacturing,” said Shenandoah Valley Partnership Executive Director Dr. Jay A. Langston. “With a pro-business climate supported by experienced business and local leaders, the Shenandoah Valley Partnership is thrilled to welcome anyone who shares our drive to innovate, adapt, and build a stronger future for the Commonwealth.”
State Leaders Highlight Job Creation and Domestic Production
The project also received support from state legislators, who emphasized the importance of manufacturing investment and energy independence.
“I appreciate MSolar’s investment in Shenandoah County and the manufacturing jobs it will create,” said Senator Timmy French. “Supporting domestic manufacturing and energy independence is important, and we must continue balancing that growth with responsible land-use policies that protect Virginia farmland and our agricultural economy.”
“While I remain opposed to the loss of productive farmland to large-scale solar development, this investment is an important step toward ensuring that the technology powering America’s energy is made here in the United States rather than overseas,” said Delegate Justin L. Pence. “MSolar Manufacturing’s $23.7 million investment in Shenandoah County will create jobs and position Virginia as a leader in energy manufacturing here in the Commonwealth.”
Virginia Jobs Investment Program to Support Workforce Training
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Shenandoah County to secure the project for Virginia. VEDP will support MSolar’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs.
The program helps reduce the human resource costs of new and expanding companies by supporting employee recruitment and training activities. VJIP is state-funded and reflects Virginia’s commitment to strengthening job opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth.
Key Project Details
- Company: MSolar Manufacturing
- Location: Mount Jackson, Shenandoah County, Virginia
- Investment: $23.775 million
- New Jobs: 150
- Facility Size: 56,000 square feet
- Industry: Solar panel manufacturing
- Production Focus: High-efficiency HJT solar panels
- Annual Capacity: More than 500,000 solar panels
- Markets Served: Utility-scale and commercial energy projects
About MSolar Manufacturing
MSolar Manufacturing is a Virginia-based solar panel manufacturer founded in 2018. The company specializes in premium-grade solar panel production and is building a vertically integrated platform focused on domestic solar manufacturing, high-performance technology and clean energy supply chain growth.
Media Contact
Tyler Levinson
Communications Specialist, Virginia Economic Development Partnership
tlevinson@vedp.org
