LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. — Suniva, Inc., a leading U.S.-owned solar cell manufacturer, has announced plans to establish its first South Carolina manufacturing operation in Laurens County, marking a $350 million investment that will create 564 new jobs in advanced energy manufacturing.
The company will locate in a 620,000-square-foot facility at 1200 Commerce Blvd. in Laurens, where it will manufacture advanced solar cells to support the growing demand for domestically produced renewable energy technologies.
Founded in 2007 from U.S. Department of Energy-backed research at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Suniva has played a pivotal role in advancing solar manufacturing in the United States. The company is widely recognized as one of the nation’s oldest and largest merchant solar cell producers, with a longstanding commitment to strengthening domestic energy independence and supply chain resilience.
The Laurens County facility will complement Suniva’s existing operations in Georgia, significantly expanding the company’s U.S. production footprint. Once operational, the combined facilities are expected to deliver more than 5.5 gigawatts (GW) of annual solar cell manufacturing capacity—positioning Suniva among the largest producers in the country.
Operations at the new facility are expected to begin in 2027.
Strengthening Domestic Energy and Advanced Manufacturing
Suniva’s expansion reinforces the growing momentum of the U.S. clean energy sector, particularly across the Southeast, where states like South Carolina continue to attract large-scale investments in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy technologies.
“Since its founding, Suniva has championed U.S. leadership in solar energy manufacturing,” said CEO Tony Etnyre. “Our expansion into South Carolina represents a major step forward in delivering domestically produced renewable energy and strengthening America’s long-term energy security.”
State and local leaders emphasized the project’s impact on workforce development and rural economic growth.
Governor Henry McMaster noted that the investment will create new opportunities in high-growth industries, while reinforcing South Carolina’s commitment to innovative energy solutions.
South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III highlighted the project as a significant win for rural economic development, underscoring Laurens County’s competitiveness for major industrial projects.
Local and regional leaders, including Laurens County Council Chairman Jeff Carroll and Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO John Lummus, pointed to the region’s strong business climate and growing advanced energy ecosystem as key factors in Suniva’s site selection.
Expanding the Southeast’s Clean Energy Ecosystem
Suniva’s investment further positions Upstate South Carolina as a hub for advanced energy manufacturing, joining a growing cluster of companies producing technologies that support global energy demand.
The project also reflects broader national efforts to onshore critical components of the clean energy supply chain, reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing while supporting job creation and innovation across U.S. communities.
Individuals interested in career opportunities with Suniva are encouraged to visit the company’s careers page.
