Canadian Solar is building a new photovoltaic cell production facility in Jeffersonville, IN. The new plant, which will create at least 1,200 new jobs in the town, is an important step in the Hoosier State’s journey to become a leader in developing new power solutions. Canadian Solar will invest around $800 million in the factory, which will break ground soon at the River Ridge Commerce Center.
“Indiana’s strong advanced manufacturing sector positions the state to help lead the global energy transition, developing and powering new solutions in batteries, solar, and hydrogen,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a press release. “Canadian Solar’s new U.S. location in Jeffersonville will put our skilled Hoosier workforce at the center of cultivating solar power, making energy-efficient panels more accessible to consumers across the country.”
Photo Courtesy Indiana.gov
This new plant will produce an annual generation of 5 gigawatts, which is equal to the daily output of 20,000 high-power solar panels. The facility is expected to be up and running at full capacity by the end of 2025.
Ontario-based Canadian Solar said the cells produced in Indiana would then be used at its 6 gigawatt module assembly plant in Texas.
“Establishing this factory is a key milestone that will enable us to better serve our U.S. customers with the most advanced technology in the industry,” Dr. Shawn Qu, Canadian Solar founder and CEO, said in a statement. “This is the second of the anticipated long-term investments we expect to make in the U.S. as we think strategically about a sustainable and resilient clean energy supply chain. We thank the state of Indiana, Clark County, and the city of Jeffersonville for their critical support, and we look forward to working with them as we grow.”
Photo Courtesy Canadian Solar
To support the company’s plan, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation committed an investment in Canadian Solar of up to $9.7 million in conditional tax credits and up to $400,000 in conditional training grants. Those conditional credits are performance-based, meaning the firm is eligible to claim state benefits once investments are made, and employees are hired and trained. Jeffersonville and the River Ridge Development Authority also added financial incentives.
Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 and is one of the world’s largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Canadian Solar’s investment in Indiana is likely to bring an economic boon to the area, including the high-paying clean energy jobs and the trickle-down effect of the significant investments throughout the corridor, which includes just across the Ohio River in Louisville, KY.
Photo Courtesy Canadian Solar
“Indiana is a proud leader both in the Midwest and the country in manufacturing and innovation. I’m pleased to know that this new solar manufacturing facility opening in Jeffersonville will create many new jobs for Hoosiers and stimulate the local economy,” shared United States Senator and Indiana gubernatorial candidate Mike Braun.
