South Carolina’s First Gigawatt-Scale Solar Module Factory Begins Operations
U.S. energy startup Translucent Energy officially launched its 1.3-gigawatt (GW) solar module factory in Summerville, South Carolina, on August 17, marking the state’s largest solar manufacturing facility to date. The first-phase capacity is projected to create 167 jobs by the end of 2026, with plans to expand into cell and wafer manufacturing to strengthen the U.S. domestic solar supply chain.
Augustus Rylands, Managing Director of Translucent Energy, stated that the Summerville facility will produce solar modules for utility-scale, commercial, industrial, and residential markets. He emphasized, "This is just the first step in our long-term plan. We will enter the U.S. cell and wafer manufacturing sector." The factory’s opening aligns with heightened policy support from the U.S. government, providing investment certainty for the industry.
Trump Administration Imposes Tariffs, Solar Manufacturers Gain Advantage
On August 6, President Donald Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to impose import restrictions on polysilicon and its derivatives, promoting domestic production. Rylands noted that the policy offers long-term investment security for U.S. solar manufacturers, stating, "The timing of this policy could not be better. It allows us to scale up production in the United States."
According to the latest data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), U.S. solar module manufacturing capacity surged to 65.5 GW in 2025, a 54% increase from 42.5 GW in 2024. Wafer capacity also resumed production for the first time since 2016. SEIA described 2025 as a milestone year for U.S. solar manufacturing, signifying significant progress in localizing the supply chain.
Despite rapid growth in U.S. solar manufacturing capacity, South Carolina’s solar development remains relatively slow. SEIA data shows that as of June 2026, solar power accounted for just 3.9% of the state’s electricity generation, ranking 24th among the 50 states. Over the next five years, the state is projected to add only 1.7 GW of solar capacity, placing it 36th in growth potential nationwide. Currently, South Carolina employs 516 people in the solar sector across 105 companies, reflecting a weak manufacturing base.
High-Quality Modules and Innovative Microgrid Technology
Translucent Energy emphasizes that its solar modules meet the highest international quality standards. Dr. Nabih Cherradi, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, stated, "With over 30 years of high-volume photovoltaic manufacturing experience across four continents, we understand that superior products stem from rigorous process control, not just advanced equipment. The U.S.-made solar modules produced at the Summerville facility will deliver reliable and high-performance products for our customers."
In addition to module manufacturing, Translucent Energy has developed transportable microgrid systems, including the TAU series and the EV-E series, which integrate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The EV-E system supports remote monitoring, configuration, and updates, capable of charging 4 to 7 electric vehicles simultaneously. It offers customized solutions for fleets, remote areas, or regions with grid constraints. The company notes that these systems can operate entirely off-grid or connect to the grid to leverage off-peak electricity rates, enhancing energy efficiency.
Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Translucent Energy’s launch of the Summerville factory marks a major breakthrough for the state’s solar manufacturing sector and reflects the rapid development of the U.S. solar industry under policy support. As federal policies continue to promote domestic supply chain construction, Translucent Energy plans to further expand its U.S. production capacity and leverage innovative microgrid technology to develop EV charging infrastructure, offering more solutions for the energy transition.
