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3w ago

Qcells Brings First Solar Cell Line Online at Cartersville Solar Hub

Starting cell production activates the only U.S. factory that makes ingots, wafers, cells and modules and positions the site to claim major Inflation Reduction Act incentives as it ramps.

A Qcells solar panel is displayed for Reuters at Cazeault Solar and Home in Gloucester, Massachusetts, U.S., March 18, 2024. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
(Credit: Qcells)
Hanwha QCells Co.'s U.S. solar cell factory in Cartersville, Georgia, is seen in this undated photo provided by the solar panel maker. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Qcells began producing silicon solar cells at its Cartersville, Georgia plant on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, marking the start of commissioning for the integrated Solar Hub.
  • The Cartersville lines are sized for about 3.3 GW each of ingots, wafers and cells and 3.5 GW of modules annually, and Qcells expects the site to reach full production by the third quarter of 2026.
  • When at capacity, the facility will nearly double current U.S. solar cell output and make Qcells the largest domestic silicon-panel maker, shifting supply away from imports.
  • The campus reflects a roughly $2.5 billion investment, includes a recycling line and new storage/home‑builder units, and Qcells projects a near‑term Georgia workforce of about 4,000 across its sites.
  • The company says the integrated chain will unlock layered Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit payments under the IRA and help project developers qualify for the 10% domestic‑content credit, reshaping the economics of U.S. solar projects.