SolarCycle, a leading solar panel recycling company, has announced its ambitious plan to inaugurate a state-of-the-art solar glass manufacturing facility in Cedartown, Georgia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to utilize recycled materials from retired solar panels to produce new glass, thus contributing to environmental sustainability while fostering job creation in the region. The $344 million investment is poised to generate over 600 new employment opportunities, marking a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector.
SolarCycle currently operates recycling facilities in Odessa, Texas, and Mesa, Arizona, and boasts long-term partnerships with more than 40 of the nation's largest solar energy companies, including Georgia-based solar manufacturer Qcells. Leveraging advanced proprietary recycling technology, SolarCycle extracts an impressive 95% of the value from used solar panels, thereby promoting efficient resource utilization and minimizing waste.
The forthcoming facility in Georgia will position SolarCycle as a pioneering manufacturer of specialized glass for crystalline-silicon photovoltaics within the United States. With an annual production capacity of 5 to 6 GW of solar glass, the company aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials in the domestic solar industry. The recycled glass will be supplied directly to solar manufacturers across the country, addressing critical supply chain gaps and facilitating the production of more American-made solar panels.
Suvi Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder of SolarCycle, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "There is no question that solar panel manufacturing is booming in the State of Georgia. We are thrilled to join the team and build our recycled solar glass plant in Cedartown, which will bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to Georgia and help the industry in its goals to build fully American-made clean energy solutions."
The manufacturing facility, slated to be constructed at Cedartown North Business Park, a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified site, will mark SolarCycle's first foray into glass manufacturing alongside its recycling operations. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2024, with operations expected to commence by 2026. The project will offer employment opportunities across various fields, including manufacturing, engineering, management, research and design, and support services, contributing to economic growth and community development.
Becca Jones-Albertus, Director of the U.S. Dept. of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, commended SolarCycle's initiative, stating, "The United States' landmark Inflation Reduction Act has spurred unprecedented levels of domestic manufacturing investments. We are excited to see U.S. solar companies expanding their footprint in the domestic solar supply chain and creating economic opportunities in the