Qcells begins solar cell manufacturing in Georgia
Qcells, a prominent player in the clean energy sector, has officially commenced solar cell manufacturing at its facility in Cartersville, Georgia. This significant development represents a crucial step towards establishing the nation’s sole vertically integrated solar manufacturing plant, where every major component—from ingots to finished modules—will be produced under one roof. The company aims to achieve full production capacity by Q3 2026, making this facility the largest operational solar cell factory in U.S. history. Alongside the initiation of cell production, the Cartersville assembly line is running at full capacity, currently manufacturing 16,700 panels daily.
“The production of our first solar cells at Cartersville is a milestone not only for Qcells but also for American manufacturing,” said Andy Park, Global CEO of Qcells. “As our ingot, wafer, and cell lines reach their maximum output, we will manufacture the key components of solar panels right here in Georgia. A robust domestic supply chain creates thousands of well-paying jobs and provides our customers reliability regarding pricing, supply, and product integrity.”
With the commencement of cell production, Qcells plans to rapidly scale its operations: by Q3 2026, the Cartersville facility is projected to produce 3.3 GW each of ingots, wafers, and cells, along with 3.5 GW of modules annually. When combined with the recent expansions at the Dalton factory—which have tripled its module production capacity to 5.1 GW—Qcells’ total module production in Georgia is expected to reach 8.6 GW annually, enough to supply energy to approximately 1.3 million U.S. homes for a year.
The investment in the Cartersville plant is anticipated to create thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs in Northwest Georgia. Together with the expanded Dalton facility, Qcells’ operations in Georgia are projected to employ nearly 4,000 individuals, with around 3,800 direct jobs expected across Bartow and Whitfield Counties.
Modules manufactured in Cartersville will enable project developers and asset owners to qualify for the 10% Domestic Content Bonus under the Investment Tax Credit. Since the primary components of each module are produced domestically, customers can engage in qualifying projects with increased confidence regarding pricing, supply, and sourcing. As demand for fully domestic solar equipment escalates, Qcells anticipates a strong market interest in the modules produced at the Cartersville site.
Qcells’ fully integrated manufacturing operations in the U.S. also mitigate the risks associated with supply chain disruptions and trade-related uncertainties. By producing critical solar components domestically, Qcells enhances visibility into sourcing, pricing, and delivery timelines, thereby lessening the implications of global supply constraints and tariff fluctuations. This domestic supply chain advantage is increasingly appealing to developers and energy buyers who prioritize reliable, long-term project execution.
This robust domestic manufacturing infrastructure positions Qcells to fully benefit from the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit across the solar value chain. By producing ingots, wafers, cells, and modules in the U.S., Qcells can claim tax credits at each stage of the production process—an opportunity not currently available to any other U.S. solar manufacturer. This competitive edge supports ongoing investments in American manufacturing, workforce development, and the growth of domestic supply chains.
The Cartersville factory is the first of its kind constructed in the United States in over a decade and will host the largest ingot and wafer manufacturing facility ever built in the country. The launch of this site underscores Qcells’ commitment to establishing a fully American supply chain capable of powering homes, businesses, utilities, and communities across the nation. Consequently, Qcells’ customers will enjoy an easier path to qualifying for domestic content tax credits while benefiting from enhanced supply certainty for their projects.
About Qcells
Qcells is a leading clean energy provider delivering comprehensive solutions ranging from advanced solar cell and panel manufacturing to intelligent energy systems and large-scale EPC services. As the largest silicon-based solar manufacturer in the United States, Qcells is committed to expanding production capacities and fortifying domestic supply chains to meet the rising demand for reliable, scalable energy solutions across utility, commercial, governmental, and residential markets. With a global manufacturing network that includes facilities in the United States, Malaysia, and South Korea, Qcells is actively enhancing its American presence to bolster energy deployment and job creation. The company’s Complete Energy Solutions integrate high-performance solar technology, advanced energy storage, proprietary energy management software, and flexible financing options, enabling customers to efficiently plan, build, and operate large-scale projects. Furthermore, Qcells advocates long-term sustainability and system performance through solar recycling operations and cutting-edge cell technology research and development. With a growing international footprint across four continents, Qcells is dedicated to delivering top-quality products, reliable execution, and enduring partnerships around the globe.
For more information, visit: https://qcells.com/us
