JEFFERSONVILLE — Marking the largest single investment in the history of the River Ridge Commerce Center, Canadian Solar announced Monday its plan to establish a 5 GW Solar PV cell production facility.
The Jeffersonville facility is expected to include an $800-million investment and the creation of about 1,200 high-tech jobs once production fully ramps up.
“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,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb in a news release issued Monday. “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.”
According to the news release, Canadian Solar will be constructing a “state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic cell manufacturing plan with an annual output of 5 GW, equivalent to approximately 20,000 high-power modules per day.”
The solar cells produced at the Jeffersonville facility will be used at an assembly plant in Mesquite, Texas. Production at the Jeffersonville facility is expected to begin by the end of 2025.
“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,” said Thomas Koerner, senior vice president of Canadian Solar. “This is the second of the anticipated long-term investments we expect to make in the U.S. as we think strategically about a local, sustainable and clean energy supply chain and to fulfill the long-term requirements of the local-content rules of the recently established IRA. We thank the State of Indiana, Clark County, and the City of Jeffersonville for their critical support and look forward to working with them as we grow.”
The company was founded in 2001 in Canada and has been listed on the NASDAQ since 2016. It’s considered one of the world’s largest solar technology and renewable energy companies.
“Not only are they making a large financial investment into our community, but they will also become one of the largest single-site employers in the Greater Louisville region,” said Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore. “When in full production, their total employment base will include over 150 engineers at this facility. We are thrilled to see a global industry leader join our community and provide a product with enormous potential.”
Jerry Acy, executive director of the River Ridge Development Authority, also noted the historic investment.
“The technologies of the future are being built right here at River Ridge,” Acy said. “I want to thank Dr. Shawn Qu and his team at Canadian Solar for their commitment to our region. We look forward to a successful partnership that will launch the next generation of solar power.”
State and federal lawmakers also reacted to Monday’s news.
“There is no doubt Indiana continues to be a top economic leader for manufacturing and innovation in the Midwest, and this project is a testament to that,” said state Sen. Chris Garten, a Charlestown Republican representing District 45 in Southern Indiana. “I am pleased our community is welcoming this global manufacturing company and look forward to seeing how this critical investment further stimulates the local and state economy.”
“This major local investment and job commitment will have a tremendous impact on area, and I’m excited that a global industry leader in solar power chose our community for their new, state-of-the-art facility,” said state Rep. Zach Payne, R-Charlestown. “With our low-tax climate and talented workforce, our county and our state will continue to reap the rewards through increased investments and job opportunities.”