North Carolina Construction News staff writer
SEM Wafertech Inc. and Solar4America Technology, Inc. have announced plans to establish their first South Carolina operations in Sumter County. The $65.9 million investment will create 300 new jobs.
The new facility will help the companies meet increasing need for locally sourced solar wafers as the demand for solar power continues to grow in the U.S.
The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
“As a global renewable energy company making American-made solar wafers and modules, we recognize the importance of having a strong domestic supply chain to meet the fast-growing demand for affordable solar power,” said -SEM Wafertech Inc. and Solar4America Technology, Inc. Chairman Denton Peng.
“We plan to bring the highest-quality domestically produced solar wafers and modules to market, enhancing our nation’s manufacturing capabilities with a long-term investment that will create good paying jobs for South Carolina.”
Solar4America is a solar module manufacturing company that produces “Made in the USA” solar modules. In combination with its facility in Sacramento, California, the new South Carolina site will allow Solar4America to manufacture a wider variety of solar panels for customers, with an aim to increase capacity to 2.4 gigawatts by the end of the year.
The companies will occupy an existing building at 1150 Clipper Road in Sumter, where they will design, build out and install a silicon wafer slicing facility. Silicon wafers produced in the facility will be used in a variety of applications, including photovoltaic cells and semiconductors. Solar panels will serve commercial, residential and industrial energy generation and storage needs.
Operations are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023. Individuals interested in joining the team should visit the company’s careers page.
“One of the most rewarding tasks as the chair for Sumter County Council is to participate and celebrate in the growth of our community,” said Sumter County Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr. “We are excited to welcome our new industrial partner and see our manufacturing sector continuously diversifying. We are committed to the utmost extent to your success in Sumter.”