Marking a resounding shift towards renewable energy, two significant solar project announcements underscored the United States' commitment to sustainable power this week. Representing a joint investment of over $1 billion, these projects are poised to introduce hundreds of specialized manufacturing roles and accelerate the nation's transition to cleaner energy.
First Solar, one of the globe's leading solar manufacturers, has chosen the Acadiana Regional Airport in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, for its ambitious project. This selection stands out as the most substantial single capital investment in the region's annals. Aiming for completion by 2026, the venture is expected to yield about 3.5 gigawatts of energy and create over 700 specialized manufacturing roles.
Notably, First Solar remains the sole entity among the world's top 10 solar manufacturers with a U.S. headquarters and no manufacturing footprint in China. Their upcoming Louisiana initiative will deploy the pioneering Solar Series 7 modules, crafted exclusively with U.S. components.
Meanwhile, in the Southwest, Maxeon Solar Technologies has earmarked the Mesa Del Sol district of Albuquerque, New Mexico, for its expansive 160-acre solar endeavor. Generating over 3 GW, this site will potentially offer 1,800 specialist manufacturing and engineering positions. Acknowledging an overwhelming customer demand, Maxeon is also mulling an upscale of production to an impressive 4.5 GW. The green light for construction is slated for 2024, with full-scale operations anticipated by 2025.
According to Environmental Leader, these projects are possible because of the loans sanctioned under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
"The IRA heralds a transformative epoch in America’s energy narrative. Our New Mexico solar facility is a tangible testament to America's urgent drive to curtail carbon emissions, fostering specialist local roles in the process," asserted Bill Mulligan, Maxeon's CEO. Mulligan expressed enthusiasm about reinvigorating US-based technologies and fortifying the domestic solar supply chain.
The meteoric rise of solar investments, outstripping global fossil fuel expenditures, owes a significant debt to governmental stimuli like the IRA. These recent announcements further reinforce the solar sector's burgeoning influence, acting as the primary engine driving the U.S. power grid's clean energy evolution.
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theatre actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
Green News
U.S. Solar Boom Continues with $1 Billion Dual Investment
by : Samira Tasneem | Publication Date: August 15, 2023
First Solar and Maxeon announce major U.S. solar projects in New Mexico and Louisiana, signifying a $1 billion investment and hundreds of solar jobs.
Marking a resounding shift towards renewable energy, two significant solar project announcements underscored the United States' commitment to sustainable power this week. Representing a joint investment of over $1 billion, these projects are poised to introduce hundreds of specialized manufacturing roles and accelerate the nation's transition to cleaner energy.
First Solar, one of the globe's leading solar manufacturers, has chosen the Acadiana Regional Airport in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, for its ambitious project. This selection stands out as the most substantial single capital investment in the region's annals. Aiming for completion by 2026, the venture is expected to yield about 3.5 gigawatts of energy and create over 700 specialized manufacturing roles.
Notably, First Solar remains the sole entity among the world's top 10 solar manufacturers with a U.S. headquarters and no manufacturing footprint in China. Their upcoming Louisiana initiative will deploy the pioneering Solar Series 7 modules, crafted exclusively with U.S. components.
Meanwhile, in the Southwest, Maxeon Solar Technologies has earmarked the Mesa Del Sol district of Albuquerque, New Mexico, for its expansive 160-acre solar endeavor. Generating over 3 GW, this site will potentially offer 1,800 specialist manufacturing and engineering positions. Acknowledging an overwhelming customer demand, Maxeon is also mulling an upscale of production to an impressive 4.5 GW. The green light for construction is slated for 2024, with full-scale operations anticipated by 2025.
According to Environmental Leader, these projects are possible because of the loans sanctioned under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
The meteoric rise of solar investments, outstripping global fossil fuel expenditures, owes a significant debt to governmental stimuli like the IRA. These recent announcements further reinforce the solar sector's burgeoning influence, acting as the primary engine driving the U.S. power grid's clean energy evolution.
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Samira Tasneem
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theatre actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
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