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Elin, a prominent solar module manufacturer founded in 1981, has commenced solar module production in Texas, marking its entry into the U.S. market. Operating under the name Sirius PV USA, the company inaugurated a 225,000 square foot manufacturing plant in Waller County, near Houston, Texas, last month. The facility, formerly a distribution center, is now leased by Elin for its manufacturing operations.
With a strategic focus on expanding its presence in the U.S., Elin aims to capitalize on the growing demand for solar energy solutions in the region. Initially starting with an annual production capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW), the company plans to ramp up production to 2 GW within 18 months. Presently, Sirius PV USA employs over 100 associates locally in Texas, with plans to scale up to 500 associates as production increases.
While Elin is known for producing TOPCon modules in Turkey, Sirius PV USA will initially utilize PERC technology in its U.S. operations, with plans to transition to TOPCon technology starting in July. The company’s PERC modules, which are bifacial and range from 410 to 580 watts, cater to residential, commercial, and utility-scale markets.
Elin’s CEO, Ercan Kalafat, views the U.S. market as pivotal in the company’s strategy to establish itself as a global brand, recognizing significant opportunities amidst competition from Chinese-origin manufacturers. The move aligns with a trend of solar module makers setting up or planning production facilities in Texas, including Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SEG Solar, and Mission Solar, indicating the region’s prominence in the solar industry.
Trina Solar, for instance, announced a $200 million investment in a Texas manufacturing plant with an annual capacity of 5 GW, expected to create 1,500 jobs. Similarly, Canadian Solar’s investment of $250 million in a Mesquite factory and SEG Solar’s establishment of a manufacturing facility in Houston highlight the industry’s rapid expansion in the state.
Mission Solar, with over a decade of manufacturing experience in Texas, also announced plans to expand production by 1 GW, further underscoring the state’s role as a key player in solar module manufacturing. |
