Ebon Solar, a Delaware-based solar cell manufacturer, has announced plans to open a major facility in New Mexico.
Known for its advanced manufacturing capabilities, the state will soon host the new Ebon Solar facility, marking a significant investment in the region.
Significant Investment and Job Creation
Ebon Solar will invest approximately $942 million in the new facility, which is expected to generate 900 full-time jobs. The project will be located in Albuquerque’s Mesa del Sol industrial development area, further boosting the local economy and job market.
Strategic Partnership and Site Selection
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) played a crucial role as a project management partner throughout Ebon Solar’s market evaluation process. AREA facilitated numerous visits, interviews, and data analysis to support site selection and ensure the project’s successful launch.
Don Tarry, president and chief executive officer of electric utility PNM and the 2024 AREA Board Chair said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Ebon Solar to the market; it not only represents a significant capital investment and new jobs to the community but aligns with PNM’s sustainability goals.”
Addressing Early Stages of the Solar Panel Supply Chain
The Ebon Solar factory will address a critical early stage of the solar panel supply chain. The manufacturing process for solar panels includes raw polysilicon mining, refining into ingots, cutting into wafers, manufacturing into cells, and finally assembling into modules.
While the United States has seen a surge in module assembly plants, with total cumulative capacity growing 71 percent nationwide in the first quarter of 2024 alone, the need for early-stage manufacturing processes remains significant. These processes are notably expensive to build and operate, as demonstrated by Ebon Solar’s nearly $1 billion investment.
Commitment to Renewable Energy and Innovation
Judy Cai, chief executive officer of Ebon Solar, said:
“Ebon Solar is proud to be an innovator in technologies that support renewable energy
“The choice of Albuquerque for our investment aligns with our commitment to sustainable innovation, and New Mexico offers abundant solar resources, favorable renewable energy policies, and a dedicated, skilled workforce.”
