Kamala Harris announces largest shared solar panel project in US history

The White House is advertised the announcement as an American investment despite one of the companies involved being headquartered overseas.

By Addison Smith

Published: April 6, 2023 11:37am

Updated: April 6, 2023 1:59pm

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday announced a partnership between South Korea’s Qcells and Virginia's Summit Ridge Energy that the White House is touting as the "largest community solar order in U.S. history."

The overseas solar-cell manufacturer and United States solar firm are aiming to generate 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of energy through the manufacturing of 2.5 million solar panels as part of the White House's "Investing in America" effort. VP Harris predicted the move will bring 2,500 jobs to Georgians.

The project is reportedly made possible through tax credits outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act, and is expected to power 140,000 homes and businesses with a focus in Illinois, Maine and Maryland.

Hanwha Solutions Corp., QCells’ parent company, announced a $2.5 billion investment back in January to build the QCells supply chain in Georgia. Harris will announce the partnership while visiting the site at 1:45 p.m. ET.

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