Translucent Solar to build $15.7M Dorchester factory

Translucent Solar LLC, a U.S.-based solar technology manufacturer, has selected Dorchester County for a 1.2 gigawatt solar panel factory. The company’s $15,675,000 investment will create 167 new jobs, according to Dorchester County Economic Development.

Founded in 2022 by a team of energy industry veterans, Translucent Solar manufactures high-efficiency photovoltaic modules to meet the evolving needs of utility, commercial, industrial and residential customers, according to a news release. The Summerville facility will feature highly automated, state-of-the-art production lines that the company says will be at the forefront of the industry.

“We are excited to invest in Dorchester County as we expand our U.S. footprint and bring our advanced energy solutions closer to our customers,” Augustus Rylands, managing director of Translucent Solar, said in the news release. “The Summerville giga-factory is a first step in our multi-year plan that will see us expand upstream into cell, wafer and ingot manufacturing in the United States. Solar PV combined with storage contributed over 80% of new additions to the U.S. grid last year, as electricity demand is surging to meet the needs of the AI race. We are proud to be bringing this strategic industry home to the USA.”

With a focus on innovation, quality and domestic production, Translucent Solar says it is playing an important role in expanding U.S.-based energy manufacturing and supporting a more secure and efficient energy future. The Dorchester County operation will enhance the company’s ability to serve a rapidly growing customer base across the Southeast and beyond.

The company will also benefit from access to South Carolina’s established transportation infrastructure and the Port of Charleston, providing access to global markets and supporting the efficient movement of materials and finished products.

“South Carolina Ports welcomes Translucent to Dorchester County, and we look forward to supporting their business,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said in the release. “This investment in our region is a testament to SC Ports’ reliable port service, dependability as a partner, and commitment to keeping businesses’ supply chains competitive,”

“Dorchester County continues to attract forward-thinking companies that are driving innovation and meeting the demands of tomorrow’s economy,” said Dorchester County Council Chairman David Chinnis. “Translucent’s investment and the jobs it will create reinforce our position as a competitive location for advanced manufacturing and energy solutions. We are proud to welcome them to our community and support their continued growth.”

Translucent Solar expects to be operational by the end of 2026 and is actively recruiting for a variety of positions, according to the release. More information is available at the company website, https://www.translucent-solar.com/.