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Updated: April 14, 2026 @ 11:26 am
A sign for the city of Laurens in the county seat’s downtown.
Upstate Editor
Eric is the Upstate Editor for The Post and Courier. He’s covered and directed news in the region for the past two decades, previously as a reporter for The Greenville News and as a USA TODAY correspondent. He studied journalism at the University of South Carolina.
A sign for the city of Laurens in the county seat’s downtown.
LAURENS COUNTY — One of the largest and oldest U.S. solar cell manufacturers has picked the Upstate for its first plant in South Carolina, bringing a $350 million investment and 564 new jobs.
Suniva Inc., which is wholly American-owned and operated, was founded nearly two decades ago out of a research effort funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Through the Georgia Institute of Technology research program, Suniva led the push for solar cell production in the U.S. as a function of energy independence, the economic development group Upstate SC Alliance announced April 14.
“Since its founding in 2007, Suniva has championed U.S. leadership in solar energy manufacturing,” company CEO Tony Etnyre said in a news release.
“Solar is the fastest and most economical way to grow our nation’s energy supply — and at this critical juncture, access to energy will determine how America competes for generations to come, he said. “Our expansion in South Carolina means that renewable energy, made right here at home, will now do more than ever to secure that future.”
The company will lease a 620,000-square-foot building at 1200 Commerce Boulevard in Laurens. The new plant will work in concert with its existing Georgia facility. The new Laurens plant will increase Suniva’s production to 5.5GW of solar cells each year.
“With the addition of 564 jobs in advanced manufacturing and energy, Suniva’s decision to put down roots in the Palmetto State will create new opportunities for our workforce,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “This investment strengthens our commitment to innovative energy solutions, and we are proud to welcome Suniva to Laurens County.”
Operations are expected to begin sometime next year.
Anyone interested in job opportunities can visit the company’s career page.
Upstate Editor
Eric is the Upstate Editor for The Post and Courier. He’s covered and directed news in the region for the past two decades, previously as a reporter for The Greenville News and as a USA TODAY correspondent. He studied journalism at the University of South Carolina.
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