Illuminate USA has recently marked significant milestones in its efforts to bolster the American solar manufacturing industry. The company, based in Pataskala, Ohio, announced hiring its 1,000th employee and producing its one-millionth solar panel. These achievements come just six months after production at its advanced manufacturing facility started.
The Pataskala facility has rapidly become a significant employer in the region, reflecting the strength of Ohio’s workforce. With 1,000 employees—referred to within the company as ‘Illuminators’—the plant is a critical part of Illuminate USA’s strategy to onshore solar panel production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The company’s ability to scale operations quickly is a positive indicator of the facility’s long-term potential.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has supported Illuminate USA’s progress. This legislation provides manufacturing tax credits to encourage the onshoring of the solar supply chain. This legislation is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities in the renewable energy sector. According to Jim Murphy, President of Invenergy and Chair of Illuminate USA’s Board, establishing the Pataskala facility aligns with these federal objectives by creating jobs and advancing American solar manufacturing.
The solar panels produced at the Pataskala facility are already in use, with installations at Invenergy’s solar energy center in Hardin County and the City of Upper Arlington’s new community center. Illuminate USA’s operations contribute to Ohio’s renewable energy infrastructure, reflecting the state’s growing role in the national clean energy landscape. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has recognized the importance of these developments, noting the innovative work being done by Ohio workers at the plant.
Illuminate USA plans to reach total production capacity by the end of the year, at which point the facility will be manufacturing one million panels every five weeks. This would result in an annual output of 5GW, enough to power more than one million homes. As the largest employer in Pataskala, Illuminate USA is positioned to play a significant role in the ongoing efforts to onshore solar manufacturing and enhance America’s energy independence.
As of 2022, about 88% of solar panels shipped to the United States were imported, primarily from Asia. China, in particular, is a dominant player in the global solar panel market, manufacturing a significant portion of the world’s solar panels.
