Illuminate USA began making solar panels at its 1.1-million-square-foot factory in Pataskala, Ohio, with the first panels rolling off the line on Thursday, February 15, 2024, the Newark Advocate reported on February 18.
By the numbers
- More than 9.2 million utility-scale panels a year at full capacity by the end of 2024, or 5 gigawatts.
- One assembly line is running now, with eight planned by year-end.
- More than 475 workers hired so far, rising to 1,000.
- Total investment is expected to top $600 million.
Who is behind it
Illuminate USA is a joint venture of Chicago-based developer Invenergy, its anchor customer, and Chinese panel maker LONGi. The plant at 3600 Etna Parkway is the first tenant of the Red Chip Farms development. Some residents have raised concerns at city council meetings about LONGi’s role.
“The high-quality U.S. solar panels rolling off our production lines in Pataskala are a testament to our talented team.”
Frank Zhu, CEO, Illuminate USA
FAQ
Where is Illuminate USA’s factory?
At 3600 Etna Parkway in Pataskala, Licking County, Ohio.
How much will it make?
More than 9.2 million panels, or 5 gigawatts, a year at full capacity.
Who owns Illuminate USA?
A joint venture of Invenergy and LONGi.
Source & credit
Source: Newark Advocate, February 18, 2024: “A new era of manufacturing: Pataskala’s Illuminate USA starts solar panel production”.