Maxeon Solar Technologies, a global leader in solar innovation, has announced a strategic pivot to prioritize the U.S. market exclusively. As part of this bold move, the company is set to establish a 2-gigawatt solar module manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by early 2026. This shift underscores Maxeon’s commitment to strengthening the domestic solar supply chain at a time when U.S. demand for renewable energy solutions is reaching unprecedented levels.
Maxeon, headquartered in Singapore, has long been a key player in the global solar industry. However, its latest announcement marks a significant departure from its international operations. The company plans to sell its non-U.S. operations, including its sales and marketing teams in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, to TCL Technology Group, its majority shareholder. TCL will integrate these assets under a newly formed subsidiary, TCL SunPower International, enabling Maxeon to concentrate all its resources on the U.S. market.
This decision is no coincidence. The U.S. solar market is growing quickly, thanks to supportive policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which encourage renewable energy production and manufacturing in the country. Maxeon’s pivot aligns perfectly with these trends, ensuring it remains competitive in one of the most lucrative solar markets in the world.
Once operational, the plant is expected to generate over 1,800 jobs, ranging from assembly line roles to engineering and management positions. This underscores Maxeon’s dedication to reducing reliance on imported solar components, a step that could enhance the resilience of the U.S. solar supply chain.
Maxeon CEO Bill Mulligan emphasized the company’s focus on the U.S. market. “As Maxeon intensifies its focus on the U.S. market, our priority is to further expand our growing residential and commercial partner network and support our well-established base of utility-scale customers. This strategic re-focusing of our business is designed to keep us closer and more attuned to the needs of our U.S. customer base,” Mulligan stated.
Why This Decision Matters
As governments worldwide prioritize energy security and sustainability, companies are increasingly focusing on localized production to meet these goals. For the U.S., this means not only a more robust solar manufacturing sector but also greater strides toward achieving climate targets and reducing dependence on imports.
For solar installers, contractors, and developers in the U.S., Maxeon’s move is a welcome development. The increased availability of domestically produced solar panels could lead to shorter lead times, lower costs, and improved product quality—benefits that will ultimately trickle down to end users.
As Maxeon embarks on this transformative journey, the industry will be watching closely. The New Mexico facility, once operational, could serve as a model for other manufacturers considering similar moves. Moreover, the company’s focus on advanced solar technologies and sustainability positions it as a leader in the evolving renewable energy landscape.
In the coming months, Maxeon is expected to finalize the lease agreement for the Albuquerque facility and begin construction. Simultaneously, the company will work to transition its international operations to TCL, ensuring a seamless handover for its non-U.S. customers.
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