Heliene Partners With Premier Energies to Launch New US Solar Cell Factory Amid Manufacturing Boom
In a significant development for the U.S. solar industry, Canadian solar panel manufacturer Heliene and Indian solar cell producer Premier Energies have unveiled plans to establish a solar cell factory in the United States. This strategic move aims to bridge the notable gap in domestic solar cell production, addressing a critical deficiency hampering the U.S. market.
The factory will be situated near Minneapolis and is expected to commence production in the second quarter of 2026. Equipped to manufacture 1 GW of N-Type cells annually, the facility underscores a pivotal advancement in meeting the rising demand for domestically produced solar cells—integral to sustaining the burgeoning U.S. solar installations.
Chiranjeev Saluja, Managing Director at Premier Energies, emphasized the joint initiative’s strategic focus, stating, “This joint venture will leverage the best of both companies’ resources and knowledge to tap the largely unaddressed demand for US cell manufacturing.” This collaboration draws directly on Premier’s profound expertise in solar cell technology and Heliene’s robust operational framework in North America.
Strategically, Heliene is stimulated by financial incentives under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including a 30% tax credit for renewable energy production facilities and an additional 10% Domestic Content Bonus from the U.S. Treasury Department. These incentives not only make the venture financially attractive but also align it with federal policies aiming to boost national manufactural infrastructure amid global supply chain uncertainties.
In terms of responsibilities, Heliene will manage construction, project management, human resource management, facility operations, and supply chain logistics, ensuring the factory adheres strictly to regulatory guidelines. On the other hand, Premier Energies will bring to the table its specialized knowledge in cell manufacturing technology, equipment selection, and management of raw material supplies, enhancing the operational efficiency of the venture.
This isn’t the first time these two companies have collaborated. Currently, Heliene uses cells manufactured by Premier Energies at its Hyderabad, India facility for the production of solar panels at its plant in Mountain Iron, Minnesota. This ongoing relationship has paved the way for this more substantial joint venture.
The economic and policy incentives surrounding this project reflect a strategic alignment with ongoing national objectives toward energy independence and sustainability. Furthermore, for those interested in personal or small-scale solar installations, platforms like EnergySage offer invaluable resources. With its network of pre-vetted installers and comparative quote system, EnergySage supports consumers in navigating the installation process, reinforced by unbiased Energy Advisers and protection against premature sales approaches.
As this project moves from planning to execution, its implications for the U.S. energy sector are profound—potentially catalyzing further investments in renewable infrastructure and solidifying the domestic supply chain resilience against global market shifts and policy changes in energy production.
