Solarix will invest $63 million to establish a solar module manufacturing facility in Forest, Virginia. This Bedford County facility aims to support the Commonwealth’s renewable energy supply needs and mitigate reliance on foreign manufacturers, particularly from China.
Solarix recently acquired the former TEVA Pharmaceutical building and will employ 104 people with manufacturing set to begin by July 2025. This 423,553-square-foot facility on 56.2 acres of land will be home to advanced solar panel production, reinforcing Solarix’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and reliable PV modules to support utility-scale, commercial, and residential solar projects.
“As a 100% American-owned and managed company, we are immensely proud to contribute to our nation’s energy independence,” said Carlos Class, CEO and C0-Founder of Solarix. “Our mission is to deliver the highest quality, most reliable, and affordable solar modules in the industry. By reclaiming control of our supply chain from foreign manufacturers, we are safeguarding our electric grid infrastructure, ensuring its resilience for decades to come. This is not just a business endeavor; it is a commitment to U.S. national security and a sustainable future.”
Class continued, “We are excited to partner with local universities to foster innovation within our industry and the energy sector, and we look forward to collaborating with residential, commercial, and utility sectors to meet their solar energy needs. Additionally, we are coordinating with the Veteran’s Workforce Commission to hire veterans, providing them with the necessary skills and in-house training to succeed and progress within our organization. The Solarix modules will be designed for various applications, including agrivoltaics, and will feature bifacial dual glass technology, capable of generating up to 725 Watts (W) of energy under Standard Test Conditions (STC).”
As part of its phase II expansion, Solarix is also adding a Solar Module Recycling line to foster a true net-zero product lifecycle. This initiative will accept old and broken modules from other manufacturers, helping customers replace them with Solarix’s advanced modules. This strategic addition underscores Solarix’s commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.
Increasing clean energy manufacturing and output is a goal for both the Lynchburg Region and Virginia as a whole.
In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), setting a goal to make Virginia’s energy economy carbon-free by 2050 and establish a 16-Gigawatt (GW) goal for energy generation from solar and onshore wind. Solarix’s new facility is set to achieve a production capacity of 1 GW per year with plans to expand to 3 GW per year in their Forest, VA facility, significantly aiding Virginia and surrounding states in meeting their clean energy goals. The facility is projected to produce 200 modules per hour, boasting production cycle times at 99.95% quality output, and offering a 30-Year Performance Warranty on every module.
“We are excited to welcome Solarix to the Lynchburg Region – an established and growing energy manufacturing hub here in Virginia,” said Rosana Chaidez, Board Chair of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and President & CEO of Handy Distribution. “I’d also like to thank the Bank of the James for their integral partnership on this project. Our region stands ready to support Solarix’s growth and aspirations.”
“I’m thrilled that Solarix has decided to set up operations in Bedford County,” said Edgar Tuck, Chairman of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors. “It’s great to see this long-vacant space finally being put to beneficial use.”
