CS PowerTech opens first phase of HJT solar cell plant
Canadian Solar Inc. subsidiary CS PowerTech has announced the official opening of the first phase of its flagship solar cell manufacturing plant in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Planning to employ up to 1,200 at the new facility, the company says the plant is a “cornerstone” of its American manufacturing platform. CS PowerTech says it has plans to reshore critical advanced manufacturing of heterojunction (HJT) bifacial N-type solar cells, which greatly reduce light degradation and offer higher efficiency compared to many other cell models, according to representatives.
Already the largest silicon solar cell manufacturer in the U.S., CS PowerTech says it plans to strengthen American supply chain resilience and support the nation’s energy security. Along with its sister plant in Mesquite, Texas, the Jeffersonville location “creates a more localized, vertically integrated supply chain to serve its customers and to strengthen critical U.S. energy infrastructure.”
“Jeffersonville is a cornerstone of our strategy to build one of North America’s most advanced energy manufacturing supply chains,” says CS PowerTech president Russell Schmit. “This facility will produce next-generation HJT solar cells, support domestic manufacturing, and ultimately strengthen grid reliability as our customers deploy the products.”
Once at full capacity, the plant should produce more than 6 GW worth of panels every year, officials say.
Working on the plant’s expansion
The Jeffersonville facility is already ramping up production to full capacity for its first phase, the company says. CS PowerTech officials add that the firm expects to begin work on the second phase of the project before the end of 2026.
Colin Parkin, CEO of Canadian Solar Inc., says the facility represents its continued investment in the U.S.’s rapidly growing solar scene.
“The Jeffersonville facility demonstrates our commitment to scaling one of the world’s most advanced solar cell technologies in the United States,” he says. “HJT technology is critical for the next generation of high-efficiency, high-performance solar modules, and this plant gives CS PowerTech the ability to deliver leading technology, improved energy yield, and long-term value for customers while strengthening domestic advanced manufacturing.”
As of May 2026, Canadian solar currently boasts a contracted backlog of about $3.5 billion, and has shipped more than 20 GWh of battery storage solutions around the world. The Jeffersonville location is set to make progress on the projects in front of Canadian Solar Inc. for the latter half of 2026 as CS PowerTech aims to build “a cohesive and scalable U.S. manufacturing ecosystem,” employing more than 3,000 across the country.
“Indiana’s manufacturing workforce is second to none,” says Indiana State House Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser. “We welcome CS PowerTech’s investment at River Ridge and are excited to launch Southern Indiana into the lead for advanced energy manufacturing and technology.”
