Translucent Energy, a Charleston-based startup, has officially opened a major new solar module factory in Summerville, South Carolina. The facility marks a significant step for the state’s solar manufacturing sector, with a first-phase capacity of 1.3 gigawatts and a focus on both solar modules and transportable microgrid systems. This development comes as South Carolina seeks to expand its role in the US solar industry, despite currently ranking in the lower half of states for installed solar capacity.
South Carolina’s Solar Industry Gets a Boost
South Carolina currently ranks #24 among US states for installed solar capacity, with only 3.9% of its electricity generated from solar. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) projects the state will add just over 1.7 gigawatts of solar in the next five years, placing it at #36 for projected growth.
Until now, the state’s solar manufacturing sector has been limited, with just 516 solar jobs across 105 entities as of June. The opening of Translucent Energy’s Summerville factory on August 17 represents a major expansion, with the first phase alone set to create 167 jobs before the end of the year.
Translucent Energy’s New Factory and Product Portfolio
The new Summerville facility will manufacture solar modules for utility-scale, commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Translucent Energy is also developing a range of transportable, containerized microgrid products under the TAU brand.
The company markets the EV-E microgrid system, which integrates EV charging stations. The EV-E4 configuration can charge up to four electric vehicles at once, while the EV-E7 can handle up to seven. These systems are designed for flexible deployment, supporting both off-grid and grid-connected operations.
Policy Support for Domestic Solar Manufacturing
Translucent Energy’s expansion comes shortly after President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on August 6 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, aimed at limiting imports of polysilicon—a key material in solar cell production. The order is intended to incentivize domestic polysilicon manufacturing, providing additional support for US-based solar manufacturers.
The company has indicated plans to expand into US cell and wafer manufacturing in the future, building on the foundation set by the Summerville facility.
Microgrid and EV Charging Solutions
Translucent Energy’s TAU and EV-E microgrid systems are designed for a wide range of applications, including rural electrification, emergency relief, water treatment, agriculture, telecom, and military installations. The EV-E BASE system is tailored for developers who already have EV charging stations and need to overcome grid bottlenecks, offering both fully off-grid operation and grid-connected options that can take advantage of lower off-peak electricity costs.
These solutions are intended to support the growing demand for resilient, flexible energy infrastructure, particularly as electric vehicle adoption increases.
Competitor Comparison
Translucent Energy enters a competitive US solar manufacturing landscape that has seen rapid growth in recent years. Other major players include First Solar, Qcells, and Silfab Solar, all of which have expanded their US production capacity. While these companies focus on large-scale module production, Translucent differentiates itself with its emphasis on transportable microgrids and integrated EV charging solutions.
Why this matters
The launch of Translucent Energy’s Summerville factory represents a significant investment in South Carolina’s renewable energy sector, creating new jobs and expanding the state’s manufacturing capabilities. With US solar output still falling below demand, new entrants like Translucent have an opportunity to help close the gap.
Policy measures such as the recent Section 232 order on polysilicon imports further support the growth of domestic solar manufacturing, potentially reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and strengthening the US solar industry.
What this means for buyers
For buyers and developers seeking American-made solar modules and flexible microgrid solutions, Translucent Energy’s new offerings provide additional options in a market that is rapidly evolving. The company’s focus on integrated EV charging and off-grid capabilities may appeal to fleet operators, rural communities, and organizations needing resilient energy infrastructure.
As more solar manufacturing comes online in the US, buyers can expect increased availability of domestically produced modules and systems, potentially with shorter lead times and enhanced supply chain security.
Key Specs
- Factory Capacity (Phase 1): 1.3 gigawatts
- Factory Opening Date: August 17, 2026
- Jobs Created (Phase 1): 167
- South Carolina Solar Ranking: #24 (installed capacity)
- South Carolina Solar Share: 3.9% of electricity
- Projected Solar Growth (5 years): 1.7 gigawatts
- EV-E4 Charging Capacity: Up to 4 EVs simultaneously
- EV-E7 Charging Capacity: Up to 7 EVs simultaneously
Source
Images sourced from: cleantechnica.com
