High energy: Illuminate USA hires 1,000 employees, makes 1 million solar panels

In roughly six months of operation , Pataskala solar panel manufacturer Illuminate USA has hit two major milestones.

The company has hired its 1,000th employee and manufactured its 1 millionth solar panel, the company announced earlier this month. Reaching these milestones so quickly is a testament to the quality of the Ohio workforce and the speed with which Illuminate USA is onshoring American solar manufacturing, according to a company news release.

Illuminate USA CEO Frank Zhu said the company is now Pataskala's largest employer and is on track to be the largest and most productive solar panel manufacturer in the country.

"We’re actively creating new careers for Ohioans who are learning and growing as we accelerate America’s energy independence at Illuminate USA’s transformational facility," he said in a Illuminate USA news release.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine congratulated the company for hiring their 1,000th Ohio associate.

"Ohio is the heart of innovation and Illuminate USA is producing cutting-edge renewable energy products made by Ohio workers right here in Pataskala,” DeWine said via the company's news release.

Illuminate USA, announced in March 2023 , is a joint venture between renewable energy company Invenergy, a Chicago-based developer, and Chinese solar panel manufacturer LONGi. Invenergy, which is developing several solar projects in Ohio, is Illuminate USA's anchor customer.

The company says its rapid success is due in part to the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes tax credits for solar manufacturers.

Eric Heis, a spokesperson for Illuminate USA, said at the end of the year, the company will receive tax credits based on the amount of production.

Invenergy President and Illuminate USA Board Chair Jim Murphy said the Pataskala company is doing exactly what the federal government intended when it passed the IRA: advance American manufacturing, onshore solar supply chains, and create thousands of new, good-paying jobs.

"In standing up a world-class manufacturing facility in Ohio, Illuminate USA is making huge strides in reclaiming American solar leadership," Murphy said via an Illuminate USA news release. "Going forward, consistent policy and a level playing field for all American manufacturers, especially new entrants bringing new capacity, will ensure lasting American solar independence."

Even though Illuminate USA has been operating for six months, Pataskala Mayor Mike Compton said he is still amazed that an empty warehouse has been transformed into a thriving business with 1,000 Ohio workers.

"I'm still kind of blown away, kind of still pinching myself," he said. "That's definitely going to help, obviously, the income tax, which will help our roads and police. I'm thrilled."

With 1,000 more Pataskala workers, the city's income tax revenue is expected to increase, but Compton said it's still too early to tell how much the city will collect.

As Illuminate USA continues to grow, Compton said the city needs to do its part to ensure there is ample housing, restaurants and other businesses nearby to meet the needs of Illuminate USA's workforce as well as making sure the city's roadways can handle the increased traffic from Illuminate USA and other businesses in western Licking County.

As previously reported, Illuminate USA's total investment in Licking County is expected to top $600 million with the cost of equipment, raw materials, staff training and salaries and everything else needed to start a new company.

Producing 1 million solar panels is just a fraction of what Illuminate will do in the years to come. Once reaching full capacity by the end of the year, Illuminate USA's 1.1-million-square-foot factory in the Pataskala Corporate Park will employ more than 1,000 Ohioans and produce more than 9.2 million solar panels annually, equal to 5 gigawatts of electricity production — enough to power 1 million American homes, The Advocate reported earlier this year .

Illuminate USA solar panels are already making their way across Ohio. Panels have been installed at an Invenergy solar field under construction in Hardin County . Last month the solar panel manufacturer delivered 403 panels to a new public recreation center under construction in Upper Arlington.

Robin Heater, process quality control manager at Illuminate USA, said working at the Pataskala manufacturer means more than just learning in-demand skills, it's about being part of a larger effort that's providing the community with new advanced manufacturing careers.

"Making one million panels in under six months is astounding — and I’m proud to be a part of this team as we work to advance American leadership in the solar manufacturing supply chain," Heater said via the news release.

mdevito@gannett.com

740-607-2175

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: High energy: Illuminate USA hires 1,000 employees, makes 1 million solar panels