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Corning Incorporated, a global leader in materials science, has taken a significant step toward expanding its role in the American solar industry by acquiring JA Solar’s manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Originally announced in 2023 by the Chinese-owned solar manufacturer, the facility was projected to produce 2 GW of solar modules annually, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Now operating under American Panel Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Corning, the facility will be used to manufacture solar modules aimed at meeting the growing demand for reliable and cost-effective energy in the United States.
“This facility will manufacture solar modules to serve the demand for reliable, affordable energy in the United States,” said AB Ghosh, vice president and general manager of solar at Corning, and chair and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor.
Corning is already a key player in the solar supply chain through its ownership of Hemlock Semiconductor, a major U.S.-based polysilicon manufacturer. In a related move, Corning had previously announced a $1.5 million investment to expand solar wafer manufacturing at its advanced manufacturing facility in Michigan.
The acquisition marks the second notable purchase of U.S.-based solar manufacturing assets from a Chinese-owned company in recent months. In November 2024, U.S. battery manufacturer Freyr Battery agreed to acquire Trina Solar’s 5 GW solar module production facility in Wilmer, Texas, for $340 million.
These transactions come amid tightening U.S. policies on solar imports. New legislation targets the exclusion of materials and components sourced from foreign entities of concern (FEOC), specifically China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Beginning in 2026, projects found in violation of these rules will be ineligible for key clean energy tax credits, including 48E and 45Y.
As supply chain scrutiny intensifies, Corning’s acquisition underscores a growing trend among American firms to localize solar manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
