Texas-based solar modules manufacturer Mission Solar Energy has announced a 1 GW module capacity expansion plan to meet the demand for 2023 and beyond.

Mission Solar’s announcement follows the passage of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which incentivizes the local manufacturing plans of renewable energy companies. The IRA provides billions of dollars in tax credits and other incentives to solar manufacturers in the U.S. to encourage domestic manufacturing and compete with imported solar products.

The company said it would add to its 300 MW production capacity in San Antonio immediately, with plans to reach an annual capacity of 1 GW in the next two years. The facility’s expansion is scheduled to commence by the fourth quarter of 2022.

Mission Solar’s Seoul-based parent organization OCI Company will play a vital role in the expansion by providing polysilicon to produce modules.

Mission Solar Energy’s President and CEO Jae Yang said, “By 2035, solar installations are expected to quadruple from current levels. At present, four percent of the electricity fed to American energy grids is generated by solar. The U.S. aims to have 40 percent of its electricity generated by solar technology by 2035. These are exciting opportunities for us as a company. Additional motivated team members will be needed to help us build a greener future.”

Mission Solar has a 246,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in south San Antonio at Brooks.

In September, U.S-based solar module maker First Solar announced investing $1.2 billion to scale the production of its American-made, cadmium telluride thin-film solar modules totaling 4.4 GW, to support the country’s transition to decarbonization in the next three years.

We expect many more companies to expand capacities or announce new manufacturing facilities to take advantage of IRA incentives in the near future.