CS PowerTech Opens First U.S. HJT Solar Cell Plant in Indiana

CS PowerTech, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ), opened the first phase of its heterojunction (HJT) solar cell plant in Jeffersonville, Indiana, on July 24. The facility is the first in the U.S. designed to produce HJT bifacial N-type cells at commercial scale. At full capacity, it will produce more than 6 GWp of cells annually, support over 1,200 jobs, and represent nearly $1 billion in investment, the company said.

The plant sits at the River Ridge Commerce Center and complements CS PowerTech's module assembly facility in Mesquite, Texas. Together, the two sites create a vertically integrated U.S. supply chain for solar modules, from cell production to final assembly. The company said the integration reduces reliance on imported cells, which currently account for the bulk of U.S. solar module production. The U.S. currently imposes tariffs on imported solar cells from certain Southeast Asian countries, and the Commerce Department is reviewing whether to extend them. That review could further boost demand for domestic cells, though the timeline remains uncertain.

HJT cells combine a crystalline silicon wafer with thin amorphous silicon layers, achieving lab efficiencies above 26% compared to roughly 24% for mainstream TOPCon cells. The higher efficiency and better temperature coefficient make them attractive for utility-scale projects where land is limited. The Jeffersonville plant will produce cells for CS PowerTech's own module assembly and for sale to other module makers, the company said.

Colin Parkin, CEO of Canadian Solar, said in the release that HJT is critical for next-generation high-efficiency modules. “This plant gives CS PowerTech the ability to deliver leading technology, improved energy yield, and long-term value for customers,” he said. Rusty Schmit, president of CS PowerTech, called the Jeffersonville facility a cornerstone of the company’s strategy to build one of North America’s most advanced energy manufacturing supply chains. He said the plant will strengthen grid reliability as customers deploy the products.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun praised the investment as strengthening the state’s advanced manufacturing base. State Senator Chris Garten called it a major win for Southern Indiana, and Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore highlighted the job creation and the city’s position in advanced manufacturing.

CS PowerTech is one of the largest North American PV manufacturers, employing over 3,000 Americans across its U.S. operations. Parent company Canadian Solar has shipped nearly 177 GW of solar modules globally and maintains a project development pipeline of 24 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery storage. The company’s subsidiary e-STORAGE had shipped over 20 GWh of battery storage solutions as of March 31, 2026.

The Jeffersonville facility will ramp to full phase-one capacity over the next few months, the company said. Phase two expansion is expected to begin before the end of the year.