Maxeon Solar Technologies, a leading solar module manufacturer, has recently concluded the expansion and refurbishment of its photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing plant in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. With an investment of approximately US$70 million, the factory has significantly augmented its production capacity, now able to produce 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of solar modules annually. These modules belong to Maxeon's shingled cell Performance line and are primarily destined for the US market.
In conjunction with its existing manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Baja California, Maxeon's total production capacity in Mexico now exceeds 2.5 GW per year. The company's cumulative investment in the country has surpassed US$260 million, reinforcing its commitment to the Mexican market.
See also: Maxeon considers expanding US manufacturing capacity with new solar module assembly plant
Maxeon's CEO, Bill Mulligan, expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of the Maxeon team, stating, “This important milestone is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire Maxeon team. Our best-in-class solar products made in Mexicali and Ensenada can be found in power plants and rooftops around the world, through which we contribute to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.”
Given that a significant portion of Maxeon's production from its Mexican facilities is intended for the US market, the company has been contemplating establishing a manufacturing base in the United States. This decision is supported by a clarification from the US Department of Commerce in December, which confirmed that anti-dumping and countervailing duty tariffs would not be applicable to modules assembled in a third country using Southeast Asian-made cells before being shipped to the US. Maxeon follows this approach by manufacturing its cells in Southeast Asia and completing the module assembly process in Mexico.
In recent developments, Maxeon has filed a lawsuit against Tongwei Solar, another solar module manufacturer, at the Dusseldorf district court. Maxeon accuses Tongwei Solar of patent infringement related to its shingled module technology. This legal action underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property rights within the solar industry.
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Maxeon's expansion and renovation of its PV manufacturing plant in Mexicali solidifies its position as a major player in the solar energy sector. With its increased production capacity and ongoing efforts to innovate, the company aims to contribute to the global transition toward cleaner energy sources while supporting the fight against climate change.
