ES Foundry, a leading American company focused on strengthening the U.S. solar industry by manufacturing crystalline solar cells domestically, has entered into a multi-year agreement with Bila Solar, a domestic solar module manufacturer. Under this agreement, ES Foundry will supply 300 megawatts (MW) of high-performance, U.S.-made solar cells to Bila Solar. These solar cells will be produced at ES Foundry’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Greenwood, South Carolina.
This partnership reflects the increasing demand for domestically produced solar technology and the broader industry trend of onshoring critical manufacturing processes. By keeping the entire production process within the United States, ES Foundry and Bila Solar are actively strengthening the domestic supply chain. Their collaboration contributes to advancing American energy independence, ensuring economic stability, and enhancing national security by reducing reliance on imported materials.
ES Foundry’s advanced solar cell manufacturing facility in South Carolina commenced operations in early 2025. The facility specializes in producing high-efficiency monocrystalline bifacial PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar cells, a technology known for its superior performance and efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. The agreement with Bila Solar underscores the rising demand for scalable, U.S.-produced solar components and demonstrates ES Foundry’s capacity to deliver at commercial volumes.
Ken Johnston, Vice President of Sales at ES Foundry, stated “This agreement with Bila Solar underscores the increasing market confidence in American-made solar cells. By partnering with a forward-thinking module manufacturer like Bila Solar, we’re expanding access to high-efficiency solar products and driving domestic manufacturing growth. This reduces reliance on imports and reinforces the U.S. as a global leader in clean energy manufacturing.”
Mick McDaniel, General Manager at Bila Solar, mentioned “With 100% of our products manufactured in Indianapolis, Bila Solar is committed to delivering high-performance, domestically sourced solar modules. Ever since the U.S. Treasury published its Safe Harbor guidelines regarding the 10% domestic content bonus credit, we’ve seen greater interest in a U.S.-produced module that incorporates a U.S.-made solar cell. Bila Solar is excited to be one of the first companies to offer this product into the marketplace.”
Bila Solar, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an emerging player in the solar panel manufacturing sector. The company recently completed the retrofitting of a former Eli Lilly factory, transforming it into a modern solar panel production facility. Bila Solar has already begun manufacturing its patented ultra-lightweight solar panels and, in January, announced an expansion of its product line to include conventional 550W glass and aluminum frame solar modules. These new modules will incorporate domestically produced solar cells, further supporting the growth of U.S. solar manufacturing.
The introduction of these domestically produced modules offers significant advantages to solar developers, particularly in qualifying for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) bonus. This incentive provides an additional 10% tax credit for solar projects that meet domestic content requirements. The new module production at Bila Solar is set to begin in May, positioning the company as a key contributor to the expansion of U.S.-made solar products.
Both ES Foundry and Bila Solar will be exhibiting at the upcoming Intersolar North America & Energy Storage North America conference, scheduled to take place from February 25-27 at the San Diego Convention Center in California. At this event, the two companies will showcase their commitment to strengthening U.S. solar manufacturing, promoting innovation in the renewable energy sector, and supporting the transition toward a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future.
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