Industry Veterans Unite for Major US Solar Initiative
Two titans of the renewable energy sector, Dean Solon of Create Energy and Hamlet Tunyan of RECOM Technologies, have joined forces to launch ReCreate, a new venture poised to significantly expand America’s domestic solar supply chain. The company announced plans in mid-June 2024 to construct a state-of-the-art facility in Portland, Tennessee, with the ambitious goal of producing 5 GW of solar cells and 5 GW of solar modules annually.
The new factory will be co-located at Create Energy’s existing mega-plant, a strategic move that integrates the new production into a broader ecosystem of renewable energy solutions. Create Energy, founded by Solon after his success with Shoals Technologies, already produces transformers, switchgear, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and EV solutions.
Dean Solon and Hamlet Tunyan at Create Energy’s Rocket Room, Portland, Tennessee (Image: ReCreate)
Accelerated Timeline and Strategic Vision
Production is slated to begin swiftly, with two module assembly lines expected to reach 2 GW of capacity by the first quarter of 2025. The full cell production lines are anticipated to be operational by the third quarter of 2025, with full ramp-up within 18 to 24 months. The facility is designed for potential future expansion, with additional buildings planned on the site.
“We’re thrilled to launch this new venture and provide top-quality, American-made solar solutions,” stated Dean Solon. “At Create Energy, our mission is to revolutionize the renewables market by offering comprehensive solutions for solar, BESS, and eMobility projects. ReCreate aims to set the benchmark in the solar module and cell markets.”
The venture will serve customers in both North America and Europe. Hamlet Tunyan, CEO of European PV manufacturer RECOM Technologies, brings extensive global experience in clean-tech manufacturing and distribution across more than 110 countries. “This project marks a major step forward in our dedication to renewable energy and innovation,” Tunyan said. “By manufacturing in the USA, we support the local economy and establish new industry benchmarks.”
Bolstering US Manufacturing in the IRA Era
ReCreate’s massive investment is a direct response to the favorable policy landscape created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. The legislation has spurred a renaissance in domestic solar manufacturing by offering lucrative production tax credits and investment incentives for projects using American-made components.
This new 5 GW capacity for both cells and modules represents a significant contribution to the nation’s goals. According to analysis from Wood Mackenzie, the U.S. is projected to grow its module manufacturing capacity from 26 GW today to 144 GW by 2027. ReCreate’s facility will play a crucial role in closing the gap in domestic cell production, which is currently negligible but forecasted to reach 71 GW by the same year.
Sources
- ReCreate To Open Manufacturing Facility In Portland, TN
- ReCreate Solar | RE+ Source PRO – Direct Energy Partners
- Solar visionaries form ReCreate, bringing 5 GW solar module and …
- Inside the Create Energy Un-Evil Empire – Solar Builder
- Solar PV Industry Veterans Launch GW-Scale PV Company
- Two PV leaders to invest in 5GW cell and 5GW module plants in the …
- ReCreate unveils details of US solar cell, module factory
- 5-GW solar panel plant coming to Tennessee – Solar Power World
- ReCreate Portland Facility | Portland, TN – The Big Green Machine