A new company, ReCreate, formed by leaders from two established renewable energy firms, plans to build a solar cell and panel manufacturing plant in Tennessee with an annual capacity of up to 5 GW.
Renewable Energy Leaders Launch ReCreate
ReCreate is the latest venture by Dean Solon, the founder, CEO, and president of Portland-based renewable energy firm Create Energy, and Hamlet Tunyan, the CEO of RECOM Technologies, a company that produces PV modules, cells, inverters, hybrid storage systems, batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
Dean Solon and Hamlet Tunyan at Create Energy’s Rocket Room, Portland, Tennessee (Image: ReCreate)
Create to Build New Factory in Portland
The new factory is planned to be built at Create's mega-plant in Portland, Tennessee with planned production of up to 5 GW of modules and 5 GW of cells for the North American and European markets.
"We're thrilled to launch this new venture and provide top-quality, American-made solar solutions. 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," said Solon.
Create Energy offers not only transformers, switchgear, PV, BESS, and EV solutions but also comprehensive turnkey EPC services. Meanwhile, RECOM, a European manufacturer with an annual production capacity exceeding 3.2 GW and sales in over 110 countries, recently partnered with Solar Optimum. Together, they will supply PV modules for a 12.4-MW solar carport system at Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park in Los Angeles.
Commitments to Renewable Energy
Tunyan, a prominent figure in the European renewables sector, brings decades of experience in clean-tech manufacturing, project investments, and development. RECOM Technologies, under his leadership, manufactures modules, cells, inverters, hybrid storage systems, batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The company combines R&D, manufacturing, and distribution, boasting an annual production capacity of over 3.2 GW and sales spanning more than 110 countries.
Discussing the collaboration with Solon, Tunyan stated, "This project marks a major step forward in our dedication to renewable energy and innovation. By manufacturing in the USA, we support the local economy and establish new industry benchmarks. Teaming up with Dean Solon, whose expertise and vision are unmatched, strengthens our ability to provide outstanding solar solutions and foster significant change in the energy sector."
Economic and Industry Impact
ReCreate aims to become a leading provider of solar solutions, driven by the combined expertise and vision of its founders, while supporting the broader renewable energy sector's growth and innovation.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 has boosted solar manufacturing in the U.S. by providing production tax credits for manufacturers and investment tax credits for project developers using domestic content. According to Wood Mackenzie, by 2027, the U.S. is expected to have 144 GW of module manufacturing capacity, 71 GW of cell manufacturing capacity, and 61 GW of wafer manufacturing capacity. This is a substantial increase from the current 26 GW of module capacity and the negligible wafer and cell production. The 5 GW capacity of both cells and modules planned by ReCreate will significantly enhance the supply.