Norwegian solar energy firm NorSun has announced Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the location for its first U.S.-based factory, marking an initial investment of $620 million in a 5 GW silicon ingot and solar wafer manufacturing facility.
This significant expansion, supported by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust, is set to create 320 direct jobs and boost domestic production of critical ingot and wafer capacity. This move is poised to meet the rising demand from U.S. solar cell and panel manufacturers, thereby advancing the renewable energy sector.
NorSun has chosen a greenfield site of approximately 60 acres for the factory. Construction is slated to commence in late 2024, pending approvals, permits, and final incentive agreements.
The facility is expected to begin production in 2026, positioning it among the first in the U.S. to produce high-performing silicon ingots and wafers. These components are currently the most significant bottleneck in achieving a fully domestic solar supply chain. The Tulsa site also offers the potential to expand production up to 10 GW as the U.S. continues to prioritize domestic energy manufacturing.