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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

The Solar Connection Plans Marion, North Carolina, Photovoltaic Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility

12/17/2013
The Solar Connection will locate its manufacturing facility in Marion, North Carolina. The company plans to create 50 jobs and invest more than $500,000 during the next three years in McDowell County.

The Solar Connection will manufacture photovoltaic solar cells and related PV products. They will initially function as a wholesaler, forming local strategic partnerships with installers. The Solar Connection will also partner with local schools to train employers on solar manufacturing and installation.

"We are proud of our connection to Western North Carolina," said William Boyle, CEO of The Solar Connection, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boyle Enterprises. "We look forward to developing a local workforce capable of distributing worldwide the most advanced solar products made here in the town of Marion."

“North Carolina will continue to embrace an ‘all of the above’ approach to energy development,” said Gov. Pat McCrory. “We applaud The Solar Connection, a veteran-owned company, for its commitment to hire military veteran workers and grow operations in Western North Carolina.”

“Companies know that Western North Carolina offers them the skilled workforce and strong business climate they need to succeed,” said Secretary Sharon Decker. “We’re proud of our business partners, like The Solar Connection, that are involved in the development of advanced energy solutions.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $156,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

“The Solar Connection, LLC’s decision to locate in McDowell County will greatly expand employment opportunities for this region in North Carolina,” said Representative Josh Dobson. “We applaud the state’s recent tax reform, which opens pathways for employment opportunities for our citizens and the future growth of our businesses.”

Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, McDowell County, the McDowell Economic Development Association, and McDowell Technical Community College.

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