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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

SEM Wafertech-Solar4America Technology Plan Sumter, South Carolina, Silicon Wafer Slicing Plant

04/27/2023
SEM Wafertech Inc. and Solar4America Technology, Inc., both 100% owned by SPI Energy Co., Ltd., a global renewable energy company, plans to establish operations in Sumter County, South Carolina. The $65.9 million project is expected to create 300 new jobs.

The companies will occupy an existing building located at 1150 Clipper Road in Sumter where they will design, build out and install a world-class silicon wafer slicing facility. Silicon wafers produced will be used in a variety of applications, including photovoltaic cells and semiconductors. Operations are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023.

“As a global renewable energy company making American-made solar wafers and modules, we recognize the importance of having a strong domestic supply chain to meet the fast-growing demand for affordable solar power. We plan to bring the highest-quality domestically produced solar wafers and modules to market, enhancing our nation’s manufacturing capabilities with a long-term investment that will create good paying jobs for South Carolina,” SEM Wafertech Inc. and Solar4America Technology, Inc. Chairman Denton Peng said.

As an incentive the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $1.5 million Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) grant to Sumter County to assist with the costs of water and wastewater improvements and building improvements.

“We are pleased that SEM Wafertech and Solar4America decided to establish in South Carolina,” noted Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Sumter County is well-equipped to support global solar companies because of its world-class environment. Congratulations, and we welcome them to the state.”

Founded as a U.S. limited liability company in June 1996, WaferTech was the first dedicated semiconductor contract manufacturer, also known as a pure-play foundry, in the U.S.

Sacramento, California-based Solar4America manufactures a variety of solar panels for residential, commercial, and utility projects.

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