Governor Brian Kemp Announces SOLARCYCLE’s Accelerated Expansion in Polk County, Creating 640 New Jobs

Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced that SOLARCYCLE, an advanced technology-based solar recycling company, will accelerate its expansion into Polk County, Georgia. This move is in response to the increasing demand for solar panel recycling services and will involve an additional investment of $62 million. The expansion aims to increase the company’s panel recycling capacity to 10 million solar panels per year and will create 640 new full-time jobs in the region.

The new facility will be located in Cedartown, directly across the street from SOLARCYCLE’s previously announced 1.1-million-square-foot solar glass factory. This factory, which will employ an additional 617 people, will use recycled materials from retired solar panels to produce five to six gigawatts worth of solar glass annually. This positions SOLARCYCLE as one of the first manufacturers of specialized glass for crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics in the U.S..

SOLARCYCLE has acquired an existing 255,000-square-foot building at 270 North Park Boulevard in Cedartown, which will be renovated to house the company’s solar panel recycling operations. The facility is expected to be operational in the second half of 2025 and will hire full-time staff in various roles including manufacturing, engineering, management, research and design, and support staff.

“We are pleased to accelerate our work in Cedartown in partnership with Governor Kemp and Polk County. In response to continued demand for solar recycling and domestic manufacturing, we will be able to scale operations and begin hiring sooner than originally planned,” said Suvi Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder at SOLARCYCLE. Sharma also praised Governor Kemp for his leadership in supporting clean energy policies that have facilitated the scaling of solar manufacturing in the state.

The expansion is seen as a significant economic boost for the region. “The decision by SOLARCYCLE to expedite their manufacturing process by refurbishing a currently vacant facility and creating additional employment opportunities is a true testament to their commitment as a long-term corporate sponsor in Cedartown-Polk County,” said Chris Thomas, President and CEO of the Development Authority of Polk County.

Georgia, ranking seventh in the nation for cumulative solar capacity, continues to be a leader in renewable energy. The state’s energy solutions providers are playing a crucial role in accelerating the development of renewable energy products by reducing risks, costs, and providing access to innovative industry research and superior infrastructure).