FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · August 1, 2024

Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
Megan Lucas
CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer
Email: meganlucas@lynchburgregion.org

Bedford County Office of Economic Development
Pam Armstrong
Director of Economic Development
Email: parmstrong@bedfordcountyva.gov
Phone: 540-587-5670

Solarix
Dakota Forgione
Controller & Chief Relationship Officer
Email: dakota@solarix.group
Phone: 757-544-6757

Solarix to invest $63 million in Forest facility, creating 104 new green energy jobs

The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance in partnership with the Bedford County Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce that Solarix, a leading 100% American-owned and SBA-certified Disabled Veteran-owned company, will invest $63 million to establish a state-of-the-art solar module manufacturing facility in Forest, Bedford County, Virginia. This facility aims to support the Commonwealth’s renewable energy supply needs and mitigate reliance on foreign manufacturers, particularly from China.

Solarix recently acquired the former, state-of-the-art, TEVA Pharmaceutical building and will employ 104 people with manufacturing set to begin by July 2025. This 423,553 square feet facility on 56.2 acres of land will be home to advanced solar panel production, reinforcing Solarix’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and reliable PV modules to support utility-scale, commercial, and residential solar projects.

“I’m thrilled that Solarix has decided to set up operations in Bedford County,” said Edgar Tuck, Chairman of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors. “It’s great to see this long-vacant space finally being put to beneficial use.”

Carlos Class, CEO and Co-Founder of Solarix, stated, “As a 100% American-owned and managed company, we are immensely proud to contribute to our nation’s energy independence. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality, most reliable, and affordable solar modules in the industry. By reclaiming control of our supply chain from foreign manufacturers, we are safeguarding our electric grid infrastructure, ensuring its resilience for decades to come. This is not just a business endeavor; it is a commitment to U.S. national security and a sustainable future.”

Mr. Class continues, “We are excited to partner with local universities to foster innovation within our industry and the energy sector, and we look forward to collaborating with residential, commercial, and utility sectors to meet their solar energy needs. Additionally, we are coordinating with the Veteran’s Workforce Commission to hire veterans, providing them with the necessary skills and in-house training to succeed and progress within our organization. The Solarix modules will be designed for various applications, including agrivoltaics, and will feature bifacial dual glass technology, capable of generating up to 725 Watts (W) of energy under Standard Test Conditions (STC).”

As part of its phase II expansion, Solarix is also adding a Solar Module Recycling line to foster a true net-zero product lifecycle. This initiative will accept old and broken modules from other manufacturers, helping customers replace them with Solarix’s advanced modules. This strategic addition underscores Solarix’s commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.

“We are excited to welcome Solarix to the Lynchburg Region – an established and growing energy manufacturing hub here in Virginia,” said Rosana Chaidez, Board Chair of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and President & CEO of Handy Distribution. “I’d also like to thank the Bank of the James for their integral partnership on this project. Our region stands ready to support Solarix’s growth and aspirations.”

Increasing clean energy manufacturing and output is not only beneficial for the Lynchburg Region but a goal for all of Virginia and its neighboring states.

In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), setting a goal to make Virginia’s energy economy carbon-free by 2050 and establish a 16-Gigawatt (GW) goal for energy generation from solar and onshore wind. Solarix’s new facility is set to achieve a production capacity of 1 GW per year with plans to expand to 3 GW per year in their Forest, VA facility, significantly aiding Virginia and surrounding states in meeting their clean energy goals. The facility is projected to produce 200 modules per hour, boasting production cycle times at 99.95% quality output, and offering a 30-Year Performance Warranty on every module.

“I am thrilled to learn that the Teva Building has been sold and would like to warmly welcome Solarix to Forest! This new venture promises significant economic growth, with 104 new job opportunities and capital investments of upwards of $60 million,” said Senator Mark Peake. “This development is a testament to Central Virginia’s vibrant business environment and our community’s potential for innovation and growth. We look forward to the positive impact Solarix will have on our local economy and the opportunities it will create for our residents.”

“I am proud to welcome this new business to Forest, Virginia,” added Delegate Tim Griffin. “Jobs and boosting our local economy are one of our top priorities. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community’s growth and prosperity.”

The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance worked with the Bedford County Office of Economic Development to support the project for Virginia.

###

About the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance

The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is the Lynchburg region’s oldest and largest business and professional association – serving since 1883. As a combined chamber of commerce and economic development organization, the Alliance serves as the united voice for the Lynchburg Region’s business community by connecting creativity and commerce. For over 875 member businesses and organizations and their employees, our mission is to lead regional economic development through: Generating Jobs & Investment; Promoting the Region’s Brand and Image Globally; Cultivating Talent; and Enhancing the Business Climate.

To learn more about the chamber of commerce side of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, please visit us at LynchburgRegion.org.

To learn more about our economic development work, please visit YesLynchburgRegion.org. The Alliance champions economic development for our region using the “Lynchburg Region VA” brand.

About Solarix

Solarix is a 100% American-owned, SBA-certified disabled veteran-owned company committed to leading the way in advanced solar manufacturing. With a mission to produce high-quality, reliable, and affordable solar modules, Solarix aims to enhance the resilience of the U.S. energy grid and support national security by reducing dependence on foreign manufacturers.

The company’s vision is to foster sustainable energy solutions through innovation and community collaboration. Solarix’s management team brings decades of experience in the advanced solar manufacturing sector, ensuring expertise and excellence in every aspect of production. Dedicated to partnering with residential, commercial, and utility sectors, Solarix strives to meet the diverse solar energy needs of its clients. For more information, visit Solarix.Group.