Opsun's $9.3M Investment Signals North Carolina's Solar Manufacturing Boom

In High Point, a quiet industrial corner of Guilford County, a Canadian company is planting roots that could reshape the region's economic landscape. Opsun Corporation, a Quebec-based manufacturer of solar panel mounting structures, has announced a $9.3 million investment to build its first U.S. production facility, bringing 20 new jobs to North Carolina. The move, unveiled by Governor Josh Stein on April 16, 2025, underscores the state's growing appeal as a hub for clean energy manufacturing.

The announcement arrives at a time when North Carolina is carving out a prominent role in the nation's shift toward renewable energy. With a skilled workforce, strategic location, and robust incentives, the state is attracting global players like Opsun, eager to tap into the booming U.S. solar market. Yet, the story extends beyond one company. It reflects a broader transformation, where clean energy investments are fueling economic growth, creating jobs, and raising questions about sustainability and workforce readiness.

Opsun's new facility will produce aluminum mounting structures for solar panels, designed for durability and energy efficiency across commercial, industrial, and residential markets. The High Point plant, the company's third manufacturing site, will triple its operational footprint, adding warehouse space and boosting efficiency. With an average salary of $63,015, the 20 new positions surpass Guilford County's average wage, promising an annual payroll impact of over $1.2 million for the region.

North Carolina's clean energy sector is a significant economic engine. Since 2018, the state has secured $32 billion in clean energy investments, ranking fifth nationally. These projects have supported nearly 30,000 jobs, with 24,600 tied to construction and 5,400 to ongoing operations, contributing $10.2 billion to the state's gross product during construction and $593.5 million annually thereafter. Solar energy, in particular, has been a standout, with North Carolina ranking fourth in installed capacity nationwide.

The economic ripple effects are tangible. Rural communities, in particular, have benefited, with North Carolina leading the nation in clean energy jobs and investments in these areas. Local governments gain from increased tax revenues, and landowners secure stable income through land lease payments. Projections suggest the sector could generate $103 billion in new spending and 32,100 jobs annually between 2025 and 2035, cementing clean energy's role as a cornerstone of the state's economy.

Opsun's decision to establish a U.S. base aligns with broader trends in solar manufacturing. The U.S. has seen a surge in domestic production, driven by federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act. As of April 2025, the country boasts 52.3 GW of module manufacturing capacity, with projections for 129.9 GW across North America by 2030. However, challenges persist, including bottlenecks in cell and polysilicon production and reliance on China, which controls over 80% of the global supply chain.

Recent years have exposed vulnerabilities in the solar supply chain. A 20% spike in panel prices, driven by commodity shortages and transportation issues, has delayed projects. In response, U.S. policies are encouraging onshoring, diversifying suppliers, and investing in new technologies. Opsun's commitment to sourcing all components in North America reflects this shift, aiming to enhance supply chain resilience and meet growing demand for domestically made products.

A $40,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund helped lure Opsun to High Point. Such incentives are a common tool for states competing to attract businesses. Between 2018 and 2023, 465 corporations relocated their U.S. headquarters, with many citing incentives as a key factor. North Carolina's strategic use of grants, paired with its proximity to 170 million people within a day's drive, makes it a compelling destination. However, critics note that such programs often favor larger firms, leaving smaller businesses with limited access to benefits.

Workforce development remains a critical piece of the puzzle. North Carolina's clean energy sector employs nearly 110,000 workers, with jobs growing 4.2% in 2023, outpacing the state's overall economy. Yet, demand for skilled labor exceeds supply. Initiatives like the North Carolina Community College System and Guilford Technical Community College are ramping up training programs, focusing on roles like technicians and installers. National efforts, such as the U.S. Climate Alliance’s goal of one million new apprenticeships by 2035, aim to close the skills gap, but aligning education with industry needs remains a hurdle.

The push for clean energy raises questions about long-term sustainability. While solar manufacturing reduces emissions, it relies on resource-intensive materials like silver and polysilicon. The industry is exploring recycling and alternative materials to minimize environmental impact. Manufacturers like Opsun are also under pressure to adopt circular economy practices, ensuring products are designed for reuse and recyclability. These efforts align with broader trends, as companies face growing expectations from consumers and investors to prioritize environmental responsibility.

North Carolina's clean energy journey is not without trade-offs. Rapid expansion requires careful planning to avoid overburdening local infrastructure or exacerbating labor shortages. Community voices, including those from Guilford County, emphasize the need for equitable access to new jobs and training, particularly for underrepresented groups. Balancing economic growth with environmental and social considerations will be key to sustaining the state's clean energy momentum.

Opsun's arrival in High Point marks a small but significant step in North Carolina's clean energy ascent. The state's combination of economic incentives, skilled labor, and strategic location has positioned it as a leader in the renewable energy landscape. Yet, the path forward demands careful navigation of supply chain complexities, workforce needs, and sustainability goals. As clean energy continues to drive jobs and investment, North Carolina's experience offers a glimpse into the opportunities and challenges of building a greener economy.

For residents of Guilford County and beyond, the impact is immediate: new jobs, economic activity, and a stake in a rapidly evolving industry. The broader story, however, is one of transformation, where innovation, policy, and community efforts converge to shape a future powered by clean energy. The question now is how North Carolina, and the nation, will sustain this momentum while addressing the practical realities of growth.