North Carolina's Solar Boom Delivers Jobs While Cost Debate Continues

In Greenville, North Carolina, a sprawling 1-million-square-foot facility hums with promise. Boviet Solar, a Vietnam-based leader in solar technology, opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant on April 24, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the state’s economy. The $294 million investment is set to create over 900 jobs, offering a lifeline to Pitt County residents and cementing North Carolina’s role as a clean energy powerhouse.

Governor Josh Stein, joined by business leaders and local officials, hailed the factory’s launch as a win for workers and the environment. With nearly 110,000 people employed in the state’s clean energy sector, North Carolina ranks ninth nationally for such jobs. The state hosts over 220 solar companies, and Boviet’s arrival strengthens a supply chain critical to meeting growing energy demands.

Yet, the fanfare in Greenville unfolds against a broader national conversation. Federal incentives fueling projects like Boviet’s have sparked praise for job creation but also scrutiny over cost and market dynamics. As clean energy reshapes local economies, questions linger about the long-term balance of policy-driven growth.

This article explores North Carolina’s clean energy surge, the economic ripple effects of Boviet’s investment, and the diverse perspectives shaping the debate over government’s role in the solar boom.

Boviet’s Greenville facility is more than a factory; it’s a bet on North Carolina’s economic future. The plant will produce advanced solar panels and photovoltaic cells, boosting domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on imports. With production ramping up in 2025, the project aligns with a national trend: since August 2022, clean energy investments have topped $422 billion, creating over 406,000 jobs across 48 states.

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley called Boviet a ‘powerful addition’ to the state’s solar ecosystem. The 908 jobs promised—ranging from skilled technicians to administrative roles—offer stable wages in a region hungry for opportunity. Beyond direct employment, the factory is expected to spark demand for local services, from construction to retail, amplifying its economic footprint.

Nationwide, solar manufacturing has exploded, with U.S. capacity jumping from 17 gigawatts in 2023 to over 50 gigawatts by early 2025. North Carolina’s slice of this growth reflects its skilled workforce and business-friendly climate. However, the surge owes much to federal policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers tax credits and grants to companies like Boviet. These incentives have drawn both applause and skepticism.

For supporters, federal incentives are a catalyst for progress. Advocates argue that tax credits and subsidies lower barriers, enabling companies to build factories and hire workers in places like Pitt County. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, has funneled billions into clean energy, spurring projects that bolster local tax bases and diversify rural economies. In states like Texas and Georgia, similar investments have created tens of thousands of jobs, often in areas hit hard by industrial decline.

Others question the cost of such policies. Some policymakers argue that subsidies risk distorting markets, favoring certain industries while burdening taxpayers. They point to potential downsides, like higher energy costs or trade tensions from tariffs on imported solar components. While acknowledging the jobs created, these voices call for a broader energy strategy that includes traditional sources to ensure reliability and affordability.

The debate isn’t just academic. About 80% of new clean energy investments have landed in Republican-led states, creating a complex political dynamic. Many lawmakers who once opposed subsidies now see their districts reaping economic rewards, prompting a cautious embrace of policies that deliver tangible benefits to constituents.

Boviet’s investment also highlights efforts to strengthen U.S. solar supply chains. Global disruptions, from trade disputes to geopolitical tensions, have exposed vulnerabilities in relying on foreign suppliers, who control over 80% of solar manufacturing. By producing panels domestically, companies like Boviet aim to enhance energy security and stabilize prices.

Localization comes with challenges. Building new facilities takes time, and labor shortages and regulatory hurdles can slow progress. Still, over 100 new solar and storage factories have been announced since 2022, signaling a shift toward self-reliance. Workforce training programs, often tied to these projects, are equipping workers with skills for high-demand roles, further embedding clean energy in local economies.

In North Carolina, Boviet’s factory is a piece of a larger puzzle. The state’s clean energy sector, built on decades of investment and policy support, positions it to lead in a competitive global market. Yet, sustaining this momentum requires navigating economic, political, and technological uncertainties.

As Greenville’s new factory powers up, it symbolizes both opportunity and complexity. Boviet Solar’s investment underscores North Carolina’s growing clout in clean energy, delivering jobs and economic vitality to a region eager for growth. The state’s trajectory reflects a national shift, with solar manufacturing reshaping communities and redefining energy priorities.

The path forward hinges on balance. Policymakers, businesses, and communities must weigh the benefits of incentives against their costs, ensuring that growth serves both economic and environmental goals. For now, North Carolina’s clean energy boom offers a glimpse of what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity, even as the nation grapples with the best way to harness it.