Translucent Energy, a Charleston-based startup specializing in transportable microgrids, officially commenced operations at a new solar manufacturing facility in Summerville on August 17. The factory’s first phase will produce 1.3 gigawatts of solar modules and is expected to generate 167 jobs by year’s end, with additional positions anticipated as the company executes subsequent expansion phases.
South Carolina has historically lagged in solar development compared to other states. The state currently ranks 24th in installed solar capacity nationwide, with solar accounting for only 3.9% of its electricity generation. According to industry projections, South Carolina is expected to add approximately 1.7 gigawatts of solar capacity over the next five years, placing it 36th nationally for anticipated growth. Prior to this facility’s opening, the state hosted only 516 solar-related jobs distributed across 105 companies as of June.
Translucent’s new operation will produce solar modules for utility-scale, commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Given the limited local demand within South Carolina, the company plans to market its products nationally. The facility was designed to meet international quality standards, with leadership emphasizing that manufacturing discipline rather than equipment alone drives product excellence. In addition to solar modules, Translucent manufactures portable, containerized microgrid systems branded TAU and EV charging infrastructure called EV-E, which can operate independently or grid-connected.
The company’s expansion comes as the broader U.S. solar manufacturing sector experiences growth. Module manufacturing capacity increased more than 50 percent in 2025, reaching 65.5 gigawatts from 42.5 gigawatts the previous year. Additionally, Translucent executives welcomed the August 6 presidential proclamation implementing tariffs on polysilicon imports, citing improved long-term certainty for domestic manufacturers. Solar output currently falls substantially below demand, creating opportunities for new market entrants. The industry benefits from rapid construction timelines compared to other domestic energy resources and continued government support for energy storage development.
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