Rome Reporter

State Representative Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) has expressed his support for Governor Brian Kemp’s announcement of the creation of more than 600 full-time jobs in Polk County. The jobs will be created through the establishment of a solar glass manufacturing facility by SOLARCYCLE, a leading solar recycling company. The facility, which will be the first of its kind in the country, will use recycled materials from retired solar panels to produce new solar glass.

Rep. Kelley commended the governor's announcement, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the local economy and the environment. He stated, "With new full-time jobs and record investment, this pioneering solar glass facility not only energizes our economy but also underscores our commitment to sustainability. By ingeniously repurposing retired solar panels, SOLARCYCLE sets a precedent for environmental stewardship, transforming waste into renewable resources and paving the way towards a greener tomorrow. Together, we illuminate the path towards a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous Georgia. I applaud Governor Kemp’s dedication to fostering job growth for diligent Georgians and bolstering the resilience of Georgia’s economy through strategic investments."

The SOLARCYCLE facility will be located in Cedartown, Georgia, specifically at the Cedartown North Business Park. Construction is set to begin in 2024, with the facility expected to be operational by 2026. The establishment of the facility will create jobs across various sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, management, research, design, and support staff.

SOLARCYCLE is already a leader in solar panel recycling, operating two facilities in the United States. These facilities utilize advanced recycling technology to extract up to 95 percent of the value from used solar panels. The new facility in Georgia will further solidify SOLARCYCLE's position as a pioneer in the industry. It will specialize in producing glass for crystalline-silicon photovoltaics, bridging a critical gap in the domestic supply chain. The facility will have the capacity to produce five to six gigawatts of solar glass annually for sale to domestic manufacturers.

The establishment of the SOLARCYCLE facility in Cedartown represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and renewable future. The use of recycled materials from retired solar panels showcases the company's commitment to environmental stewardship. Moreover, the creation of over 600 new full-time jobs will provide a boost to the local economy, demonstrating Governor Kemp's dedication to job growth and economic development in Georgia.

Updates on the progress of the Cedartown plant can be found on the SOLARCYCLE website.