Universal Solar bids to solve PV supply chain constraints with Panama module facility

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The facility in Panama (pictured) will have an initial line capacity of 600MW. Image: Universal Solar.

US module manufacturer Universal Solar is developing a module manufacturing plant in Panama with an initial capacity of 600MW, targeting supply lines disrupted by policy headwinds.

The facility will produce mono PERC modules and the first products to come off the line will have an output of 350 – 545W. Modules are slated to have efficiencies of up to 21.46%, while some will feature half-cell technology, Universal Solar said.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The manufacturer is to offer linear power output warranties of up to 30 years alongside a 12 to 15-year material and workmanship warranty.

While Universal Solar has not disclosed any upstream suppliers for components such as cells – however it does stress all bill of materials are obtained from ‘tier one OEMs’ – the company has confirmed that its products will be fully compliant with the US Department of Commerce’s withhold and release order which restricts imports on products linked to polysilicon produced by Hoshine.

Furthermore, Universal Solar has said shipments from the Panama facility will be capable of reaching any US port within around five days.

The location for the facility was chosen due both to the strength of its position for international shipping and the presence of a long-standing free trade agreement between the US and Panama, reducing the risk of import duties being imposed on products in the future.

Universal Solar CEO John Bereckis said the capacity would address the current challenges facing the solar industry in the US and elsewhere today.

“The prospect of tariffs on additional Asian countries has thrown the supply chain into turmoil, despite the Biden administration’s two-year pause. Modules from Central America will give U.S. developers a much-needed alternative,” he added.

Universal expects to deliver its first shipments in Q4 this year and has already signed master service agreements for more than 400MW. Negotiations are underway for an additional 175MW, the company said.

Read Next

July 30, 2025
Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on all imports entering the US from India from the 1st August 2025.
Premium
July 25, 2025
At the SNEC expo, Carrie Xiao took the temperature of the industry as it seeks a way out of cutthroat competition and squeezed margins.
July 22, 2025
The investigation launched on polysilicon under Section 232 could present the biggest supply chain challenge to the US solar industry, according to analyst Wood Mackenzie.
July 1, 2025
The UK government has released this week (30 June) its Solar Roadmap, which sets out practical measures to meet the country’s solar PV targets.
June 18, 2025
The solar manufacturing and module purchasing community met in Napa to answer the question of 'what next?' for module supply in uncertain times.
Premium
June 17, 2025
PV Tech spoke with Joerg Althaus of CEA about the under-explored issues with solar racking, trackers and other technical concerns.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK