Siemens to begin manufacturing solar inverters in U.S.
Partner facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin will serve increased demand for American-made renewable energy components, address supply bottleneck
Products will serve community and utility-scale solar developers and infrastructure providers
Kenosha, WI | August 15, 2023—Today, in conjunction with President Biden’s visit to Wisconsin, Siemens announces it will begin manufacturing photovoltaic (PV) string inverters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where the company will produce utility-scale solar components specifically designed to serve the U.S. market. The Kenosha facility, owned and operated by the company’s long-time manufacturing partner Sanmina, will help meet increased demand for localized production of critical parts for photovoltaic projects while helping customers take advantage of the full value of solar tax credits and domestic content incentives.
“Manufacturing is part of our DNA in Wisconsin, so I’m excited Siemens is bringing production of these Made in America clean energy components to Kenosha,” said Governor Tony Evers. “Utility-scale solar is critical to achieving 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050. Coupled with the clean energy incentives included in the federal Inflation Reduction Act, this will help accelerate our progress toward a workforce and economy that are built for the 21st century.”
Operations at the Kenosha facility will be the newest addition to Siemens’ growing U.S. footprint, underscoring the company’s strong manufacturing presence in Siemens’ largest market. Over the past four years, Siemens has invested $3 billion to expand U.S. manufacturing and other strategic M&A activities.
“Wisconsin has a long and proud manufacturing history, and I am thrilled that with today’s news, that legacy will include powering our country’s renewable energy economy,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I fought hard for strong Made in America provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act because when we build our clean energy economy, we should be supporting workers in Wisconsin, businesses in Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin economy. I am happy to have done my part to bring these manufacturing jobs to the Badger State, helping grow the local economy, create good-paying careers, and tackle climate change.”
“According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the total number of installed U.S. solar fleets is expected to grow fivefold from 2022 to 2033, and with tax credits now available due to the Inflation Reduction Act, that demand will only get stronger,” said Brian Dula, Vice President of the Electrification and Automation business at Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA. “Working with Sanmina to establish this new production line, Siemens is well positioned to address supply challenges our country is facing as we work to localize production for green and renewable infrastructure.”
The facility is projected to begin production in early 2024 and will scale up to a capacity of 5,200 BPTL3 string inverters (800MW) per year. The string inverters, which will range from 125 to 155 kW, will be manufactured with an industry-leading California Energy Commission (CEC) efficiency of 99%. The inverters are designed for 1000- or 1500-Volt DC solar array input and can be utilized for either decentralized or ‘virtual central’ design architectures.
“This new production line at the Sanmina facility represents Siemens’ strategic priorities to best serve our U.S. customers while being a key partner in our nation’s transition to a more sustainable future,” said Ruth Gratzke, President of Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA. “The investments we’re making in communities like Kenosha and the work that we will be doing to bring renewable infrastructure to life will have a crucial impact as we work towards our net-zero goals as a country.”
Work at the facility will create up to a dozen jobs during its initial ramp-up period, with plans to grow this number at the facility and through the regional supply chain in the future.
“As the largest commercial solar company in the country, Summit Ridge Energy is always looking for opportunities to use American-made technology in our projects. We congratulate Siemens—our long-term partner—on their decision to manufacture inverters in the U.S. which supports our efforts to provide affordable energy to American communities and businesses, strengthen the domestic manufacturing industry and create family-sustaining jobs,” said Raj Soi, Executive Vice President of Operations at Summit Ridge Energy.
Production at the Kenosha facility joins a growing family of Siemens infrastructure manufacturing hubs across the U.S. In addition to delivering critical electrical equipment for the solar industry, the company’s facilities and operations provide power infrastructure technologies that support semiconductor and battery manufacturing, data centers, and other key markets.
The company is now taking capacity reservations for volume commitments for the 2024 calendar year. To learn more, please visit: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/products/energy/medium-voltage/photovoltaic-inverters.html
For further information on Siemens’ medium voltage portfolio, please see: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/products/energy/medium-voltage.html
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Siemens Smart Infrastructure is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings, and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. With around 70,000 employees worldwide, Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, and its U.S. corporate headquarters in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, USA.
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. In fiscal 2022, which ended on September 30, 2022, Siemens Group USA generated revenue of $18.6 billion and employs approximately 45,000 people serving customers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
