T1 Energy has signed an agreement with Corning for domestic supply of silicon wafers for its solar panel manufacturing. Corning solar wafers made in Michigan will be shipped to T1’s solar cell facility in Austin, Texas, which will then be assembled into solar panels at T1’s Dallas factory.
Corning’s solar wafer factory is currently under construction in Hemlock, Michigan. The site will use polysilicon from nearby Hemlock Semiconductor. The supply agreement with T1 is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
Corning has also signed an agreement to supply wafers to Suniva, which will then make cells for Heliene. Additionally, Corning purchased a solar panel assembly factory in Phoenix from JA Solar and is operating the site under the name “American Panel Solutions (AMPS).” There has been no confirmation on what cells are supplied to that plant.
“Corning is proud to help meet the growing need for solar products made in the United States,” said AB Ghosh, Corning VP and General Manager of Solar and Chairman and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor. “We’re accelerating the ramp of our advanced manufacturing capabilities to support a resilient U.S. solar supply chain. Our agreement with T1 underscores the strong demand for high-quality, American-made solar technologies. By building foundational infrastructure in Michigan, we’re adding good-paying manufacturing jobs, strengthening the U.S. solar industry and advancing a more energy-independent future for the country.”
T1’s Austin cell factory is expected to begin production in 2026. The company’s panel factory in Dallas has been in operation for the last two years, first under the Trinasolar name.