SHENANDOAH COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — MSolar Manufacturing, a Virginia-based solar panel producer, will invest $23.8 million to establish a new solar manufacturing facility in Shenandoah County, bringing 150 new jobs to the region.

The company plans to develop a 56,000-square-foot facility in Mount Jackson that will produce high-efficiency solar modules for large-scale energy projects across the United States.

“By choosing to invest in Mount Jackson, MSolar is creating new career opportunities in the Shenandoah Valley and helping make sure Virginia has the infrastructure to make energy more affordable and reliable for local communities across our Commonwealth,” Governor Abigail Spanberger said. “Increasing energy generation is critical to addressing high energy costs and supporting greater economic growth.”

MSolar specializes in the production of premium-grade solar panels and operates through a vertically integrated manufacturing model. The new Shenandoah County facility will enable the company to manufacture solar glass, silicon cells, and heterojunction (HJT) cells, while also assembling completed solar modules.

According to the company, the facility is expected to produce more than 500,000 HJT solar panels annually once fully operational, serving utility-scale and commercial energy projects nationwide.

Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery said Shenandoah County’s manufacturing heritage, workforce, and location made it an ideal fit for the company’s expansion.

“With a rich history of advanced manufacturing, strategic location, and world-class workforce, Shenandoah County is the ideal location for a company like MSolar to grow and succeed,” Chenery said.

MSolar CEO Michael O’Connor described the Mount Jackson facility as the first step in the company’s long-term strategy to expand domestic solar manufacturing.

“We believe the future of solar will be defined by performance, domestic content, energy security, and top customer service,” O’Connor said. “MSolar is positioning itself at the center of that transition.”

Local leaders welcomed the announcement, citing the economic impact and diversification it will bring to the county.

Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors Chairman Tim Taylor said the project aligns with the county’s economic development goals and strengthens its manufacturing sector.

“MSolar will add to our diverse array of local businesses, of which manufacturing is a key target sector as outlined in our Economic Development Strategic and Comprehensive Plans,” Taylor said.

The project also received praise from regional economic development officials. Jay A. Langston, executive director of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership, said the investment highlights the Shenandoah Valley’s workforce strength and business-friendly environment.

State lawmakers representing the area also expressed support. Timmy French noted the importance of supporting domestic manufacturing and energy independence while maintaining protections for farmland. Meanwhile, Justin L. Pence said the project will help position Virginia as a leader in energy manufacturing while creating new jobs in Shenandoah County.

The project was secured through a partnership between the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Shenandoah County. The company will receive support through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides recruitment and workforce training assistance for companies creating new jobs in the Commonwealth.

Construction and hiring timelines for the facility have not yet been announced.