Puerto Rico Solar Plant to Make Super-Efficient Panels by 2027

Two American companies just announced a game-changing partnership that could make the United States a leader in next-generation solar technology.

Solx, a solar manufacturer in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, has joined forces with California-based Caelux to produce advanced solar panels that squeeze significantly more energy from sunlight. Their new Aurora modules will reach 28% efficiency, compared to the roughly 20% efficiency of standard solar panels available today.

The secret lies in perovskite, a crystal material that Caelux coats onto glass. When placed on top of traditional silicon solar cells, this special glass creates an extra power-generating layer. Think of it like adding a turbocharger to an already solid engine.

By 2027, the Puerto Rico facility plans to produce enough of these advanced panels to generate 3 gigawatts of power. That's enough to supply electricity to roughly 2 million homes. The companies have already installed test versions with an American developer to prove the technology works in real conditions.

The partnership represents something bigger than just better solar panels. Solx sources its solar cells from Suniva, which gets raw materials from Corning's Michigan facility. Suniva recently announced plans to build a massive 4.5 gigawatt factory in South Carolina, creating hundreds of American jobs.

Construction on the Solx plant started in April 2025 inside a former Hewlett Packard building. The facility now employs 200 people and produced its first completed module in April 2026. Company CEO James Holmes expects most production to serve mainland American solar companies, with plans to expand manufacturing capacity to 10 gigawatts by 2030.

This news arrives shortly after Tandem PV opened a 40-megawatt demonstration factory in Fremont, California, signaling growing momentum for advanced solar manufacturing across the country.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership does more than advance clean energy technology. It rebuilds American manufacturing strength in a critical industry. For decades, the United States has relied heavily on imported solar panels, sending jobs and economic benefits overseas.

Now, Puerto Rico residents are building cutting-edge renewable energy technology that will power homes across America. The factory provides stable careers in advanced manufacturing while strengthening domestic energy security. Every panel produced represents less dependence on foreign supply chains and more investment in American workers.

The ripple extends beyond economics. More efficient solar panels mean cleaner energy becomes more affordable and accessible. Homeowners and businesses can generate more power from the same roof space, making the switch to renewable energy easier for millions of Americans.

When American innovation meets American manufacturing, everybody wins.