New General Manager For Maxeon Mexico Facility

• Donald J. Foldenauer to join Maxeon's Mexico facility, which is considered to be the first large-scale PV cell and panel manufacturing in New Mexico.
• Foldenauer to lead re-shoring and scaling up of Maxeon's US domestic supply chain.
• The facility is expected to begin construction by early 2024, and will be producing TOPCon PV-silicon cell technology and shingled-cell performance line solar modules.

Global leader in solar innovation and channels, Maxeon, has announced the appointment of Donald J. Foldenauer as General Manager of its new Mesa Del Sol solar cell and module factory in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Touted to be the first large-scale PV cell and panel manufacturing in New Mexico, this facility is expected to have a capacity approximately twice that of the largest operational silicon solar manufacturing facility in the United States.

It was in August that Maxeon announced its plans for this facility, and now it plans to begin construction by the first quarter of 2024. The facility will be producing Maxeon's latest-generation TOPCon PV-silicon cell technology and the company's proprietary shingled-cell performance line solar modules. It will also be generating around 1,500 highly skilled manufacturing jobs.

In his new role, Foldenauer will be helming the re-shoring and scaling up of Maxeon's US domestic supply chain. US is currently a market poised for growth – both in the utility-scale and residential solar power sectors.

Expressing delight, Maxeon's CEO Bill Mulligan said, "We're excited to have Don take the helm of this critical expansion of our US business as Maxeon seeks to play a pivotal role in developing a self-sufficient domestic solar supply chain. His experience in scaling manufacturing operations of advanced engineered products, creating new production lines, and building exceptional teams all make him a great fit with our ambitious growth plans."

Foldenauer comes with over 35 years of experience in managing diverse teams and driving operations in the US semiconductor, advanced materials, and solar manufacturing sectors. Before joining Maxeon, Foldenauer was associated with Yield Engineering Systems as well as Jabil and Celestica, leading operations.

Meanwhile, in October edition of TaiyangNews Top Solar Modules Listing, Maxeon 6 module stood at 4^th position. This module is built with 66 cells of 166 format, and is designed with white backsheet and a black frame structure. With about 23% efficiency, 445 W power and n-type IBC cell technology, it comes with an outstanding performance warranty period of 40 years (see Top Solar Modules Listing – October 2023)