PVTIME – Meyer Burger Americas Ltd., the US subsidiary of Meyer Burger Technology AG, has announced the permanent closure of its Goodyear, Arizona solar module factory. This will result in the loss of 355 jobs, affecting roles ranging from production supervisors and quality managers to engineers and accountants, in accordance with US WARN Act regulations. The Swiss firm cited failed funding efforts as the main reason for the shutdown, which comes just nine months after the 1.4 GW plant began operating in June 2024.
Established following the closure of Meyer Burger’s Freiburg plant in Germany, the Arizona facility had targeted the residential, commercial and utility-scale markets. The move to the US came after protests over Germany’s Solarpaket I policy, which lacked incentives for domestic manufacturing. However, financial pressures quickly forced the shelving of a planned 2GW cell factory in Colorado.
The crisis escalated when key client DESRI terminated a 5GW module purchase agreement, prompting going-concern warnings. In an effort to reduce costs, Meyer Burger is currently operating its Bitterfeld-Wolfen cell plant in Germany for fewer hours, while still supplying remaining US orders.
With prospects in North America looking bleak, the company is refocusing on Europe. Its high-efficiency modules have recently secured top-tier subsidies under Italy’s Transizione 5.0 scheme, alongside new supply deals with IBC Solar and others for products manufactured in Germany.
The shutdown highlights broader market instability, with the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) warning that the proposed ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ could jeopardise $220 billion worth of clean energy investments. Meyer Burger’s retreat from the US market illustrates how policy changes and funding shortages are reshaping the global solar supply chain.
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