Update as of Dec 8 2025:
As of April 2025, Boviet Solar’s Greenville PV-module factory officially opened and began producing solar panels — moving the project beyond its planning phase. In September 2025 the company added a third production line, increasing annual module output capacity to 3 GW. Meanwhile, construction of a companion PV-cell manufacturing plant (Phase II) started in January 2025; as of late 2025, exterior work is complete and interior build-out is underway, with full cell production targeted for the second half of 2026. Once fully up and running, the Greenville campus will offer both module and cell manufacturing, reinforcing its role as a vertically integrated, “Made-in-USA” solar hub that underpins long-term demand for housing, labor, and local services.
These developments strengthen the original economic outlook — rather than being a one-off investment, Greenville appears poised for sustained growth. The increased capacity and vertical integration make it more likely that ancillary businesses — suppliers, logistics, maintenance — will follow, creating a ripple effect across Pitt County’s real-estate, retail, and service sectors.
Boviet Solar’s announcement of a new $294 million manufacturing facility in Greenville, North Carolina, is set to bring substantial economic growth to the region. The project, which will create 908 jobs by 2028, marks the company’s first North American solar panel production site. This investment will boost local employment in areas such as manufacturing, engineering, and administration, with wages exceeding the county’s average salary. It also underscores North Carolina’s growing role in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
The economic impact of the facility extends beyond job creation. The influx of workers will drive up demand for housing in Pitt County, as Boviet Solar plans to hire locally and attract new residents to the area. The Greenville housing market is expected to experience increased activity, with developers likely accelerating residential projects to accommodate the growing workforce. Additionally, increased retail and service demands will spur further investments in local businesses, enhancing economic diversity and sustainability.
In terms of infrastructure, Boviet Solar’s decision to choose Greenville was influenced by the city’s logistical advantages, including proximity to ports and highways, and the availability of utility services. The project will also breathe new life into the former DENSO facility, with plans for an additional 500,000-square-foot expansion in the future. Local institutions like East Carolina University and Pitt Community College are also collaborating with the company to provide training for the new workforce, ensuring that the region is prepared for this advanced manufacturing opportunity.
Local and state officials have lauded this investment as a major milestone for both Pitt County and North Carolina’s clean energy sector. The project is expected to contribute over $2.9 billion to the state’s economy over the next 12 years. In addition to economic incentives such as the Job Development Investment Grant, Greenville and Pitt County have provided tax breaks and infrastructure support to ensure the success of this venture.
Overall, the Boviet Solar facility represents a significant step toward Greenville becoming a clean energy hub. The combination of new jobs, housing demand, and retail growth will strengthen the local economy and enhance Greenville’s standing as a key player in the national renewable energy landscape.
External Links
Economic Development Partnership for NC Announcement
Pitt County Economic Development
Doug Kline, PhD, has held income properties in North Carolina for more than 20 years. He holds a North Carolina broker’s license, and is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Triangle Real Estate Investors Association. He holds an MBA and a PhD in business. In addition to his real estate activities, Doug enjoyed a successful career in academia, achieving the rank of Full Professor in the Cameron School of Business at UNC Wilmington. He was honored with research and teaching awards, served as Director of the MS Computer Science and Information Systems program, and was awarded the endowed position Distinguished Professor of Information Systems.