T1 Energy now has a minority equity stake in rival U.S. silicon solar cell developer Talon PV. T1 operates Trina Solar’s former solar panel assembly facility in Dallas and is building its own 5-GW solar cell factory in Austin, which is expected to come online in Q4 2026. Talon PV is developing a 4.8-GW solar cell factory in Baytown, Texas, which is now anticipated to come online in Q1 2027.
Under terms of the deal, T1 has entered into a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) to acquire an equity stake in Talon. T1 and Talon remain in discussions to potentially deepen the strategic relationship in the future.
“We are excited by the opportunity to invest in another American solar energy project that complements our G2_Austin development,” said Daniel Barcelo, T1’s CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Expanding the output of American solar cells is necessary to support energy security, achieve regulatory compliance and build an American solar industry based on advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge solar technology.”
This summer, T1 signed a long-term deal with Corning to obtain polysilicon and solar wafers manufactured in Michigan.
Meanwhile, Talon PV has acquired a TOPCon manufacturing license from First Solar, which owns the silicon patent after a 2013 company acquisition. This makes Talon PV the only American solar cell developer with access to TOPCon designs without being part of a global silicon brand.
“Our partnership with T1 Energy strengthens the foundation of U.S. solar manufacturing. Together, we’re building scalable, non-FEOC supply chains that deliver true domestic content and reinforce America’s energy independence and national security,” said Adam Tesanovich, co-founder and CEO of Talon.
