JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott announced that JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., a global leader in the solar industry, will build a new state-of-the-art solar panel manufacturing facility in Jacksonville. The new facility will create 200 new manufacturing jobs and will begin production of high efficiency solar panels beginning this year.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida’s economy is on a roll. Since 2011, nearly 1.5 million private-sector jobs have been created in our state, and more and more companies are choosing to grow in Florida. Today’s announcement means that 200 more families in Jacksonville will be able to find a great job. We will continue working nonstop to make Florida the number one destination of job creators.”

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said, “This is a major win for Jacksonville and the community. JinkoSolar’s presence enhances our reputation as a manufacturing city, and I am eager to see the company contribute to the vibrant economy in Jacksonville.”

Jim Robo, chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, said, “As NextEra Energy continues to invest heavily in new solar projects across the country, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to buy cost-effective, reliable solar panels made here in America. JinkoSolar shares our commitment to delivering affordable clean energy solutions, and we are pleased to welcome them to our home state of Florida.”

“It’s exciting to know that solar panels built in Florida will be helping power FPL customers in the not-too-distant future,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of Florida Power & Light Company, which currently operates 14 solar power plants in Florida. “We are honored to have played a role in making this possible, but it wouldn’t have happened without the dedication and dogged efforts of Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida, Mayor Curry, JAXUSA Partnership, the Jacksonville City Council, JEA, and the business community. By working together with open minds and a shared commitment, they made Florida shine in the face of fierce competition from other states.”

“Investing in this solar panel manufacturing facility makes clear our commitment to Florida and the growing US market,” said Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar.  “This will be one of the world’s most advanced solar panel manufacturing facilities, which will provide us with the flexibility and manufacturing capacity to support our local partners and growing US customer base.”

JinkoSolar has been growing quickly in the United States, deploying more than 5 gigawatts of solar panels since 2011. The company plans to begin production of high efficiency solar panels at this location in the second half of 2018.