Solar panel maker Suniva to expand in Gwinnett County

Solar panel maker Suniva plans to expand its operations in Gwinnett County in a move the company and economic development officials say will create about 500 new jobs.

The $96 million expansion in Norcross will involve manufacturing production roles as well as management and administrative positions, according to a news release.

“High demand for our products continues to validate that as the U.S. solar market matures, sophisticated buyers are increasingly valuing power density and quality,” Suniva Chairman and CEO John Baumstark said in the release. “Since the production of our first solar cell in Gwinnett County seven years ago, Suniva products are now found world-wide. We are very pleased that our home here in Norcross will once again serve as the springboard for our next phase of growth.”

Suniva has about 200 employees in Norcross, where the company established its headquarters in 2008.