Radio silence from Maxeon Solar Company Regarding Solar Facility

Remember way back in August of 2023 when Gov. Lujan Grisham made a big announcement that Maxeon Solar was going to invest $1 billion in New Mexico in a massive solar panel manufacturing facility? We certainly do and the announcement remains on the Gov.’s website. This, of course, was all going to be done with a massive infusion of corporate welfare of numerous types courtesy of New Mexico taxpayers.

But, the Albuquerque Journal hasn’t reported on Maxeon’s “progress” since May 1 of 2025 and  revenue plummeted to just $39 million in the first half of 2025. That’s down from $372 million in the first half of 2024. A big part of the problem appears to be allegations of forced labor usage in China.

We searched high and low for any information on even the company’s “scaled down” plans for a manufacturing facility in Albuquerque and found nothing new (since the announcement back in November of 2024). According to THAT announcement the company was planning to begin manufacturing solar panels by early 2026 which is just a few months away.

Whatever the issue Maxeon is likely just another example of New Mexico’s politicians over-promising (using our tax dollars) and under-delivering. Rather than picking winners and losers whether those be Hollywood, solar companies, Virgin Galactic, or numerous other companies that receive our tax dollars, it would be great if our politicians simply lowered New Mexico’s taxes and improved our regulatory climate (along with improving education and reducing crime).