Federal agents searched JinkoSolar in Jacksonville. What to know about Chinese company.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at the JinkoSolar plant in Jacksonville as part of an ongoing federal investigation that involves one of the world's largest manufacturers of solar panels.
Authorities did not release any details about the investigation spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations, which is the main investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
JinkoSolar said the investigation has not altered its operation of the Jacksonville plant.
"JinkoSolar is committed to operating in accordance with the highest ethical standards and adhering to the laws and regulations of the countries where it operates, including the United States," the company said in a statement. "Jinko, through external counsel, is engaging constructively with relevant agencies to understand the nature of the inquiry, and the company’s business operations are running normally, including in Jacksonville.”
Here's what to know about Jinko Solar.
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JinkoSolar built its first U.S. plant in Jacksonville to supply NextEra
Based in China, the fast-growing company has 14 manufacturing plants worldwide and 24 overseas subsidiaries, according to the company. JinkoSolar reported about $12 billion of annual revenue in 2022.
The company built the plant at Cecil Commerce Center, the large industrial park on the Westside of Jacksonville, in 2018. The company and NextEra Energy, the parent company of Florida Power & Light, announced that year NextEra would purchase millions of solar panels made at the Jacksonville plant for the utility's solar power projects.
NextEra and JinkoSolar called it one of the "largest solar panel supply deals in history" when they announced it in March 2018. Mayor Lenny Curry said it was a "major win for Jacksonville" that "enhances our reputation as a manufacturing city."
City incentives for plant expansion in Jacksonville up in the air
The execution of the search warrant on Monday caused Jacksonville City Council to postpone voting on a taxpayer incentive deal that had been on track to pass easily at the Tuesday meeting of council. City Council moved consideration of the legislation to June 13.
The plant currently employs 274 workers and JinkoSolar had been planning a $52 million expansion that would create another 250 full-time jobs, according to the summary of a bill (2023-276) that would have provided up to $2.3 million in property tax rebates over a 10-year period.
The annual property tax rebates are paid by the city based on actual growth in the property tax value created by an economic development project.
Federal agency in charge of investigation handles 'transnational crimes'
Homeland Security Investigations, also known as HSI, investigates "transnational crimes and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance moves," according to the agency.
A spokesman for HSI has said the search warrant is part of an ongoing federal investigation. The Middle District of the U.S. Attorney's Office said it could neither confirm nor deny an investigation.
JinkoSolar sued Commerce Department in 2022 over tariffs
JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc. sued U.S. Customs and Borders in August 2022 seeking a refund of a portion of the "safeguard duties" collected by U.S. government on solar equipment shipping into the country.
The federal lawsuit contended the federal government incorrectly charged excessive duties. The lawsuit was stayed last September at the request of JinkoSolar.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JinkoSolar, supplier of solar panels to FPL, faces federal probe
