None of this is to downplay the bold bets First Solar has made in solar technology manufacturing.
New Facilities
Their recent plant opening in Louisiana created the largest solar manufacturing and research and development footprint in the Western Hemisphere. The facility stretches over 2.4 million square feet. This monumental investment of $1.1 billion is aimed to increase domestic solar manufacturing capacity. This state-of-the-art plant will greatly expand First Solar’s production capacity to better serve the surging demand for sustainable energy solutions. It is perfectly positioned to play an essential role in their implementation.
Production at the Louisiana facility began in July 2025, with initial production aimed at the manufacture of Series 7 modules. These modules are made with materials sourced exclusively from the United States, in line with First Solar’s long-standing purpose to strengthen the American supply chain. The Iberia Parish facility now employs more than 700 people. By the end of the year, it intends to increase its staff to 826, contributing greatly to local job creation.
Investment in Domestic Manufacturing
Along with the Louisiana facility, First Solar has invested in a new production line in Gaffney, South Carolina. This line will be used to onshore final production processes specifically for Series 6 modules. This strategic move aligns with First Solar’s goal to boost households’ domestic manufacturing base. It intends to bring down dependence on foreign-made production.
Since 2019 alone, First Solar has invested upwards of $4.5 billion in domestic manufacturing and research and development. This commitment further demonstrates the company’s deep commitment to sustainability and a forward-thinking innovation in the solar industry. By the end of 2026, First Solar anticipates employing over 5,500 people across its U.S. operations, further contributing to economic growth in the regions where it operates.
Integration of Advanced Technologies
What sets the Louisiana facility apart are the sophisticated artificial intelligence technologies that will be incorporated in its manufacturing processes. These technologies provide for the automatic defect detection of solar panels as they are manufactured, maintaining high-quality standards and efficiency. Now, First Solar is pushing the envelope once again by integrating AI to streamline innovation. This shift will give it additional production muscle and drastically cut its operational costs.
Once at full production, the facility will boost First Solar’s annual nameplate capacity by a staggering 3.5 gigawatts (GW). This new expansion will be foundational towards getting to a total American manufacturing footprint of 14 GW by 2026. We’re now reaching even further, to an ambitious 17.7 GW by 2027. Such growth positions First Solar as a leader in the renewable energy sector and reflects its commitment to advancing clean energy solutions.