First Solar, the largest American solar technology manufacturer, has beautiful news. To accommodate their rapid growth, they recently announced plans for a new production facility in Gaffney, South Carolina. Taken together, these decisions represent a response to the booming demand for energy technology made in the U.S. One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025, has played a huge role in moving this trend. First Solar’s new facility will supplement First Solar’s current capacity with at least 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of American made solar technology.
With the inclusion of the new Gaffney plant, First Solar’s annual nameplate capacity will reach 17.7 GW by 2027. This expansion aligns with the company’s strategic initiatives to bolster domestic manufacturing and support the growing market for renewable energy solutions.
Impacts of Legislative Changes
After passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, American-made energy technology found a new global demand. In light of these developments, First Solar had a choice to make. First Solar CEO Mark Widmar described the importance of this legislative support in guiding his company’s expansion plans during a recent earnings call.
“The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the [US] administration’s trade policies boosted demand for American energy technology, requiring a timely, agile response that allows us to meet the moment.” – Mark Widmar, First Solar CEO
As part of our commitment to build an inclusive clean energy economy, First Solar is deeply invested in domestic manufacturing. This commitment lives in its impressive infrastructure, including three fully integrated manufacturing facilities located in Ohio and R&D centers located in Ohio and California. By locating a facility in South Carolina, First Solar will help build a stronger US manufacturing ecosystem.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
The new Gaffney facility is expected to generate over 600 jobs for the state’s local communities. Workers can look forward to a typical manufacturing salary of $74,000 annually. This investment will have a transformative impact on Cherokee County’s economy. Moreover, it will be a pivotal element in pushing efforts to achieve energy independence forward across the country.
Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina, expressed his joy over First Solar’s investment. On Teoh’s part, he believes that this project would have tremendous economic impact for his state.
“First Solar’s investment will create 600 new jobs in Cherokee County, which will greatly strengthen the local economy and help advance America’s energy independence. Their expanded presence in our state will provide even more opportunities for hardworking South Carolinians.” – Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor
By the end of 2026, First Solar expects to have over 5,500 American workers on its payroll. Plus, the company has pledged about $4.5 billion to U.S. manufacturing and R&D infrastructure since 2019.
Future Prospects
Looking forward, First Solar anticipates that its operations will sustain more than 30,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs across the country by 2027. The projected labor income from these new jobs is expected to be over $3 billion.
This strategic play significantly boosts First Solar’s appeal, as well as the renewable energy sector as a whole. It further demonstrates the company’s dedication to manufacturing more sustainable job opportunities throughout the United States as demand for solar technology continues to escalate.