First Solar, Inc. announced the inauguration of its new $1.1 billion fully vertical integrated thin-film solar manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, Alabama.
The unveiled facility adds 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of fully vertically integrated nameplate solar manufacturing capacity in the United States. It is anticipated to create over 800 new energy technology manufacturing jobs in the state.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, said, “This represents a great day for First Solar and for Lawrence County because this production facility is destined to become a major player in the US renewable energy market.”
She added, “Moreover, the Alabama workers at this facility will help break the nation’s dependence on foreign-made solar panels and contribute to our energy independence.”
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According to the company announcement, The Lawrence County facility along with the company’s existing factories in Ohio brings the total domestic nameplate manufacgturing capacity to almost 11 GW, and its global capacity to over 21 GW, once fully set up.
In addition, the company is also working on constructing a $1.1 billion, 3.5 GW facility in Louisiana. The facility is anticipated to be commissioned in the second half of 2025.
By the end of 2026, First Solar aims to attain over 14 GW of annual nameplate capacity in the US alone and 25 GW globally.
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First Solar’s advanced manufacturing process transforms glass sheets into thin-film solar panels in about four hours. The Alabama facility consolidates the entire solar value chain—from semiconductor to module—under one roof, ensuring tight quality control. Its Series 7 modules use Alabama-sourced steel, with all processing done within 25 miles of the facility.
As the only US-based solar manufacturer not operating in China, First Solar has invested over $4 billion in manufacturing across Ohio, Alabama, and Louisiana.
A study by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette estimates that by 2026, the company’s growth to 14 GW of annual capacity will support around 30,060 jobs nationwide, generating $2.8 billion in labor income. Each direct job is expected to create an additional 7.3 jobs nationwide.