First Solar has opened its $1.1 billion solar manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, Alabama, creating over 800 energy technology manufacturing jobs in the state.
The new facility has added 3.5 GW of solar manufacturing capacity in the United States, First Solar 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,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.
First Solar’s total domestic manufacturing capacity at the Lawrence County and three operating factories in Ohio will be 11 GW. First Solar’s global manufacturing capacity will be over 21 GW.
First Solar is also in the process of constructing a $1.1 billion, 3.5 GW facility in Louisiana, targeting to open in the second half of 2025. First Solar expects to have over 14 GW of annual capacity in the United States and 25 GW globally by the end of 2026.
Mark Widmar, chief executive officer, First Solar, said: “This energy technology manufacturing facility produces American solar panels, with American-made components sourced from a supply chain that spans the country.”
First Solar’s operational manufacturing footprint in Ohio and Alabama and Louisiana represent over $4 billion in US manufacturing investments.
First Solar’s capacity expansion to 14 GW in US by the end of 2026 will support 30,060 jobs across the country, representing $2.8 billion in annual labor income, according to a study commissioned by First Solar.