A new economic impact study commissioned by First Solar highlights the company’s contribution to the US economy, with projections showing significant increases in jobs, labor income, and GDP impact by 2027.
The study, conducted by the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette using IMPLAN economic modeling software, analyzed First Solar’s actual and forecasted US spending in 2025 and 2027.
18 GW Manufacturing Capacity Across Four States
By 2027, First Solar expects to operate approximately 18 gigawatts of annual nameplate solar module production capacity across six manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, and South Carolina. The expansion underscores the company’s strategy to strengthen domestic solar manufacturing and supply chains in the United States.
29,605 Jobs Supported in 2025
According to the report, First Solar’s US operations supported an estimated 29,605 direct, indirect, and induced jobs nationwide in 2025. These jobs generated approximately $3 billion in labor income, translating into a fully loaded average of $101,145 per worker. This figure is more than double the national median personal income.
The analysis does not include downstream economic impacts such as the development, construction, and maintenance of solar power plants using First Solar’s technology, indicating that the broader economic footprint could be even larger.
39,320 Jobs and $4 Billion Labor Income by 2027
By 2027, First Solar is projected to support 39,320 jobs across the US economy, an increase of nearly 10,000 jobs compared to 2025. Annual labor income linked to the company’s operations is forecast to reach approximately $4 billion, up by $1 billion over the two year period.
The study found that in 2025, every First Solar job supported an estimated six total jobs across direct, indirect, and induced categories. This multiplier effect is higher than the estimate from the National Association of Manufacturers, which states that each manufacturing job supports 4.8 jobs in the broader US economy.
$5.8 Billion Economic Contribution in 2025
First Solar contributed an estimated $5.8 billion in direct, indirect, and induced value to the US economy in 2025. Its annual contribution to US gross domestic product is projected to rise 28 percent to approximately $7.8 billion by 2027.
In addition, the company’s US capital investments supported an estimated 10,370 additional jobs in 2025, primarily linked to construction activities. These investments generated nearly $900 million in labor income and contributed an additional $1.6 billion to US GDP.
Mark Widmar, chief executive officer of First Solar, said the findings reinforce the value of domestic solar manufacturing.
“This study demonstrates how genuinely American solar manufacturing can deliver long term economic value at the intersection of national priorities such as energy dominance, affordable electricity, and economic prosperity,” said Widmar.
