First Solar Manufacturing: Impressive 3.7 GW Expansion

First Solar Achieves US Leadership with First Solar Manufacturing: Impressive 3.7 GW Expansion

First Solar, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the United States, is solidifying its domestic production capabilities with a landmark $330 million investment in a new manufacturing facility in Gaffney, South Carolina. This strategic move will add 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of annual production capacity, significantly bolstering America’s renewable energy supply chain.

The new South Carolina plant, which marks First Solar’s fifth factory in the U.S., will be a state-of-the-art facility spanning over one million square feet. It is slated to begin commercial operations in the second half of 2026, with production expected to fully ramp up through the first half of 2027. The development is projected to create approximately 600 new manufacturing jobs, further contributing to the regional economy.

Onshoring Advanced Module Production with First Solar Manufacturing: Impressive 3.7 GW Expansion

This expansion is specifically designed to onshore the final production stages of First Solar’s advanced Series 6 Plus (also known as Series 6/7) thin-film modules from international sites. By bringing this critical step to U.S. soil, the company aims to enhance supply chain resilience and better serve the domestic market, which is supported by a massive 54.5 GW backlog of orders.

The decision is heavily influenced by federal policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides Section 45X manufacturing tax credits and a 10% domestic content bonus. These incentives, combined with compliance with Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) guidelines, make U.S.-based manufacturing an increasingly competitive and strategic imperative.

A Nationwide Manufacturing Powerhouse Thanks to First Solar Manufacturing: Impressive 3.7 GW Expansion

The South Carolina facility is a key component of First Solar’s broader strategy to cement its leadership position. This project follows other major investments, including a $1.1 billion plant in Louisiana and existing sites in Ohio and Alabama. With this latest addition, First Solar’s total U.S. annual production capacity is set to reach approximately 14 GW by the end of 2026 and grow to an impressive 17.7 GW by 2027. Globally, the company anticipates having a manufacturing footprint of around 25 GW by the end of 2026, underscoring its commitment to meeting the world’s accelerating demand for clean energy.

Sources

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