First Solar Inc. has officially opened its new $1.1 billion thin-film solar manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, Alabama, marking a significant milestone as the company’s first U.S. factory outside of Ohio.
Solar Panel Factory to Create Over 800 Jobs
This new solar panel factory in Alabama is set to add 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of fully vertically integrated production to America’s solar manufacturing capacity and will create more than 800 new energy technology jobs in the state.
A study commissioned by First Solar projects a significant national impact from its expansion. By reaching 14 GW in annual U.S. nameplate capacity by 2026, the company is expected to generate approximately 30,060 direct, indirect, and induced jobs nationwide, contributing $2.8 billion in annual labor income. The study, conducted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, also estimates that for every direct job at First Solar in 2026, an additional 7.3 jobs will be supported across the country.
“This represents a great day for First Solar and Lawrence County because this production facility is destined to become a major player in the US renewable energy market. The Alabama workers at this facility will help break the nation’s dependence on foreign-made solar panels and contribute to our energy independence,” said Kay Ivey, Alabama Governor.
First Solar Expands Manufacturing Capacity in Alabama and Louisiana
Once fully operational, the Lawrence County factory will join First Solar’s three existing facilities in Ohio, boosting the company’s domestic nameplate manufacturing capacity to nearly 11 GW. This expansion will contribute to a global capacity of over 21 GW.
Solar panel factory
As the largest fully vertically integrated solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar is expanding its footprint further. The company is also building a $1.1 billion, 3.5 GW factory in Louisiana, scheduled to open in the second half of 2025. By the end of 2026, First Solar expects to reach an annual nameplate capacity of more than 14 GW in the United States and 25 GW globally.
“This is the first of two fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing facilities that solidify the role of the Gulf Coast states in enabling America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy. This facility produces American solar panels with American-made components, sourced from a supply chain that spans the country. The hundreds of people operating this facility represent the next generation of American energy workers, joined by the thousands of steelworkers, glassworkers, miners, truck drivers, railroad workers, and others who enable our mission to support our country’s energy security,” said Mark Widmar, chief executive officer, First Solar.
Alabama Facility Produces Thin-Film Solar Panels in 4 Hours
At the new Alabama facility, First Solar’s cutting-edge process converts a sheet of glass into a ready-to-ship thin-film solar panel in about four hours. This factory consolidates the entire solar value chain—from semiconductor to wafer to cell to module—under one roof, ensuring a tightly controlled process with stringent quality assurance. Reinforcing the commitment to American made solar, the Series 7 modules produced in Lawrence County use steel sourced, smelted, rolled, and fabricated in Alabama, all within a 25-mile radius of the facility.
“The inauguration of this facility is a tremendous milestone for Alabama, particularly for Lawrence County and District One. First Solar’s investment is not only a step forward in clean energy but also a major boost for our local economy. This project brings much-needed jobs, strengthens our infrastructure, and reinforces Alabama’s position as a leader in innovation and sustainability. We are excited about the opportunities this facility will create for our community and future generations,” said Amard Martin, commissioner, Lawrence County.
First Solar is a leading American solar technology company and a global supplier of responsibly produced, eco-efficient solar modules that help combat climate change. Developed in R&D labs in California and Ohio, the company’s advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules represent the next generation of solar technology, offering a competitive, high-performance, and lower-carbon alternative to traditional crystalline silicon PV panels. From raw material sourcing and manufacturing to end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s commitment to sustainability reflects its responsibility to both people and the planet.