First Solar, a leading American solar panel manufacturer, has announced plans to invest $330 million in a new manufacturing facility near Columbia, South Carolina. This strategic expansion will create over 400 jobs, establish the company’s first plant in the southeastern United States, and further solidify the push for domestic clean energy production.
New Plant to Boost U.S. Solar Manufacturing with First Solar South Carolina
First Solar has confirmed it will invest $330 million in a new manufacturing plant near Columbia, South Carolina. This facility will be the company’s first in the southeastern U.S. and is expected to create over 400 jobs, reinforcing First Solar’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the American solar industry.
The new plant will be located in Richland County, just outside Columbia. It will be dedicated to producing First Solar’s advanced Series 8 thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, which are known for their durability and high performance, particularly in utility-scale projects. The intricate solar panel manufacturing process for these modules represents a significant technological investment. The facility is expected to begin operations by mid-2027, with construction set to start in the coming months.
This expansion is part of a larger, aggressive domestic growth strategy. It follows the recent inauguration of the company’s $1.1 billion AI-enabled factory in Louisiana, which is set to launch in early 2026. Understanding the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown helps put these massive investments into perspective. This move underscores a broader commitment to the basics of solar panel manufacturing on American soil, utilizing state-of-the-art solar panel manufacturing machines to scale up production.
Combined with its existing facilities in Ohio, Alabama, and India, First Solar’s total manufacturing capacity is expected to reach an impressive 25.6 gigawatts (GW) by 2027.
Expansion Supported by Federal Incentives for First Solar South Carolina
First Solar’s decision to expand its manufacturing footprint is heavily influenced by the strategic incentives provided under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA offers substantial tax credits for domestic solar module manufacturing, aiming to onshore the clean energy supply chain, reduce reliance on imported components, and make it more financially viable for companies like First Solar to invest in American production.
The company’s CEO, Mark Widmar, cited the IRA as a key factor in the decision to expand in South Carolina. “The IRA has made it possible for us to make these investments in the U.S.,” Widmar said. “We’re excited to bring our technology and expertise to South Carolina and contribute to the state’s growing clean energy sector.”
South Carolina’s Growing Solar Industry Includes First Solar South Carolina
First Solar’s investment in South Carolina comes as the state solidifies its position as a burgeoning hub for solar energy development. The move aligns with a broader trend, as reports indicate other South Carolina-based solar cell manufacturers are also planning to significantly increase their domestic output. In 2023, South Carolina ranked 13th in the nation for installed solar capacity, with over 2,800 megawatts (MW) of solar power online.
The state is home to several large-scale solar farms, such as the 100 MW Bowman Solar Farm and the 75 MW Ridgeland Solar Farm, which feature thousands of panels spread across vast areas—a stark contrast to smaller residential installations.
The addition of First Solar’s manufacturing facility is expected to further boost the state’s solar industry. Richland County Council Chairwoman Overture Walker expressed excitement about the economic impact of the new plant.
“This is a major win for our community,” Walker said. “First Solar’s investment will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and help position Richland County as a leader in the clean energy economy.”
First Solar’s Impact on U.S. Solar Market in South Carolina
First Solar has long been a leader in the American solar market. The company was founded in 1999 and has since become one of the largest manufacturers of solar panels in the world. Its thin-film PV modules, which utilize different solar panel raw materials like cadmium telluride instead of the more common crystalline silicon, are renowned for their high efficiency and superior performance in hot, humid climates—a key advantage in the southeastern U.S.
The company’s decision to expand its manufacturing capacity in the U.S. is a direct response to the growing demand for solar energy. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the U.S. solar market is expected to nearly triple in size over the next five years, with total installed capacity reaching 400 GW by 2028.
The new manufacturing plant in South Carolina is a significant step for First Solar as it seeks to expand its presence in the U.S. market. With this investment, the company is not only creating jobs and contributing to the local economy but also playing a crucial role in strengthening America’s energy independence and driving the transition to a clean energy future.
To gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a facility like this, explore our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.