First Solar Inc. has officially opened its new $1.1 billion thin-film solar manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, Alabama. This fully integrated thin-film solar panel factory marks the company's first U.S. factory outside of Ohio.
Solar Panel Factory to Create Over 800 Jobs
This solar panel factory will enhance the U.S. solar manufacturing capacity by adding 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of fully vertically integrated production. It is projected to generate more than 800 new jobs in energy technology manufacturing within the state.
A study commissioned by First Solar and conducted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette predicts that as the company expands to 14 GW in annual U.S. nameplate capacity by the end of 2026, it will create approximately 30,060 direct, indirect and induced jobs nationwide amounting to $2.8 billion in annual labour income. Furthermore, the study estimates that for every direct job supported by First Solar in 2026, an additional 7.3 jobs will be created 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. Moreover, 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
The Lawrence County solar panel factory along with First Solar’s three operational factories in Ohio increases the company’s domestic nameplate manufacturing capacity to nearly 11 GW and its global capacity to over 21 GW once fully operational.
As the largest fully vertically integrated solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar is also building a $1.1 billion, 3.5 GW solar panel factory in Louisiana slated for commissioning in the second half of 2025. The company anticipates achieving more than 14 GW of annual nameplate capacity in the United States and 25 GW globally by the end of 2026.
“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 energy technology manufacturing facility produces American solar panels, with American-made components sourced from a supply chain that spans the country. The hundreds of people that operate this facility represent the next generation of American energy workers and are joined by thousands more steelworkers, glassworkers, miners, truck drivers, railroad workers and others that 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
First Solar’s cutting-edge manufacturing process enables the conversion of a sheet of glass into ready-to-ship thin-film solar panels in about four hours. The Alabama solar panel factory consolidates the entire solar value chain—transforming semiconductor to wafer to cell to module—under one roof, employing a tightly controlled process with stringent quality assurance measures. The Series 7 modules produced in Lawrence County utilize steel sourced from Alabama which is smelted, rolled and fabricated within a 25-mile radius of the facility.
“The inauguration of First Solar 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 prominent American solar technology company and a global supplier of responsibly produced, eco-efficient solar modules that contribute to combating climate change. Developed in research and development 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 modules.
First Solar’s commitment to sustainability extends from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to end-of-life module recycling, reflecting its responsibility toward both people and the planet.