American solar panel maker First Solar proudly announced the successful groundbreaking ceremony at its new $1.1 billion factory in Louisiana with a production capacity of 3.5 GW.
The press release noted that Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and other state officials attended the ceremony.
About the facility
First Solar asserted that the under-development factory signifies its first 100% vertically integrated facility in the US. It is also apparently the biggest capital investment in the area so far, with $1.1 billion.
It will significantly contribute to boosting the country’s photovoltaic (PV) solar panel production capacity.
The 2 million square feet factory will turn a sheet of glass into a Series 7 module in just 4.5 hours. Therefore, it can produce more than 12 solar panels per minute.
The company aims to begin commercial shipments as early as H1 2026. It expects the factory to boost its nameplate capacity by an additional 3.5 GW to hit roughly 14 GW in the US and 25 GW globally in 2026.
“As America’s solar company, we are proud to welcome Louisiana to the largest solar manufacturing footprint in the Western Hemisphere. This facility, like its sister facilities in Ohio and Alabama, represents First Solar’s investment in our country’s future. We are creating enduring value for the US by building a robust solar manufacturing base and the value chains that enable it. This delivers jobs and economic value today, and establishes the foundations needed for the country to enter the next decade with a secure supply of solar energy technology.”
Mark Widmar, First Solar CEO
How would it boost the US economy?
First Solar’s Louisiana factory is expected to generate more than 700 new direct production jobs in the US.
For context, the company already has 2,500+ workers nationwide, with plans to increase its workforce to more than 4,000 by 2026.
The Louisiana factory will undoubtedly accelerate the country’s solar panel production, considering the estimated production capacity.
In effect, it will boost the local solar power industry, aiding the government’s efforts to shift away from polluting fossil fuels.
“This is a historic day for Iberia Parish and Louisiana as we celebrate this record-breaking investment and the hundreds of good-paying jobs it will create. First Solar choosing our state for its newest solar panel production facility solidifies Louisiana’s place as a leader in the global energy transition. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this day happen, and we are all proud to welcome First Solar to Louisiana.”
Gov. John Bel Edwards
First Solar’s growth
According to the press release, First Solar has invested $4.1 billion in its production expansion efforts.
As a result, it successfully expanded from just about a 6 GW global nameplate capacity in 2020 to 13 GW today.
It also expects to add about 12 GW of nameplate capacity in the US and India from H2 2023 to 2026.
Apart from the Louisiana factory, First Solar also commissioned its third plant in Ohio in early 2023. It is also set to finish the development of its new Alabama facility and the Ohio expansion next year, First Solar indicated.
Moreover, its new Indian facility will launch commercial production in Q4 2023. It also announced plans to invest a maximum of $370 million in an R&D hub in Ohio, expecting to finish development in 2024.
See Also:
- Solar panels launched into space may soon send power back to Earth
- Solar power to become the cheapest source of electricity, DNV forecasts
- US-India JV commits $1.5B to establish solar manufacturing plants in the US
- Tesla’s SolarCity buyout of US$2.6 billion deemed fair by top court
- First-ever solar-covered cycling path officially debuts in Europe
The new facility in Louisiana is another significant advancement in the country’s solar panel production industry. It can aid the country’s efforts in the transition to clean and renewable energy. Moreover, it can also support the electrical grid in powering the growing number of electric vehicles that need sufficient sources.
