First Solar has inaugurated its new $1.1 billion fully vertically integrated thin-film solar manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, Alabama. This plant adds 3.5GW of solar manufacturing capacity, significantly expanding the company's domestic production capabilities.

According to Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar, the Lawrence County facility is part of a broader strategy to strengthen America's energy security. "This facility produces American solar panels with American-made components, sourced from a nationwide supply chain," Widmar said. The factory will create more than 800 new jobs in the region, representing a major boost to the local economy and the U.S. energy technology workforce.

With the addition of this facility, along with three operational factories in Ohio, First Solar's total domestic manufacturing capacity will rise to nearly 11GW. Globally, the company's production capacity will surpass 21GW once all plants are fully operational. The company is also building another $1.1 billion, 3.5GW facility in Louisiana, which is slated to begin operations in 2025.

Lawrence County Commissioner Amard Martin hailed the project as a "tremendous milestone for Alabama," emphasizing the economic and infrastructural benefits it will bring to the local community.

First Solar employs an advanced manufacturing process at the Alabama facility, transforming a sheet of glass into fully assembled solar panels in just four hours. The Series 7 modules produced here use locally sourced steel from Alabama, further reinforcing the plant's contribution to the local economy.

Source: nsenergybusiness.com