First Solar Inc. Expands US Production with New Facility in South Carolina

In a significant move aimed at bolstering American manufacturing capabilities in the renewable energy sector, First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) announced on November 14, 2025, that it will establish a new production facility in Gaffney, Cherokee County, South Carolina. This facility is set to focus on the final production processes for its Series 6 *Plus* modules, a key component in the company’s international fleet. With an estimated investment of $330 million, First Solar expects to commence commercial operations in the second half of 2026.

The new facility is projected to create over 600 new jobs, with an attractive average manufacturing salary of $74,000 annually—approximately double the per capita income in Cherokee County. This investment not only aims to enhance First Solar's production capabilities but also promises to substantially contribute to the local economy, according to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. He expressed pride in the state being a hub for innovative energy companies and emphasized the positive implications of First Solar's expansion on local employment opportunities.

The establishment of the Gaffney plant is strategically aligned with the objectives laid out in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in July 2025. This legislation has catalyzed demand for domestically-produced energy technologies, providing First Solar with the impetus to onshore its production processes. The new facility is expected to increase the company’s annual nameplate capacity by 3.7 gigawatts (GW), bringing its total capacity to 17.7 GW by 2027, ensuring compliance with anticipated Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) guidance.

First Solar’s investment in Gaffney marks an expansion of its existing footprint in South Carolina. The company already operates a distribution center in Duncan, Spartanburg County, and maintains a strong partnership with Inland Port Greer. This new facility will contribute to what is recognized as the largest solar technology manufacturing and research and development (R&D) footprint in the Western Hemisphere, complementing First Solar’s existing manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Alabama, and Louisiana, as well as R&D centers in Ohio and California.

Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar, highlighted the critical role of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the administration’s trade policies in driving demand for American energy technology. He stated, “We expect that this new facility will enable us to serve the US market with technology that is compliant with the Act’s stringent provisions, within timelines that align with our customers’ objectives.”

First Solar has been a pioneer in the US solar manufacturing sector since 2002 and remains the only major solar manufacturer headquartered in the United States. By 2027, the company anticipates supporting over 30,000 jobs across the country, which would represent more than $3 billion in labor income.

First Solar’s announcement of a new production facility in South Carolina is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to expanding its domestic manufacturing capabilities and supporting American energy independence. With the anticipated creation of high-paying jobs and increased production capacity, this move is expected to have a significant positive impact on both the local economy and the broader energy landscape in the United States. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, First Solar's proactive approach positions it well for future opportunities in the evolving market.