First Solar, America’s leading solar panel manufacturer, has unveiled plans to construct a new 3.7-gigawatt (GW) factory in the United States. The facility, slated to begin operations in late 2026, will focus on the final production stages for the company’s Series 6 solar modules, which are initially manufactured abroad. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the domestic supply chain, spurred by federal incentives such as the 45X manufacturing tax credits provided under the Inflation Reduction Act. The specific location for the new plant is currently under negotiation.
The announcement was made during an investor call following the release of the company’s third-quarter financial report. Company officials stated that production at the new site is scheduled to launch by the end of 2026, with a full ramp-up expected during the first half of 2027. While a specific location has not yet been finalized, the project represents a significant step in First Solar’s effort to expand its domestic manufacturing capabilities and bring more of its supply chain back to the US.
This expansion is heavily influenced by US industrial policy, particularly the manufacturing tax credits offered by the Inflation Reduction Act. First Solar anticipates that the Series 6 modules completed at the new factory will be eligible for these credits, which are designed to bolster domestic production of clean energy technology. The company has actively lobbied to maintain these incentives amidst political shifts, noting that while the current administration has championed renewable energy, the previous administration has expressed hostility towards the sector despite also favoring a reduction in dependence on foreign goods.
During the conference call, First Solar CEO Mark Widmar emphasized the project’s strategic alignment with national priorities. He highlighted the factory’s role in creating domestic manufacturing jobs, promoting American energy independence and affordability, and providing the power generation solutions necessary to support the country’s technological competitiveness, particularly in the race for artificial intelligence dominance.