First Solar has broken ground on a PV panel manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish, Louisiana.
The facility represents an investment of approximately $1.1bn in expanding America’s capacity to produce photovoltaic solar panels.
Expected to start commercial shipments by the first half of 2026, the facility is forecast to grow the company’s nameplate manufacturing capacity by 3500MW to reach approximately 14,000MW in the US and 25,000MW globally in 2026.
When completed, the fully vertically integrated manufacturing facility will cover over two million square feet and is designed to transform a sheet of glass into a ready-to-ship Series 7 module in approximately 4.5 hours, producing over one dozen new Louisiana-made solar panels every minute.
Rudolph Libbe will serve as the general contractor for the project and has already engaged with Lafayette-headquartered LEMOINE to assist with early site work. The new facility is expected to create 500 construction jobs in Louisiana over the next 18 months.
“As America’s solar company, we are proud to welcome Louisiana to the largest solar manufacturing footprint in the Western Hemisphere,” said First Solar chief executive Mark Widmar.
“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.”
Governor of Louisiana John Bel Edwards added: “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.”