First Solar has inaugurated its new module factory in Tamil Nadu, India.
The facility, which has an annual nameplate capacity of 3.3GW and directly employs approximately 1000 people, will produce First Solar’s Series 7 thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, which were developed at the company’s research and development centres in the US and optimised for the Indian market.
India’s Minister for Industries, Promotions and Commerce of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Dr T R B Rajaa inaugurated the facility in a ceremony attended by the United States Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, and Scott Nathan, Chief Executive Officer of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
Rajaa said: “We are pleased that First Solar chose Tamil Nadu for this landmark investment, solidifying our state’s position as India’s hub for manufacturing.
“This factory sets a high bar for sustainability and advanced manufacturing and has created high-value jobs as a result of its presence in our state, all while supporting India’s ambition to become self-sufficient in solar technology.”
Garcetti said: “One month ago in Dubai, COP28 participants issued a bold call for the world to transition away from fossil fuels, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
“This First Solar production facility will help advance our global transition to cleaner, greener energy, and stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when the United States and India work together – across government and private sectors – to achieve lasting climate action.”
Representing an investment of approximately $700m, which includes $500m in previously announced DFC financing, the facility is First Solar’s sixth operational factory and expands the company’s global manufacturing footprint to four countries, including the US, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Since the start of this decade, First Solar has embarked on a $4.1bn manufacturing expansion strategy that has seen it grow from approximately 6GW operational in 2020 to over 16GW global nameplate capacity at the end of 2023.
In addition to its India facility, the company also commissioned its third US factory, located in Ohio, in 2023.