First Solar has selected the Acadiana Regional Airport in Iberia Parish, Louisiana as the location for its previously announced fifth thin-film solar module factory in the US.
The facility represents an investment of up to $1.1bn to expand America’s capacity to produce photovoltaic solar modules on domestic soil.
Expected to be completed in the first half of 2026, the facility is forecast to grow First Solar’s nameplate manufacturing capacity by 3.5GW to reach approximately 14GW in the US in 2026.
First Solar’s investment in Louisiana is expected to create over 700 new direct manufacturing jobs in the state.
The company already has over 2500 employees across the country and expects to have more than 4000 direct employees in the country by 2026, including 850 new manufacturing jobs expected to be created in Alabama and Ohio and over 100 new R&D jobs planned in Ohio.
“First Solar’s selection of Iberia Parish for its newest solar panel production facility leaves no doubt that Louisiana is leading the global energy transition, and creating good-paying jobs as a result,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.
Edwards added: “This massive investment and the jobs it will create are a huge win for the people of Acadiana and the entire state.
“It is proof positive that Louisiana’s ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy is growing and diversifying our economy.
“Thank you to everyone who made this day a reality, and a special ‘thank you’ to First Solar for trusting Louisiana to be part of their mission to create a more sustainable future.”