First Solar has commenced construction on a cutting-edge photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish, Louisiana. This remarkable venture represents a substantial investment of approximately $1.1 billion, aimed at bolstering America's capacity for producing solar panels.
Expected to commence commercial operations in the first half of 2026, the facility is poised to amplify First Solar's manufacturing capabilities by a whopping 3,500 megawatts (MW), pushing the company's nameplate manufacturing capacity in the United States to an impressive 14,000 MW and a global capacity of 25,000 MW by 2026.
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Once completed, this fully integrated manufacturing facility will sprawl across more than two million square feet. Its technological prowess will enable the transformation of a sheet of glass into a ready-to-ship Series 7 module in a mere 4.5 hours, churning out over one dozen Louisiana-made solar panels every minute.
The esteemed construction firm Rudolph Libbe has been entrusted as the general contractor for this monumental project, with support from Lafayette-based LEMOINE for early site work. The venture is anticipated to generate approximately 500 construction jobs in Louisiana over the next 18 months.
Mark Widmar, the Chief Executive of First Solar, expressed his pride in the venture, stating, “As America's solar company, we are proud to welcome Louisiana to the largest solar manufacturing footprint in the Western Hemisphere. 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.”
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Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana also lauded the project, calling it a “historic day for Iberia Parish and Louisiana” and highlighting the hundreds of high-quality jobs it will create. He noted that First Solar's decision to choose Louisiana for its new solar panel production facility solidifies the state's position as a leader in the global energy transition.
