First Solar Inc. has announced plans to develop a new manufacturing facility in the U.S with an annual production capacity of 3.7 gigawatts (GW) for finishing its Series 6 solar modules. The facility will begin operations at the end of 2026 and ramp up through the first half of 2027. Other than increasing the U.S.’s self-reliance when it comes to the manufacturing of solar modules, the 3.7 GW facility also supports First Solar’s expansion efforts backed by around US$ 4.5 billion. The solar panel maker also expects to reach 14 GW of annual U.S. manufacturing capacity by 2026. The company‘s solar manufacturing facility, in Lake Township, Ohio also continues expansion as First Solar expects total Ohio capacity to surpass 7 GW by end 2025. This will feature the Lake Township facility, Perrysburg’s 2.6 GW facility and an additional 1.1 GW in expansions.
Factsheet for First Solar 3.7 GW U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Developer: First Solar Inc.
Capacity: 3.7 GW per annum
Start of Operations: End of 2026, ramp through first half of 2027
Investment: Part of US$ 4.5 billion First Solar’s U.S. manufacturing expansion strategy. Also qualifies for 45X module-assembly tax credits under U.S. policy.
Utility: Final assembly of Series 6 solar modules.
Project Timeline
October 2025: Plans for the new 3.7 GW U.S. manufacturing facility.
Late 2026: Start of operations for the facility expected.
Through 2027: Ramp up expected to achieve full capacity.
Outlook on the 3.7 GW U.S. Manufacturing Facility by First Solar
Site selection, construction timeline and operational execution are all also important to First Solar’s manufacturing facility in the U.S. Additionally, with growth of the U.S. solar manufacturing landscape, this facility may also attract investments in other module technologies, alongside recycling and circular economy capabilities as well.
First Solar and U.S. PV Modules Manufacturing Landscape
The new 3.7 GW facility is in all words First Solar increasing the U.S.’s PV modules manufacturing capabilities. It also comes at a time when contentious policies on climate change and domestic supply chain security are talk of the town.
With solar module tariffs, tax credits such as the 45X assembly credit and increasing demand for renewable energy infrastructure globally, First Solar continues to make bets on manufacturing growth while focusing on regulatory tailwinds that seem to matter.
