T1 Energy Inc has officially begun construction on its massive new solar cell manufacturing facility, dubbed “G2_Austin,” located in Manor, Texas. The groundbreaking, announced on December 17, 2025, marks the start of a strategic $400 million to $425 million investment aimed at fortifying the domestic U.S. solar supply chain. The first phase of the project is designed to produce 2.1 gigawatts (GW) of high-efficiency solar cells annually, with commercial operations slated to begin by the end of 2026. This facility represents a critical step for T1 Energy, formerly Freyr Battery, as it pivots toward establishing a fully integrated, non-Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) silicon-based supply chain on American soil.
Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Independence
The G2_Austin facility will specialize in the production of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) solar cells, a cutting-edge technology known for higher efficiency compared to traditional cells. By producing these cells domestically, T1 Energy aims to close a significant gap in the U.S. solar market. It currently relies heavily on imported cells to feed module assembly plants. The output from G2_Austin will directly supply T1’s existing 5 GW module manufacturing plant in Dallas (G1_Dallas). Further, it will create a streamlined “sand-to-electron” production capability within the state of Texas. To support this ecosystem, T1 secured long-term supply agreements for polysilicon and wafers with U.S. partners Hemlock Semiconductor and Corning Inc., ensuring that the raw materials used are also domestically sourced.
G2_Austin Solar Cell Facility: Factsheet
Location: Manor (Milam County), Texas
Developer: T1 Energy Inc.
Investment: $400 – $425 Million
Technology: TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) Solar Cells
Capacity (Phase 1): 2.1 GW Annually
Capacity (Future Potential): Up to 5.3 GW Total
Construction Start: December 2025
Target Completion: Late 2026
Job Creation: Up to 1,800 manufacturing jobs
Supply Chain Integration:
Feeds T1’s 5 GW G1_Dallas Module Plant
Sourced by Hemlock Semiconductor (Polysilicon) and Corning Inc. (Wafers)
Economic Impact and Strategic Context
Situated on over 100 acres in Milam County, the project will be a major economic driver for the region—a renewable momentum further evidenced as Cypress Creek closes financing and starts construction of the 500 MW Meta-backed Hanson Solar project in Texas. T1 Energy projects the facility will support up to 1,800 new advanced manufacturing jobs once fully operational. The company’s leadership highlighted that this investment is supported by pro-growth trade policies designed to reshore critical energy infrastructure. Beyond the initial 2.1 GW phase, the site has been master-planned to accommodate a potential second phase that could add another 3.2 GW of capacity. This will be contingent on market demand. This scalability positions T1 Energy to potentially exceed 5 GW of total cell production in the future. It directly addresses the U.S. solar industry’s urgent need for secure, compliant components.
