First Solar Invests $330M in New South Carolina Manufacturing
First Solar, Inc. announced plans to build a new facility in Gaffney, South Carolina, that will bring the final stages of its solar module production back to the U.S. The new site will
First Solar announced it will establish a new manufacturing facility in Gaffney, South Carolina, to onshore final production processes for Series 6 Plus modules. The company expects to spend approximately $330 million to establish the new facility, which is scheduled to commence commercial operations in the second half of 2026.
Those components are currently made by First Solar's factories overseas, but once the South Carolina plant opens in the second half of 2026, they'll be finished on US soil. The company plans to invest approximately $330 million in the new site, which is expected to create more than 600 new jobs.
The company says it will build a new facility in Gaffney, South Carolina, to handle the final production steps for its Series 6 Plus thin film modules. Those components are currently made by First Solar's factories overseas, but once the South Carolina plant opens in the second half of 2026, they'll be finished on US soil.
The launch of ES Foundry's solar cell factory marks a pivotal moment not just for South Carolina but for America's green energy future as well. By prioritizing domestic manufacturing and sustainable practices, this initiative symbolizes hope for expansive growth within both local economies and national energy independence efforts.
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