First Solar has announced plans to invest up to $1.2 billion to increase the production of solar modules in the US. With this, the company expects to expand its locally produced solar module capacity for the US market to over 10 GWdc by 2025. It plans to develop a 3.5 GWdc annual production facility in the south-eastern part of the country.
Upon completion, it will be the fourth fully vertically integrated domestic manufacturing in the country for First Solar. Additionally, the company intends to invest $185 million to enhance and expand the production footprint in Northwest Ohio by 0.9 GWdc. At its two operational plants in Perrysburg and Lake Township, Ohio, it intends to increase the Series 6 module production capacity by 0.6 GWdc to 3.6 GWdc.
At its third Ohio factory, First Solar will also increase its annual capacity for the production of solar modules to 3.5 GWdc. The facility is anticipated to open in the first quarter of 2023. The third facility of the company produces Series 7 module capacity. At least 850 manufacturing jobs should be created as a result of the investment. First Solar anticipates supporting a total of 15,000 indirect and induced jobs by 2025.
REGlobal’s Views: First Solar has been ramping up its production facilities across the US. The push for domestically-sourced solar power components in the face of increasing energy security concerns have led to local manufacturers planning extensive capacity expansion. First Solar is also building its first manufacturing facility in India, another country that is focusing heavily on self-reliance in the solar manufacturing space.
