First Solar Opens $1.1 Billion AI-Enabled Solar Factory in Louisiana

NEW IBERIA, La. – First Solar, the largest U.S.-based solar manufacturer, today inaugurated its fifth American factory – a 2.4 million square foot, $1.1 billion facility in Iberia Parish, Louisiana.

The highly automated plant uses artificial intelligence-driven production systems to manufacture First Solar’s advanced Series 7 thin-film photovoltaic modules. When fully ramped, the factory will have an annual capacity of 3.5 gigawatts and will employ more than 800 people.

“This is more than just a manufacturing facility. It’s a commitment to American energy dominance, affordable electricity, growth and prosperity,” said Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by state and federal officials.

The Louisiana plant is First Solar’s second factory to open in 2024 and further expands the company’s domestic manufacturing footprint to over 10 GW of annual nameplate capacity.