T1 Energy Starts Construction on $400 Million G2_Austin Solar Cell Fab in Rockdale, Texas

T1 Energy announced on December 17, 2025, that construction has begun on its G2_Austin solar cell fab in Milam County, Texas, an anticipated $400 million to $425 million investment. The site covers more than 100 acres near Rockdale and is expected to support up to 1,800 advanced manufacturing jobs.

2.1 GW of TOPCon cells

The first phase is expected to have annual capacity of 2.1 GW of high-efficiency TOPCon solar cells and to begin producing cells by the end of 2026. T1 says this first phase alone is larger than the existing U.S. capacity to manufacture silicon-based solar cells. A second phase of 3.2 GW is planned and could be expanded if demand for cells grows.

Completing a domestic supply chain

Cells made at G2_Austin are expected to supply T1’s operational 5 GW G1_Dallas module facility. Combined with a contract to source polysilicon and wafers from Hemlock Semiconductor and Corning in Michigan, T1 expects the fab to be the final major link in a domestic solar supply chain.

Dan Barcelo, Chairman and CEO, T1 Energy said:

“G2_Austin is a centerpiece of our strategy to build an integrated U.S. polysilicon solar supply chain. Solar is the most scalable, reliable, and low-cost energy available today, and I look forward to the future of American solar running through Rockdale, Texas.”