First Solar has announced plans to establish a new solar module production facility in Gaffney, South Carolina, USA.
Dedicated to the final production processes for its Series 6 Plus modules, the company expects to invest approximately $330m in the new plant. The new facility will take thin film solar cells produced by First Solar’s international fleet and transform them into fully completed modules.
Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026 and is anticipated to offer an average manufacturing salary of $74,000 per year.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster commented: “South Carolina is proud to be a destination for innovative energy companies that are powering our country with American technology.
“First Solar’s investment will create 600 new jobs in Cherokee County, which will greatly strengthen the local economy and help advance America’s energy independence.”
The decision was reportedly driven by demand for domestically produced energy technology, which was catalysed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025.
This move is intended to increase First Solar’s capacity for American-made solar technology that is fully compliant with anticipated Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) guidance.
“The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the Administration’s trade policies boosted demand for American energy technology, requiring a timely, agile response that allows us to meet the moment,” First Solar CEO Mark Widmar added.
“We expect that this new facility will enable us to serve the US market with technology that is compliant with the Act’s stringent provisions, within timelines that align with our customers’ objectives.”
It expands the company’s existing South Carolina presence, which includes a distribution centre and a partnership with Inland Port Greer.
This new plant will become part of the largest solar technology manufacturing and research and development (R&D) footprint in the Western Hemisphere. According to the company’s official statement, First Solar expects to directly employ over 5,500 people in the US by the end of 2026.
The Gaffney plant is expected to add 3.7GW to First Solar’s annual nameplate capacity, reaching 17.7GW by 2027.
