First Solar, Inc. inaugurated a 2.4‑million‑square‑foot, fully vertically‑integrated manufacturing plant in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The $1.1 billion investment marks the company’s largest single‑site expansion to date and will create more than 700 jobs immediately, with a projected workforce of 826 by year‑end.
The new facility will add 3.5 GW of annual nameplate capacity and will produce the company’s Series 6 modules and future CuRe‑enabled products. AI‑powered quality‑control systems are integrated into the production line, improving yield and reducing defects while keeping the plant’s operations lean and responsive to market demand.
Strategically, the plant is part of First Solar’s broader plan to reach 14 GW of U.S. capacity in 2026 and 17.7 GW in 2027. By expanding domestic production, the company can fully leverage the Inflation Reduction Act’s Section 45X tax credits, strengthen its competitive moat against silicon‑based rivals, and reduce exposure to overseas supply‑chain disruptions.
Financially, First Solar’s Q3 2025 results showed net sales of $1.6 billion and earnings per diluted share of $4.24, both meeting consensus estimates. The company’s full‑year 2025 sales guidance of $4.95 billion to $5.20 billion falls short of the $5.38 billion consensus, reflecting a cautious outlook amid rising raw‑material costs. YoY revenue grew 78% from Q3 2024, while EPS rose 45%, underscoring the impact of the new plant’s cost efficiencies and higher‑margin product mix.
CEO Mark Widmar emphasized the facility’s significance, stating, “This is more than just a manufacturing facility. It’s a commitment to American energy dominance, affordable electricity, growth and prosperity.” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry added that the investment is already delivering “hundreds of good‑paying jobs and new opportunities for Louisiana workers and businesses.”
Analysts highlighted the plant’s role in expanding domestic capacity, capturing IRA tax credits, and advancing thin‑film technology as key drivers of positive sentiment. Headwinds include ongoing supply‑chain volatility and trade‑policy uncertainty, while tailwinds such as the IRA’s incentives and AI‑enabled production processes reinforce First Solar’s long‑term growth prospects.
The Iberia Parish plant strengthens First Solar’s domestic footprint, reduces reliance on overseas manufacturing, and positions the company to capture a larger share of the U.S. solar market. By combining advanced technology, cost efficiencies, and policy incentives, the facility supports the company’s strategy for sustained growth and competitive advantage.
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