Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
First Solar opens new $1.1B solar manufacturing plant in Lawrence County
The long-awaited First Solar, Inc. manufacturing facility in Lawrence County has opened. The $1.1 billion facility, which adds 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of fully vertically integrated nameplate solar manufacturing capacity in the United States, is expected to create over 800 new energy technology manufacturing jobs in the state.
“This represents a great day for First Solar and for Lawrence County because this production facility is destined to become a major player in the US renewable energy market.”
Gov. Kay Ivey
What does First Solar produce
According to First Solar, the Alabama plant’s manufacturing process allows it to transform a sheet of glass into ready-to-ship thin film solar panels in approximately four hours.
“This energy technology manufacturing facility produces American solar panels, with American-made components sourced from a supply chain that spans the country. The hundreds of people that operate this facility represent the next generation of American energy workers and are joined by thousands more steelworkers, glassworkers, miners, truck drivers, railroad workers, and others that enable our mission to support our country’s energy security.”
Mark Widmar, chief executive officer, First Solar
Game-changer for Alabama
Energy Alabama’s executive director Daniel Tait calls the new facility a game-changer for clean energy in Alabama.
“First Solar is a great example of how Alabama is building our clean energy future. From strong local jobs, to supplying solar farms right here in Alabama, First Solar’s Lawrence County facility is a game changer. Energy Alabama couldn’t be more excited to see Alabama’s rise to be central to America’s clean energy manufacturing boom.”
Daniel Tait, Energy Alabama
Learn more about solar’s future
Want to learn about solar power in Alabama? Earlier this year, The Bama Buzz/Bham Now published a series of stories about its future in the state.
Check it out:
- How one Alabama nonprofit captures power from the sun
- Going Solar” Toolkit: Want to power your home, business or school with the sun? Here’s how.
- Solar-powered sweetness made at Milo’s Tea plant in Bessemer, Alabama
Are you excited about a new $1.1B solar facility opening in Lawrence County? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
