First Solar to invest $1.1 billion into new Alabama facility

First Solar, Inc. has chosen a town in Alabama for the location of its fourth American photovoltaic solar module manufacturing facility. The factory, which will be located in Lawrence County, will require an investment of about $1.1 billion and is expected to be commissioned in 2025. The project will also create over 700 new jobs in North Alabama.

“Our commitment to Responsible Solar includes operating facilities that are among the cleanest, safest and most diverse in the country, and we’re pleased to bring our model of responsible solar manufacturing to Alabama,” said Mark Widmar, chief executive officer of First Solar. “We are proud of the role that this facility will play in creating stable, good-paying manufacturing jobs in the state, demonstrating the economic and social value that clean energy can deliver.”

“As it works to develop the next generation of solar technologies, First Solar represents the kind of innovative, technology-forward company that can help power Alabama’s economy into the future,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. “This investment supports sustainability and advances America’s energy security — and it’s great news for Alabama.”