First Solar to build La. facility

The Louisiana Economic Development announced, in a media release, that First Solar has selected Acadiana Regional Airport in Iberia Parish as the site of its fifth American manufacturing facility. 

The company says it will invest up to $1.1B in the facility, which will produce high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. The project is expected to be complete in the first half of 2026. 

The company expects to create more than 700 new direct jobs. It is believed to be the largest single capital investment in the area’s history. 

“First Solar’s selection of Iberia Parish for its newest solar panel production facility leaves no doubt that Louisiana is leading the global energy transition, and creating good-paying jobs as a result,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “This massive investment and the jobs it will create are a huge win for the people of Acadiana and the entire state. It is proof positive that Louisiana’s ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy is growing and diversifying our economy. Thank you to everyone who made this day a reality, and a special thank-you to First Solar for trusting Louisiana to be part of their mission to create a more sustainable future\The Acadiana facility will be built on an LED Certified Site, meaning it has gone through extensive due diligence and studies to be declared development-ready. It will produce First Solar’s Series 7 modules, which are expected to be manufactured with 100% U.S.-made components. 

First Solar is an American-based energy technology company and global provider of eco-efficient solar modules. The company is among the world’s 10 largest solar panel manufacturers as the only company with a U.S. headquarters and without a base of operations in China.

Louisiana offered First Solar a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart; and performance-based grants for site development and infrastructure improvements totaling $30M.

All grants are contingent upon meeting investment, employment and payroll targets. KATC 08/10/23) First Solar to invest 1.1 billion to build solar panel facility in Acadiana (katc.com)

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