Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 25,  First Solar has inaugurated its advanced AI-integrated solar manufacturing plant in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, representing a notable increase in its domestic production capabilities.

The plant is expected to employ 826 employees by the end of the year.

The $1.1 billion facility occupies about 2.4 million square feet and features a fully integrated production process. It employs cutting-edge AI systems to identify defects in solar panels automatically during assembly.

According to the company, operations at the Louisiana site commenced in July 2025, completing the project earlier than initially planned.

The plant focuses on producing Series 7 modules, utilizing materials obtained from within the United States, such as glass from facilities in Illinois and Ohio, and steel manufactured in Mississippi before being processed into components in Louisiana.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated: "First Solar's investment is already delivering real results for Iberia Parish and the surrounding region with hundreds of good-paying jobs and new opportunities for Louisiana workers and businesses."

Currently, the Iberia Parish operation provides employment for over 700 individuals, with projections to reach 826 staff members by the close of the year.

When reaching full capacity, the site will contribute 3.5 gigawatts of annual production capability, boosting First Solar's overall U.S. manufacturing presence to 14 gigawatts in 2026 and 17.7 gigawatts in 2027.

This development forms part of what is described as the most extensive solar technology production and research infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere. The network encompasses three complete integrated manufacturing locations in Ohio, one in Alabama, and research facilities in Ohio and California.

First Solar Chief Executive Officer Mark Widmar commented: "This is more than just a manufacturing facility. It's a commitment to American energy dominance, affordable electricity, growth and prosperity."

"By competitively producing energy technology in America with American materials, while creating American jobs, we're demonstrating that US reindustrialisation isn't just a thesis, it's an operating reality."

In a recent update, First Solar disclosed intentions to allocate resources toward a new assembly line in Gaffney, South Carolina, aimed at localizing the concluding stages of Series 6 module production previously handled by its global operations.

By the conclusion of 2026, the company anticipates employing more than 5,500 personnel across the United States and having committed around $4.5 billion to local manufacturing and research infrastructure since 2019.

These expansions underscore First Solar's strategy to enhance its operational scale, integrate innovative technologies like AI for quality control, and support the growth of renewable energy production through domestically focused initiatives. The Louisiana facility, in particular, highlights advancements in efficient manufacturing techniques that prioritize precision and sustainability in solar panel output.