First Solar plans 3.7GW module plant in Gaffney

First Solar

First Solar plans 3.7GW module plant in South Carolina to expand US solar manufacturing capacity. The company will build the facility in Gaffney, South Carolina. First Solar plans 3.7GW module plant in South Carolina after it announced another US plant in October. The company expects to invest $330mn and start commercial operations in the second half of next year.

Domestic module capacity accelerates toward 17.7GW in 2027

First Solar is scaling domestic output to match rising utility and corporate demand. The added 3.7GW capacity will lift total US production capacity to 17.7GW in 2027. Meanwhile, the company is building a multi-site manufacturing footprint to improve logistics and resilience. Therefore, the new plant strengthens delivery reliability for long-term solar procurement.

The Gaffney investment also signals confidence in sustained US solar deployment. Manufacturers are prioritising repeatable factory designs and faster ramp schedules. However, execution will depend on hiring, qualification, and stable equipment commissioning. As a result, early operational milestones will shape the market’s confidence in the timeline.

US manufacturing footprint widens across multiple states

First Solar plans 3.7GW module plant in South Carolina to add to five existing US facilities. The company already operates plants in Ohio, Alabama, and Louisiana. Meanwhile, a broader footprint can diversify operational risk and improve regional supply coverage. Therefore, the company can support customers across different grid and project corridors.

This expansion also influences the solar supply chain beyond modules. Domestic output can support faster project cycles when logistics and lead times tighten. However, developers still monitor input costs, permitting, and interconnection delays. As a result, manufacturing expansion works best when grid buildout keeps pace.

The Metalnomist Commentary

US module capacity is shifting from policy ambition to industrial reality. Meanwhile, scale manufacturing can stabilise pricing and shorten delivery times. Therefore, winners will be the firms that ramp reliably and meet bankability standards.