Largest solar panel factory in US to be built in Louisiana ⋆ cowboy Ron News Information

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Largest solar panel factory in US to be built in Louisiana

Robert Besser
16 Aug 2023, 02:47 GMT+10

The largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar, is planning to build a $1.1 billion facility in southwest Louisiana
Last week, Governor John Bel Edwards’ office said the project will be located at the Acadiana Regional Airport in Iberia Parish
It is expected to create some 700 jobs and provide the area an annual payroll of at least $40 million

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana: The Louisiana governor’s office has announced that the largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar, is planning to build a $1.1 billion facility in southwest Louisiana.

Last week, Governor John Bel Edwards’ office said the project will be located at the Acadiana Regional Airport in Iberia Parish, and is expected to create some 700 jobs and provide the area an annual payroll of at least $40 million.

“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. It is proof positive that Louisiana’s ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy is growing and diversifying our economy,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

“The facility will produce high-performance photovoltaic solar modules that are expected to be made with all US-made components. The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026,” the statement added.

In his comments, First Solar Chief Executive Officer Mark Widmar said, “We are pleased to partner with Louisiana as we lean into our commitment to creating enduring value for America by expanding our solar manufacturing footprint and the domestic value chains that enable it.”

Louisiana is providing an incentives package worth $30 million that includes performance-based grants for site development and infrastructure improvements.

Water and wastewater infrastructure will also be funded by Iberia Parish and the Iberia Economic Development Authority.

Founded in 1999, First Solar is unique among the world’s 10 largest solar panel manufacturers, as is the only company that has a US headquarters and does not operate in China.