First Solar invests $330M to expand manufacturing in SC

A solar panel manufacturer is expanding in the Upstate with a $330 million investment.

First Solar Inc., an American photovoltaic solar and manufacturing company, is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new production facility in Cherokee County, according to a news release. The company expects to spend approximately $330 million to establish the new facility, which is forecast to create over 600 new jobs.

Located at 121 Logistics Drive in Gaffney, the facility will onshore final production processes for Series 6 modules initiated by the company’s international fleet. The company currently operates a distribution center in Duncan and has a longstanding partnership with Inland Port Greer.

“As the United States experiences historic demand for abundant, affordable electricity, we’re proud to meet the moment by expanding our domestic energy technology manufacturing capacity with a new facility in South Carolina,” First Solar Inc. CEO Mark Widmar said in the release. “This investment demonstrates the value of American solar manufacturing and supply chains in unleashing energy dominance while creating jobs and prosperity for local communities.”

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Arizona, First Solar is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the Western Hemisphere.

The Gaffney plant will be part of what is one of the largest solar technology manufacturing and research and development footprints in the nation and already includes five operating, fully vertically integrated manufacturing facilities in three states, as well as a supply chain that spans the country, the release stated.

“Today is a milestone for Cherokee County. First Solar’s $330 million investment and 600 high-paying new jobs show confidence in our community,” Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer said in the release. “Projects like these position Gaffney as a leader in economic development and bring new opportunities for our citizens. We’re proud to welcome First Solar and look forward to a successful partnership.”

Operations are expected to commence in the second half of 2026. Individuals interested in joining the First Solar team should visit the company’s careers page.  The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

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