First Solar's Louisiana plant part of expansion that will result in 30000 jobs across the U.S. - The Advocate

First Solar's Louisiana plant part of expansion that will result in 30,000 jobs across the U.S. | Business | theadvocate.com

Solar panel manufacturer First Solar is expected to employ over 30,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs across the country in 2026 when plants in Iberia Parish and other cities around the country come online.

A report from the Blanco Public Policy Center commissioned by First Solar used economic software to analyze First Solar’s actual and forecasted U.S. spending last year and in 2026 when the company expects to have 14 gigawatts of annual nameplate capacity across Alabama, Louisiana and Ohio.

Construction jobs are expected to total 5,765 spread out among the three plants with an income reaching $637.8 million, the report indicated.

First Solar began last fall building its $1.1 billion plant near the Acadiana Regional Airport near New Iberia and expect to be complete by 2026. Company officials say it will employ over 700 and have an annual payroll over at least $40 million.

“This report reflects the real value of solar technology made in America for America, with materials sourced from businesses across the country, and not simply assembled here using imported components,” First Solar CEO Mark Widmar said. “We know that our investments, catalyzed by the Inflation Reduction Act, are enabling jobs and bringing prosperity to communities in places such as Lawrence County, Alabama, Iberia Parish, Louisiana and Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and this report helps quantify the extent of our contribution to the U.S. economy in real terms.”