A new economic impact study conducted by researchers at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette shows that solar manufacturer First Solar Inc. is generating billions of dollars in economic activity across the United States — with implications for jobs, manufacturing growth and energy development in Louisiana. 
The analysis was completed by the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center in Lafayette using IMPLAN economic modeling software, according to a news release.  
Researchers examined the company’s actual and projected U.S. spending in 2025 and 2027. 
The results show rapid growth tied to domestic solar manufacturing, including a major production facility in Louisiana. 
According to the study, First Solar’s U.S. operations supported an estimated 29,605 jobs nationwide in 2025, including direct, indirect, and induced employment. 
Louisiana is part of First Solar’s expanding American manufacturing network. By 2027, the company expects to operate six U.S. manufacturing facilities across Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio and South Carolina with a combined production capacity of about 18 gigawatts of solar modules annually. 
A new facility under construction in South Carolina is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2026 and add 3.7 gigawatts of production capacity. 
Since 2019, the company says it has invested about $4.5 billion in American manufacturing and research infrastructure. 
First Solar’s technology is also unique in the solar industry. The company operates fully vertically integrated manufacturing plants that produce thin-film photovoltaic panels, allowing a sheet of glass to be transformed into a completed solar panel in about four hours. 
Much of the raw material used in the process — including glass and steel — comes from the American supply chain. 
The report’s release also follows a recent national poll conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates for First Solar. 
Among 800 Republican and Republican-leaning voters surveyed, support for utility-scale solar energy reached as high as 70 percent when the panels are American-made. Additionally, 51 percent said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports building a U.S. solar panel manufacturing plant. 
“This study demonstrates how genuinely American solar manufacturing can deliver long-term economic value at the intersection of national priorities such as energy dominance, affordable electricity, and economic prosperity,” Mark Widmar, chief executive officer of First Solar, said. “We’re proud to contribute to America’s reindustrialization through our manufacturing and supply chain investments, as our technology works alongside all other forms of energy generation to produce affordable, reliable electricity to power growth and prosperity.” 
For Louisiana, the findings point to continued opportunities tied to advanced manufacturing and energy production. 
As solar technology becomes a larger part of the national energy mix, Louisiana’s manufacturing presence — combined with research support from institutions like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette — could help the state play a growing role in the expanding American clean-energy supply chain. 
Aaron Gonsoulin is the General Assignment/Trending Reporter for The Daily Advertiser. Contact him at AGonsoulin@theadvertiser.com. 

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