First Solar Breaks Ground in LA: 3500MW Expansion by 2026

• First Solar has broken ground on a record-breaking $1.1bn PV panel manufacturing facility in Louisiana. The facility, expected to start commercial shipments by the first half of 2026, will create 500 construction jobs and increase the company's nameplate manufacturing capacity by 3500MW.

First Solar has broken ground on a PV panel manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish, Louisiana. The $1.1bn facility is expected to start commercial shipments by the first half of 2026 and grow the company’s nameplate manufacturing capacity by 3500MW. When completed, the facility will cover over two million square feet and create 500 construction jobs in Louisiana. First Solar CEO Mark Widmar explains that this facility “represents First Solar’s investment in our country’s future”, delivering jobs and economic value and enabling “the foundations needed for the country to enter the next decade with a secure supply of solar energy technology”. Governor John Bel Edwards also expressed his joy at the record-breaking investment, solidifying Louisiana’s place as a leader in the global energy transition.

What Is the Total Cost of Dubai's Solar Power Project?

• The total cost of Dubai's solar power project is estimated to be US$13.6 billion.
• The project will generate 5,000 megawatts (MW) of clean energy by 2030.
• The project will be located in Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world's largest solar park.
• The project will include constructing a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) tower, a photovoltaic (PV) plant and a hybrid solar-gas plant.
• It will also feature an innovation center and research area to develop and test new technologies.
• The project is expected to create 15,000 jobs and reduce carbon emissions by 6.5 million tonnes annually.
• The project is part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which is aimed at providing 75% of Dubai's energy needs from clean energy sources by 2050.