First Solar Expands Ohio Operations with New Distribution Hub

• First Solar is making strategic moves to increase production capacity in Ohio, with plans for a new distribution centre, expanded module production, and a research and development centre. Their goal is to achieve a 14 GW production footprint in the US by 2026.

First Solar, a US thin-film photovoltaics (PV) maker, has announced plans to open a new distribution centre in Ohio as part of its strategy to increase production capacity in the state. The company has acquired a 1.2-million-square-foot facility in Troy Township, which will be repurposed into a distribution hub. The facility will serve First Solar's local factories, which have a combined capacity to produce approximately 6 GW of PV products by the end of 2023. The new distribution centre will streamline logistics activities, reduce operating costs, and ensure efficient shipping of modules to customers.

First Solar is also expanding its module production capacity in Ohio by 1 GW and aims to have a US manufacturing footprint of over 10 GW by 2025. The company plans to use the flexible space of the new site as a light-scale satellite manufacturing location in the long term. Additionally, First Solar will open a new research and development centre in Ohio and invest over $2 billion throughout 2024 to open new factories in Alabama and Louisiana, with the goal of achieving a 14 GW production footprint in the US by 2026.

What are First Solar's plans for expanding production capacity and opening new facilities in the US?

• First Solar plans to expand its production capacity in the US by building new facilities.
• The company aims to increase its manufacturing capabilities to meet the growing demand for renewable energy.
• The expansion plans include the construction of new solar panel manufacturing plants.
• These new facilities will enable First Solar to produce a larger volume of solar panels, contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector in the US.
• The company's expansion strategy also involves the establishment of new research and development centers to drive innovation in solar technology.
• By opening new facilities, First Solar aims to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the regions where the plants are located.
• The company's investment in expanding production capacity demonstrates its commitment to supporting the transition to clean energy and reducing carbon emissions in the US.
• First Solar's expansion plans align with the government's push for increased renewable energy production and the development of a sustainable energy infrastructure.
• The company's efforts to expand production capacity and open new facilities in the US will contribute to the country's goal of achieving energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.