First Solar (FSLR) said Friday it inaugurated a $1.10 billion artificial intelligence-enabled vertically integrated manufacturing unit in Iberia Parish, Louisiana.

The 2.4 million square feet facility employs 700 people, and the headcount is expected to reach 826 by year-end. The facility will add 3.5 gigawatts of annual capacity when fully operational, according to a statement.

The facility will leverage computer vision and deep learning to detect defects in solar panels during production. Technicians also utilize AI-driven tools to make operating adjustments as required, according to the company.

The factory is expected to lift Iberia Parish's gross domestic product by 4.4% in its first full year of operations at capacity, the company said.

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