First Solar, a prominent American solar technology and manufacturing firm, has published its 2026 corporate responsibility report, detailing how its domestic production and supply chain generate enduring economic and community benefits. The report underscores that First Solar conducts the development, sourcing, manufacturing, and recycling of solar technology within the United States to bolster employment, support community growth, strengthen the industrial base, and ensure value remains local.
Samantha Sloan, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, stated that responsibility is not an afterthought but is integrated into their operational model at every stage of producing and recycling American-made solar products. Key highlights from the report point to a significant economic impact from domestic manufacturing. A study conducted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette found that in 2025, First Solar supported nearly 30,000 American jobs and $3 billion in labor income, contributing roughly $5.8 billion to the U.S. GDP. Projections indicate this could grow to over 39,000 jobs and $4 billion in labor income by 2027.
On the environmental front, First Solar's advanced thin-film manufacturing process consumes significantly less energy, water, and chemicals compared to conventional crystalline silicon production, with chemical and gas intensity reduced by up to 50 times. Its products feature an industry-leading low carbon and water footprint. First Solar is also the only manufacturer with over 20 years of global experience in in-house photovoltaic module recycling, achieving an average material recovery rate exceeding 95% in 2025, which includes the high-value recovery of critical materials like tellurium.
Currently operating the largest solar manufacturing base in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar runs five factories in Alabama, Louisiana, and Ohio, with a sixth facility under construction in South Carolina, expected to begin production in the second half of 2026. The company plans to reach an annual U.S. production capacity of approximately 17 gigawatts by 2027. Since 2019, it has invested over $5 billion in American manufacturing and research and development infrastructure. CEO Mark Widmar has previously emphasized that its differentiated and verifiable ESG leadership serves as a key competitive advantage. Through its responsible production methods, First Solar is working to transform solar energy into a reliable public good.