First Solar breaks ground on largest thin-film solar manufacturing plant in the US

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The planned annual nameplate capacity of the Ohio 2 facility makes it the largest single thin-film solar module manufacturing facility in the US and combined with the Ohio 1 flagship facility, creates the largest solar thin-film manufacturing hub in the US at 1.8GW. Image: First Solar

Leading CdTe thin-film PV module manufacturer First Solar held a ground breaking ceremony on 8 June 2018 for the construction of its new 1.2GW manufacturing plant near its existing flagship facility in Perrysburg, Ohio.

The planned annual nameplate capacity of the Ohio 2 facility makes it the largest single thin-film solar module manufacturing facility in the US and combined with the Ohio 1 flagship facility, creates the largest solar thin-film manufacturing hub in the US at 1.8GW. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Both facilities are dedicated to First Solar’s large-area Series 6 modules (3x size) of its previous Series 4 modules. 

Initial module production is expected in late 2019 and is expected to cost around US$400 million, while creating around 500 new jobs.

However, in May, 2018, ‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Hanwha Q CELLS announced plans to build a PV module manufacturing plant in Whitfield County, Georgia, with a capacity that would exceed 1.6GW.

Read Next

July 16, 2026
In the second of a two-part post, Moustafa Ramadan, head of PV Tech Research, explores the increasingly complex risks associated with solar cell procurement in the US.
Premium
July 15, 2026
US module and soon-to-be cell manufacturer T1 Energy is looking beyond wafers and cells to catalyse domestic production of ancillary components such as glass, frames and even pallets—while tapping semiconductor industry talent to staff its expanding operations.
July 13, 2026
JinkoSolar has announced a senior management change as the company continues to struggle with losses.
Sponsored
July 13, 2026
Dylan Middleton and Ruiqi Hua of JA discuss the importance of traceability, decarbonisation and circularity in PV module manufacturing.
July 9, 2026
The latest Silicon Industry Branch figures indicate continued weakness in the Chinese polysilicon market this week, though the decline slowed markedly.
July 8, 2026
A report by think-tank ECNO has blamed grid bottlenecks, permitting delays and flexibility limitations for a slowdown in the EU’s renewables growth.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye