First Solar opens first phase of 3.4 GW solar module plant in Gaffney, South Carolina

First Solar has opened the first phase of production at its new solar module facility in Gaffney, South Carolina, a plant slated to reach 3.4 GW of capacity. The company plans to use the facility to onshore the final production processes for Series 6 Plus thin-film modules initiated at its international facilities, with the second phase of the $330 million plant expected to be complete by mid-2027, raising capacity from 1.7 GW to 3.4 GW. First Solar says the investment was driven by rising domestic demand for U.S.-made energy equipment following recent federal trade policies and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law in July 2025.