First Solar Projects Nearly 40,000 US Jobs by 2027
First Solar, Inc. Is projected to support almost 40,000 jobs across the United States by 2027, according to a new economic impact study released Monday, . The company anticipates operating 18 gigawatts (GW) of annual solar module production capacity across six facilities in Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, and South Carolina by that time.
The study, conducted by the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette using IMPLAN economic modeling software, analyzed First Solar’s actual and forecasted US spending for both 2025 and 2027. The findings indicate a substantial increase in economic contribution over the next two years.
In 2025, First Solar’s US operations were estimated to support 29,605 direct, indirect, and induced jobs nationwide, generating approximately $3 billion in labor income. This translates to an average of $101,145 per worker, which is more than double the national median personal income, according to the report.
Looking ahead to 2027, the number of supported jobs is expected to increase by nearly 10,000. This growth is projected to result in almost $1 billion increase in estimated labor income, rising from $3 billion in 2025 to $4 billion in 2027. The company’s estimated contribution to US GDP is also expected to climb, from $5.8 billion in 2025 to $7.8 billion in 2027.
These figures do not include the broader economic impacts associated with the development, construction, and maintenance of solar power plants utilizing First Solar’s technology. The study focuses specifically on the direct and indirect effects of the company’s manufacturing operations and related spending.
First Solar’s expansion reflects a growing trend in domestic solar manufacturing, driven by increasing demand for renewable energy and government policies aimed at bolstering the US clean energy sector. The company’s commitment to US-based production is expected to create significant economic opportunities in the regions where its facilities are located.
The economic impact study provides a detailed assessment of First Solar’s contributions to the US economy, highlighting the company’s role in job creation, income generation, and overall economic growth. The findings underscore the potential for the solar industry to serve as a major engine of economic development in the years to come.
