First Solar inaugurates a 3.3 GW manufacturing facility in India

First Solar has officially opened its new facility in Tamil Nadu, India, marking the nation's inaugural fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing plant. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. T R B Rajaa, the Minister for Industries, Promotions, and Commerce of the Government of Tamil Nadu, along with Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India, and Scott Nathan, CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Dr. T R B Rajaa expressed satisfaction that Tamil Nadu was chosen by First Solar for this significant investment, reinforcing the state's position as India's manufacturing hub. He highlighted the facility's commitment to sustainability and advanced manufacturing, generating high-value employment opportunities and contributing to India's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in solar technology.

The facility, with an annual nameplate capacity of 3.3 gigawatts (GW) and a workforce of around 1,000, is responsible for manufacturing First Solar's Series 7 photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. These modules were designed at the company's research and development centers in the United States, and specifically tailored for the Indian market. Notably, First Solar stands out among the world's major solar manufacturers as the sole company headquartered in the United States. Utilizing a tellurium-based semiconductor, the company avoids reliance on Chinese crystalline silicon supply chains, making it the second most prevalent photovoltaic technology globally.

Ambassador Eric Garcetti emphasized that the First Solar production facility signifies a significant step forward in the global transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy. He highlighted it as a noteworthy example of successful collaboration between the United States and India across governmental and private sectors to achieve lasting climate action. The facility, representing an investment of approximately $700 million, includes $500 million in previously announced financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This marks First Solar's sixth operational factory, expanding its global manufacturing presence to four countries, including the United States, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Scott Nathan, CEO of DFC, stated that the United States is utilizing American innovation to diversify crucial energy supply chains worldwide, fostering economic growth in India. The $500 million financing underscores the strengthening partnership between DFC and India, highlighting India as DFC's largest market and a compatible collaborator with a dynamic private sector.