First Solar, Inc. establishing new Cherokee County facility
November 17, 2025
Solar panel production facility to commence operations in 2026, expecting to invest $330 million and creating over 600 new jobs
First Solar, Inc., (First Solar) a leading American photovoltaic (PV) solar and manufacturing company, has announced that it is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new production facility in Cherokee County. The company expects to spend approximately $330 million to establish the new facility, which is forecast to create over 600 new jobs.
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Arizona, First Solar is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the Western Hemisphere.
Located at 121 Logistics Drive in Gaffney, the facility will onshore final production processes for Series 6 modules initiated by the company’s international fleet.
The company currently operates a distribution center in Duncan and has a longstanding partnership with Inland Port Greer.
The Gaffney plant will be part of what is one of the largest solar technology manufacturing and research and development (R&D) footprints in the nation and already includes five operating, fully vertically integrated manufacturing facilities in three states, as well as a supply chain that spans the country.
Operations are expected to commence in the second half of 2026. Individuals interested in joining the First Solar team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.
