First Solar Nears Production Start at South Carolina Facility Ahead of 2026 Guidance

First Solar is preparing to bring its Gaffney, South Carolina finishing facility online in the second half of 2026, a move expected to enhance its domestic manufacturing flexibility and advance the integration of its CuRe technology.

According to the company’s Q2 2026 earnings call and latest corporate responsibility update, phase 1 of the South Carolina finishing facility remains on track to begin production in H2 2026, while phase 2 is now expected to be completed in mid‑2027. This revised timeline reflects ongoing efforts to optimize the facility’s launch and incorporate CuRe technology from the start of operations. Once completed, the plant is projected to provide up to 3.5 GW of finishing capacity for modules initiated at First Solar’s international manufacturing sites. This strategic expansion is designed to enhance the company’s supply chain flexibility while optimizing logistics, tariffs, domestic content compliance, and Section 45X economics. First Solar also noted strong performance from CuRe modules produced in Perrysburg, Ohio, reinforcing the decision to integrate this technology into the South Carolina facility. The company issued its latest corporate responsibility report separately today, reaffirming its focus on supply chain transparency, U.S. manufacturing, workforce development and resource efficiency.

This development connects closely with First Solar’s reaffirmed 2026 financial guidance. In its second quarter earnings release, the company confirmed its outlook, projecting full‑year net sales of $4.9 billion to $5.2 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $2.6 billion to $2.8 billion, and capital expenditures of $800 million to $1 billion. The near‑term volume guidance includes module sales in Q3 of 3.9–4.5 GW, with 3.2–3.7 GW coming from U.S. operations. First Solar ended Q2 with a contracted backlog of 45.1 GW, representing approximately $13.6 billion in scheduled deliveries through 2030, and maintained a net cash balance of $1.7 billion.

This domestic manufacturing ramp aligns with broader industry trends toward localized supply chains and policy-driven solar development. By bringing finishing in‑house and combining it with proprietary CuRe technology from the outset, First Solar stands to improve margins, reduce reliance on overseas completed module shipments, and better navigate tariff and content requirements. The phased deployment approach also provides flexibility to scale based on demand and policy clarity, while delivering on commitments outlined in its responsibility report.

Investors should monitor progress toward the H2 2026 production start, as well as updates on the CuRe rollout, backlog conversion, and any shifts in capital expenditure or supply chain strategy that may affect margins or timing. Completion of phase 2 in mid‑2027, with full CuRe integration, represents a key inflection point for First Solar’s operational efficiency and competitive positioning in the domestic PV manufacturing landscape.