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First Solar

New Iberia/Acadiana Region

The Mission 

Founded in 1999, First Solar is a leading American-based energy technology company and global provider of eco-efficient solar modules. The company is unique among the world’s 10 largest solar panel manufacturers as the only company with a U.S. headquarters and without a base of operations in China and is the largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere.

The Challenge

First Solar sought to take advantage of new federal support for clean energy infrastructure investments by establishing its fifth American manufacturing base, a solar panel production facility that will produce high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar modules.

The Opportunity

Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that included:

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Selection of an LED Certified Site, meaning it has completed extensive due diligence and engineering studies to be declared development-ready.

Recruitment and training support from Louisiana’s nationally recognized workforce development program, LED FastStart.

Performance-based awards totaling $30 million for building and infrastructure improvements upon meeting investment, employment, and payroll targets.

Up to a 6 percent rebate on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years, and a 1.5 percent project facility expense rebate for qualifying expenses, through the state’s Quality Jobs program.

Selection of an LED Certified Site, meaning it has completed extensive due diligence and engineering studies to be declared development-ready.

Recruitment and training support from Louisiana’s nationally recognized workforce development program, LED FastStart.

Performance-based awards totaling $30 million for building and infrastructure improvements upon meeting investment, employment, and payroll targets.

Up to a 6 percent rebate on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years, and a 1.5 percent project facility expense rebate for qualifying expenses, through the state’s Quality Jobs program.

The Outcome

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2023

First Solar announced plans to build its solar panel facility at Acadiana Regional Airport, marking the largest capital investment ever in Iberia Parish.

$1.1 billion

capital investment

700+

direct new jobs

$40 million+

annual payroll

2023

First Solar announced plans to build its solar panel facility at Acadiana Regional Airport, marking the largest capital investment ever in Iberia Parish.

$1.1 billion

capital investment

700+

direct new jobs

$40 million+

annual payroll

“As we evaluated our options, Louisiana’s ability to deliver the talent we need stood out, thanks to its extensive workforce development initiatives and presence of academic institutions such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette which now features a world-class solar energy lab.”

–Mark Widmer, First Solar CEO

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