The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has finalized the acquisition of 279 MWdc of cutting-edge thin film solar panels from First Solar for its Lawrence County Solar Project in Lawrence County, Alabama. The project is anticipated to begin commercial operation in 2027.
The initiative highlights TVA’s increasing focus on solar energy in the area. By 2025, the region is poised to host one of the largest fully integrated solar manufacturing facilities in the United States, as First Solar, based in Arizona, prepares to launch its fourth factory in the country.
“TVA continues its dedication to investing in the future energy system for the residents of the Tennessee Valley, and we are delighted to collaborate with First Solar,” stated Roger Waldrep, Vice President of Major Projects at TVA. “By partnering with First Solar, TVA will further incorporate renewable energy sources into our portfolio using solar technology that is both developed and manufactured in the United States.”
First Solar is dedicating around $1.3 billion to enhance its manufacturing presence in the United States, increasing its current annual nameplate capacity of over 6.5 GWdc to approximately 10.9 GWdc by 2026. Alongside the $1.1 billion investment in the new 3.5 GWdc Lawrence County facility, the company is also undertaking a $185 million expansion of its existing manufacturing operations in Ohio. Furthermore, First Solar has announced an investment of up to $370 million for a specialized research and development innovation center in Perrysburg, Ohio, set to be finished in 2024.
First Solar’s unique thin film semiconductor technology, integrated manufacturing process, and tightly managed supply chain play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with solar supply chains highlighted in the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2022 List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor. As the sole member among the top ten global solar manufacturers in the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), the largest industry coalition dedicated to upholding the rights and welfare of workers and communities in the global supply chain, First Solar stands out. Additionally, First Solar holds the distinction of being the first photovoltaic solar PV manufacturer to have its product featured in the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) global registry for sustainable electronics.
TVA, a federal corporation in the United States, operates independently without taxpayer funding, primarily generating revenue through electricity sales. Apart from managing and reinvesting its earnings into the electric system, TVA undertakes responsibilities such as flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system. Furthermore, the agency supports local power companies, as well as state and local governments, in initiatives related to economic development and job creation.
