Making our way to a renewable energy future means establishing the infrastructure needed to provide solar panels, wind turbines, and more to the entire US. Today, most solar energy panels and equipment are made in China, but the ease of access for US consumers may soon increase as First Solar has announced plans to build the US’ largest solar panel factory in Ohio.
The $680 million investment will be the largest fully integrated solar manufacturing complex in the world outside of China and supply a new solar module every 2.8 seconds. It will be the company’s third factory in the Toledo area and the 1.8 million square foot facility is expected to generate 500 jobs with room for expansion.
First Solar Chief Executive Mark Widmar said, “This facility will represent a significant leap forward in photovoltaics manufacturing, a true factory of the future.”