First Solar, a US-based PV module manufacturer headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, has inaugurated a fully vertically integrated AI-enabled facility in Iberia Parish, Louisiana. The company has said that the USD 1.1 billion plant began production in July 2025 and was completed ahead of schedule due to increased demand for FEOC-compliant American modules. First Solar has stated that the factory uses US-sourced materials and produces Series 7 modules supported by automated AI inspection systems. Louisiana officials said the project was expected to raise Iberia Parish’s GDP by 4.4% in its first full year at capacity. First Solar has confirmed that the facility adds 3.5 GW of annual output and supports its expansion toward 17.7 GW of domestic production in 2027.