T1 Energy Inc., an Austin-based solar manufacturing company, has begun construction of its G2_Austin solar cell facility in Texas. According to T1 Energy, the project represents a $400–$425 million investment supporting advanced domestic solar manufacturing. The first phase has been designed for 2.1 GW annual TOPCon solar cell capacity, with production expected by end-2026. T1 Energy stated that this initial capacity exceeds the current US silicon-based solar cell manufacturing base. Situated across more than 100 acres in Milam County, the facility is expected to support up to 1,800 jobs. T1 Energy said the solar cells made at its G2_Austin factory will be used in its existing 5-GW G1_Dallas solar panel plant. The company said it will buy polysilicon from US suppliers to keep its supply chain domestic. It also plans to expand the factory by an additional 3.2 GW in the future.