First Solar Finishes its New $1.1 Billion Factory in Louisiana

Even with the end of federal solar tax incentives this year, America’s clean energy market is still expanding. First Solar, one of the largest solar module producers in America, has inaugurated a new $1.1 billion production facility in Iberia Parish, Louisiana.

Continued expansion of domestic solar production capabilities is good news if you’re thinking about getting solar panels installed, even on Long Island.

First Solar’s Latest Domestic Solar Factory – The Details

First Solar inaugurated its newest factory in Louisiana last week, but the production line was already running earlier this year.

• The first new solar panel at the Iberia Parish facility rolled off the production line in July of 2025.
• Production started ahead of schedule. The company states that this was due to tariffs and new trade policies that drove unprecedented demand for American-made solar panels.
• The company uses AI extensively in its new factory. Automated quality control can look for defects in panels to ensure high-quality products are released to market.
• This is only the latest expansion for the company. It is already underway with a 3.7GW thin-film solar facility due to be completed in the second half of 2026. This factory, based in South Carolina, will focus on final production processes that align with new domestic trade rules.

Despite concerns that reduced federal financial incentives would stifle solar expansion and innovation, more domestic facilities have opened, helping to secure the supply chain and alleviate tariff headwinds.

How Does a Domestic Solar Manufacturing Industry Benefit Long Island Families?

More domestic solar panel production helps stabilize the market and ensure a steady supply of panels for homeowners and industry. America has traditionally lagged behind China in total solar panel manufacturing output. This made solar panels expensive to import, with minimal organic competition and price control.

Imported solar panels are more expensive thanks to current tariffs. Although the impact on the end consumer has been managed so far, the addition of a new large-scale solar factory in America will help maintain the balance.

Any homeowner considering a solar panel installation on Long Island will benefit from a more robust domestic production market. It’s an essential part of maintaining a competitive and fairly priced solar economy.

Do Solar Producers Still Get Tax Credits?

Yes, solar panel manufacturers in America receive federal tax credits. This support is designed to strengthen the supply chain and ensure stable pricing.

Can I Get Tax Credits for My Home Solar Installation?

You can get a New York State Solar Tax Credit to offset the cost of installing solar panels. Long Island residents are typically eligible for a 25% credit. It is based on the total cost of the solar installation, with a limit of $5,000. This credit can carry over to subsequent tax years if the total amount exceeds the state taxes you owe.

Is Solar Still Affordable in 2025/2026?

Trending solar costs are still reasonable for homeowners, and there is significant value in long-term savings. Solar is an excellent investment because it reduces your need to buy electricity from the grid. Net Metering in New York also gives you credits on your utility account for any excess solar production that you send to the grid.

High production months in spring and summer help to offset the low production months during fall and winter.

You will get a detailed cost/benefit analysis with projected savings when you install Long Island solar panels with Power Solutions.

Still One of the Best Times to Install Solar Power on Long Island

The news of a new American solar production facility is evidence that the renewable energy sector is still expanding. You can also leverage renewable energy at home with Long Island solar panel installation.

Learn more and see if solar makes financial sense for you. Get a free estimate and consultation by contacting Power Solutions today.