American Factories Achieve Historic Milestone in Solar Panel Production

2026-09-23 economy

Washington, Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
More than 70 percent of all solar panels ever made in the United States were produced in just the last three years, marking a dramatic surge in domestic manufacturing.

Manufacturing Surge Driven by Policy and Industry Leaders

Industry leader First Solar accounted for nearly 40 percent of all historical U.S. module output, reflecting its multi-decade presence in American manufacturing [1]. Based on the cumulative total, First Solar’s contribution amounts to approximately 40 gigawatts of production capacity over this period [2]. The company maintained consistent operations in Ohio, Alabama, and Louisiana throughout various industry cycles, securing its position as a dominant domestic producer [1].

Capital Investment and Economic Impact

In 2024 alone, annual U.S. solar PV manufacturing capex reached a record $4.14 billion, demonstrating the acceleration of infrastructure development [3]. Buildings and infrastructure costs comprised approximately 60% of total U.S. solar PV manufacturing spending between 2023 and 2026, indicating substantial physical construction activity [3]. First Solar and Qcells accounted for over 60% of total U.S. solar PV manufacturing capex in 2024, driving the majority of financial commitment to the sector [4].

Future Outlook and Deployment Context

These developments are being discussed at the Solar Manufacturing USA 2026 conference in Austin, Texas, scheduled for 22–23 September 2026 [1][4]. Terawatt PV Research is set to reveal its first Manufacturing Strength Ratings Pyramid at the event, providing further transparency on manufacturer viability [3]. The first quarterly deliverable for the Solar Manufacturing USA Quarterly report is scheduled for the start of October 2026, following the completion of Q3 2026 analysis [4].

Sources

Solar Manufacturing First Solar