Acadiana Advantages Delivers First Solar

Acadiana Advantages Delivers First Solar Main Photo

21 Aug 2024


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Acadiana, in south-central Louisiana, is primed for economic success. The region’s strong petrochemical and agricultural assets, combined with a pro-business environment from local and state governments, provide a strong bedrock for other industries to garner similar success. Investments are streaming in, and national economic leaders are taking notice. An example is the announcement that First Solar, the largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, will invest more than $1 billion in a facility to produce high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, one of the most significant single capital investments in the area’s history.

First Solar chose the Acadiana Regional Airport as the site for its fifth American manufacturing facility. The project, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026, will create more than 700 new direct jobs with a total annual payroll of at least $40 million.

In an August press release, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards cited the project as a massive win for the people of Acadiana and the entire state.

“First Solar’s selection of Iberia Parish for its newest solar panel production facility leaves no doubt that Louisiana is leading the global energy transition and creating good-paying jobs as a result,” he said. “It is proof positive that Louisiana’s ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy is growing and diversifying our economy. Thank you to everyone who made this day a reality, and a special thank you to First Solar for trusting Louisiana to be part of their mission to create a more sustainable future.”

Perfect match

In the same release, First Solar Chief Executive Officer Mark Widmar identified the Acadiana choice as a match to the company’s commitments. 

“As we evaluated our options, Louisiana’s ability to deliver the talent we need stood out, thanks to its extensive workforce development initiatives and the presence of academic institutions such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which now features a world-class solar energy lab,” said Widmar. “In bringing our unique, fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing model to Louisiana, we expect the plant to mirror the commitment to ‘Responsible Solar’ evident at every First Solar manufacturing facility, which are among the cleanest, safest, and most diverse in the industry. We are proud that our investment in American manufacturing will create stable, good-paying manufacturing jobs and economic and social value in the state.”

Acadiana delivers business advantages

Acadiana offers many benefits to national and global manufacturing companies across numerous industrial segments. Infrastructure improvements have led the investment drive recently, with the Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) expanding broadband access to three rural parishes and 11 rural communities, encompassing over 22 thousand households and 2,000 businesses. The effort was sparked through $30 million in grant funding from the Broadband Infrastructure Program of the National Telecommunication Infrastructure Administration. The dedication to connectivity extends to the Acadiana Fiber to the Home Initiative, which focuses on making broadband available to all residents and businesses in Acadiana. 

Acadiana’s presence within Louisiana brings a dedication to noteworthy financial incentives for site development, infrastructure improvements and workforce creation to make a move to the region an even better investment. First Solar received a competitive incentives package from the state of Louisiana, including LED FastStart, a customized workforce solutions program involving employee recruitment, training development and more. The state’s Quality Jobs program provides a cash rebate to businesses that create jobs and promote general economic growth.

Beyond the individual state level, organizations like the Delta Regional Authority are involved in Acadiana to support and improve regional economic development opportunities through job creation and community development activities. 

Expert APC staff works for you!

APC is nationally recognized for its work in economic development and rural revitalization, focusing on removing barriers to accessing the region’s greatest assets. Staff have the experience and expertise to assist companies or investors seeking creative solutions for necessary infrastructure needs when locating in Acadiana. Contact us to learn how you can be part of the building momentum today!