First Solar Inc., which is developing a $1 billion solar panel plant in Lawrence County, will receive a $1.5 million grant to help offset infrastructure improvement costs, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office said recently.
“Last November, I was pleased to announce First Solar’s plans to locate a major photovoltaic solar module manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, employing over 700 workers,” Ivey said in a statement.
“I commend local leaders who have worked hard to lay the groundwork for the construction of this monumental new facility, and today I am proud to award these significant grant funds to continue that process.”
Administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the grant funds will be used to provide sewer, water and street improvements in the area where the facility is being constructed, according to the ADECA.
“ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of this project which will have a tremendous impact in north Alabama and particularly Lawrence County, which suffered a severe blow several years ago when one of its largest employers, International Paper Co. plant, shut down,” said Kenneth Boswell, director at ADECA.
The $1 billion solar plant in Lawrence County will be First Solar’s fourth plant constructed in the United States. The other three are in Ohio.
Expected to be operational in 2025, the plant will create more than 700 jobs, and will bring Arizona-based First Solar’s total investment in United States manufacturing to more than $4 billion.
First Solar is the only solar company based in the United States listed among the top ten largest solar manufacturers, with the industry largely dominated by China.