First Solar, Inc. announced that MN8 Energy LLC (?MN8?) has placed orders for 457 megawatts (MW) of advanced thin film solar modules, including 170 MW of Series 6 Plus bifacial modules and 287 MW of Series 7 modules. The modules will power projects in the northeastern and southern United States. MN8, founded as Goldman Sachs Renewable Power in 2017, owns and operates a 3.2 gigawatt (GW) portfolio, delivering renewable energy solutions to over 40 corporates, 70 government entities, and 20 utilities.

MN8 previously transacted with First Solar in their acquisition of the 123 MW American Kings Solar project in California. First Solar's investments in U.S. manufacturing are also believed to make it the most significant enabler of American jobs among solar manufacturers. According to a recent study commissioned by First Solar, it supported an estimated 16,245 direct, indirect, and induced jobs in 2023, representing approximately $1.6 billion in annual labor income.

As First Solar grows to an expected 14 GW in annual US nameplate capacity in 2026, it is forecast to support an estimated 30,060 direct, indirect, and induced jobs across the country, representing $2.8 billion in annual labor income. The study projects that every direct job First Solar supports in 2026 will support 7.3 jobs nationwide. In addition to expanding its Ohio footprint to over 7 GW of annual nameplate capacity this year, First Solar expects to invest over $2 billion in new manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Louisiana, which are expected to come online in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Additionally, First Solar is on track to commission approximately $450 million in R&D innovation infrastructure in Perrysburg, Ohio, in the second half of this year.