First Solar has expressed strong support for the Trump administration’s decision to impose measures on imports of polysilicon and its derivatives under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on China for a critical solar supply chain component.
Polysilicon is a key raw material used in crystalline silicon solar modules, with Chinese producers accounting for more than 90% of global supply, according to First Solar. The company said the high concentration creates supply chain and national security risks, while raising concerns around opaque sourcing, forced-labor exposure and competitive pressures on U.S. solar manufacturers.
First Solar CEO Mark Widmar said the Section 232 action could help establish a more level playing field for American solar manufacturers and workers. The measures include a minimum import price, an ad valorem tariff and enforcement provisions intended to prevent circumvention and protect domestic manufacturing.
The company operates five solar manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Louisiana and Ohio, with a sixth facility under construction in South Carolina. The first phase of the South Carolina plant is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2026. First Solar expects to have invested more than $5 billion in U.S. manufacturing and R&D infrastructure since 2019 by the end of 2026.
By 2027, First Solar expects to have approximately 17 GW of U.S. solar module manufacturing capacity, which it says will have no dependence on Chinese crystalline silicon supply chains. The company also estimates that its operations supported nearly 30,000 U.S. jobs, $3 billion in labor income and approximately $5.8 billion in U.S. GDP contribution in 2025.
According to a study commissioned by First Solar and conducted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the company’s economic contribution is projected to increase by 2027, supporting more than 39,000 jobs, $4 billion in labor income and approximately $7.8 billion in U.S. GDP.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
