First Solar US
Multiple | Solar
12-Month Risk Trend
Monthly scores calculated from weighted factor assessments. Historical data reflects month-end evaluations.
Risk Score Breakdown
Four equally-weighted factors. Workforce and power/grid constraints embedded within. Confidence interval reflects data recency and source reliability.
Score Change Log
Audit trail of risk score changes with rationale. Full derivation notes available upon request.
| Date | Old | New | Change | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | -- | -- | -- | Monthly review; see RAID log for details |
Contact info@hccouncil.org for detailed factor-by-factor scoring derivation.
Key Risks
First Solar inaugurated its $1.1B, 3.5 GW thin-film CdTe facility in Lawrence County, Alabama in September 2024, the company's first plant outside Ohio. It is likely the largest investment ever in a rural Alabama county. A sister $1.1B Louisiana facility is expected H2 2025. First Solar employs 800+ workers and is the only U.S.-headquartered company among the world's 10 largest solar manufacturers. The company benefits significantly from IRA Section 45X manufacturing credits. (Sources: Business Alabama Sep 2024; Made in Alabama Sep 2024; Semiconductor Today Sep 2024)
RAID Log
Risk assessments reviewed monthly. Last review: Jan 9, 2026
| Risk | Impact | Probability | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA policy dependency | MEDIUM | MEDIUM | Credits significant to economics |
| CdTe technology niche | LOW | LOW | Only scale thin-film producer |
| Action | Owner | Due Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing line installation | Operations | Per phase | ACTIVE |
| Module certification testing | Quality | Ongoing | ACTIVE |
| Supply chain localization | Procurement | Continuous | ACTIVE |
| Issue | Severity | Status | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama factory ramp | LOW | ACTIVE | On schedule for 2025 |
| Decision | Date | Rationale | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama expansion | 2023 | $1.1B fifth U.S. factory | Series 7 module production |
| Louisiana facility | 2024 | $1.1B sixth U.S. factory | Continued U.S. growth |
Upcoming Milestones
Dates from official company announcements and regulatory filings