T1 Energy begins construction on Texas solar cell fab

T1 Energy (TE) announced construction has begun on its G2_Austin solar cell fab, an anticipated $400M-$425M investment in advanced American manufacturing. The project is expected to significantly expand the U.S. solar supply chain. The first phase of the fab is expected to have an annual capacity of 2.1GW of high-efficiency TOPCon solar cells and begin producing cells by the end of 2026. By itself, this first phase of G2 is larger than the existing U.S. capacity to manufacture silicon-based solar cells. Supported by the Trump Administration’s pro-growth economic and trade policies, T1’s investment in G2_Austin is part of its ongoing commitment to building a strong domestic silicon-based manufacturing industry, bolstering American energy security, and creating skilled American jobs. Situated over 100 acres in Milam County, Texas, G2_Austin is expected to support up to 1,800 new advanced manufacturing jobs.