First Solar Module Manufacturing Plant

Project Details

Project Description

Due to growing demands for the advanced solar technology used at utility solar farms, public buildings, and off-grid industrial sites, First Solar decided to build a new manufacturing facility near their flagship location in Perrysburg, Ohio. As the nation’s largest manufacturer of solar panels, First Solar saw a unique opportunity to bolster their photovoltaic solar panel production while also creating hundreds of jobs in the state of Ohio.

Working in close collaboration with project stakeholders, Ghafari's team provided architecture, interior design, and structural engineering services for the 1.1 million SF manufacturing plant. Designed to nearly double First Solar’s current production volumes, the facility will push out 1.2 gigawatts of cadmium-telluride photovoltaic solar panels each year.

The facility features both production and administration spaces, including training rooms, process support rooms, private offices and phone booths, large and small conference rooms, a medical clinic, fitness center, and locker rooms. Additionally, the plant offers a number of quick, convenient food options to enjoy in the cafeteria and outdoor patio.

Our team designed a high-performing manufacturing facility that serves the growing demand for solar panel technology while driving local job creation. The new facility is the largest thin-film solar module facility in the U.S.