Hot Jobs, Cool Tech.
Business in South Carolina is heating up! First Solar just picked Cherokee County as the site of its new $330 million production plant. The 3.7 gigawatt facility is expected to start running by late 2026, bringing over 600 jobs with an average salary of $74,000. This project puts South Carolina on the radar for advanced manufacturing and green tech, proving the state can handle high-tech industries right alongside its usual business crowd.
The new plant is designed to turn thin-film solar technology into finished modules, a process that requires precision, tech skills, and solid manufacturing expertise. That combination of high-tech production and steady employment gives Cherokee County a boost that goes beyond the factory walls. Local shops, service providers, and construction companies are set to catch a nice boost as the plant ramps up, with new employees spending locally and contractors busy keeping everything running smoothly.
Job Market Glow-Up
The average pay of $74,000 is nearly double the county’s per capita income. That kind of salary means new employees will be spending locally on everything from restaurants to home services, giving small businesses an unexpected lift.
High-Tech in High Gear
By hosting this facility, South Carolina joins a small group of states that produce advanced solar modules domestically. It signals to other tech manufacturers that the state has the workforce and infrastructure for modern, high-skill operations.
Supply Chain Sparks
Construction, logistics, and materials suppliers are already watching this project closely. First Solar has distribution operations in Duncan and works with Inland Port Greer, so the Cherokee County plant strengthens existing networks and creates new opportunities for local companies to plug in.
Energy and Investment
The plant also benefits from federal incentives aimed at domestic clean energy production. That makes it easier for First Solar to scale up, and it opens doors for more companies looking to invest in the Palmetto State’s growing green economy.
With First Solar’s arrival, South Carolina can look forward to more advanced manufacturing, higher-paying jobs, and a stronger position in the U.S. solar market. For the state’s business community, this is a chance to ride the clean energy wave, grow networks, and showcase South Carolina as a hub for innovation and opportunity.
Want more stories about South Carolina’s booming business scene and the companies shaping the state’s future? Check out all the latest at guidetosouthcarolina.com/business-consulting!
