T1 Energy Breaks Ground On $400–425 Million G2_Austin Solar Cell Facility In Texas, Expected To Produce 2.1 GW Annually By 2026

T1 Energy Inc. has announced the start of construction on its G2_Austin solar cell fabrication facility, marking a major step in advancing U.S.-based solar manufacturing. The project represents an anticipated investment of $400 to $425 million and is expected to significantly strengthen the domestic solar supply chain. The first phase of the G2_Austin facility is planned to produce 2.1 GW of high-efficiency TOPCon solar cells annually and is expected to begin production by the end of 2026. This capacity alone exceeds the current total U.S. production of silicon-based solar cells, highlighting the scale of the investment.

The facility spans over 100 acres in Milam County, Texas, and is projected to create up to 1,800 new advanced manufacturing jobs, supporting local economic growth and workforce development. The investment in G2_Austin is supported by pro-growth economic and trade policies and reflects T1 Energy’s ongoing commitment to building a strong domestic silicon-based solar manufacturing industry. The project aims to enhance American energy security and provide a reliable supply of domestically produced solar cells to meet growing demand.

According to T1’s Chairman and CEO Dan Barcelo, G2_Austin is a key component of the company’s strategy to establish an integrated U.S. polysilicon solar supply chain. The solar cells produced at G2_Austin will be used in T1’s 5 GW G1_Dallas facility to manufacture solar modules for energy developers seeking domestically sourced components. Alongside contracts to source polysilicon and solar wafers from partners such as Hemlock Semiconductor and Corning Inc. in Michigan, the G2_Austin facility is expected to serve as the final critical link in T1’s U.S.-based solar supply chain.

The second phase of G2_Austin is planned to add 3.2 GW of annual capacity and could be further expanded if demand for solar cells increases, ensuring the facility remains responsive to future market needs. The project underscores T1 Energy’s focus on scaling domestic solar manufacturing while creating high-skilled American jobs and supporting a more secure and resilient energy infrastructure.