First Solar
First Solar Manufacturing Facility
Transforming renewable energy manufacturing with advanced HVAC flow control solutions.
Project Description
Sustainability has become a driving force for governments, businesses, and consumers around the world. As the importance of sustainable practices continues to rise, companies across industries are making strategic investments to support a cleaner and more resilient future.
Recognizing this global momentum, First Solar embarked on a transformative initiative to expand renewable energy manufacturing in the United States. The company is investing an unprecedented $1.1 billion to establish a state-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) solar module manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, Alabama. Scheduled to begin operations in 2025, this facility represents a major milestone in advancing domestic renewable energy technology and production.
The new manufacturing complex will serve as a hub of innovation and technological advancement, with anticipated domestic manufacturing capacity exceeding 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2025. This investment reinforces First Solar’s commitment to strengthening the nation's renewable energy infrastructure while expanding high-tech manufacturing capabilities within the United States.
Beyond technological progress, the project will also deliver substantial economic benefits. The new facility will create jobs, stimulate the regional economy, and support the growth of the renewable energy sector while reducing reliance on imported solar technologies.
Challenges and Solutions
A project of this scale required an HVAC system capable of supporting a massive manufacturing environment while maintaining precise thermal control and energy efficiency. The chilled water infrastructure needed reliable flow regulation to ensure consistent performance across the facility's extensive heating and cooling systems.
To address these requirements, the system integrated two key Griswold Controls products: QuickSet Brass Valves and 3” to 24” Wafers with Automatic Flow Limiting cartridges.
These components provide precise flow management, allowing engineers to maintain system balance while simplifying installation and long-term maintenance across the large-scale HVAC network.
Benefits and Outcomes
The integration of Griswold Controls products helped ensure the facility’s HVAC infrastructure operates efficiently despite the significant scale of the manufacturing complex. With accurate flow control and dynamic pressure compensation, the system maintains optimal operating conditions throughout the facility.
By reducing installation complexity and ensuring consistent water flow, the project achieved improved system reliability, enhanced energy efficiency, and reduced operational costs. The solution also supports the facility’s sustainability objectives by optimizing HVAC performance while minimizing energy waste.
Ultimately, these improvements contribute to a more efficient manufacturing environment capable of supporting one of the most advanced solar module production facilities in the world.
Products Used
Integral to the success of this large-scale project were two specialized Griswold Controls solutions designed for precision flow control and reliable HVAC performance.
QuickSet Brass Valves
QuickSet Brass Valves are manual balance valves designed to provide precise and accurate flow control. Featuring a durable brass body and stainless steel stem, these valves include a memory stop that allows the system to return to a preset flow rate after shutdown.
3” to 24” Wafers with Automatic Flow Limiting Cartridges
3” to 24” Wafers with Automatic Flow Limiting cartridges maintain system balance regardless of pressure fluctuations by dynamically controlling flow within ±5% of the design specification.
The scale of this project is notable—Griswold Controls rarely supplies valves as large as 24 inches, yet ten of these large valves were required for this facility.
Driving Renewable Energy Innovation
First Solar’s Alabama manufacturing facility represents a major investment in renewable energy infrastructure within the United States.
The facility will strengthen the nation’s solar manufacturing capacity while supporting job creation and expanding clean energy production.
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About ADCO Companies, LTD
ADCO Companies, LTD was founded in 1963 by Bob Adams and was previously known as ADCO Boiler Company. Over the decades, ADCO has grown into the largest boiler company serving Alabama and Louisiana, with additional territory throughout the Florida panhandle.
With a strong commitment to delivering reliable and efficient boiler room solutions, ADCO focuses on understanding each customer's needs and providing expert support from design through installation and service. The company employs more than 70 professionals representing over 500 years of combined experience across engineering, sales, service, and support roles.
Their dedicated team and long-standing customer relationships continue to drive ADCO’s success. The company has proudly served as the Cleaver-Brooks representative for Alabama, Louisiana, and the Florida panhandle since 1991, reinforcing their reputation for quality, expertise, and dependable service throughout the region.