T1 Energy Launches New Solar Cell Facility in Texas Amid Major Rebranding

AUSTIN, Texas — T1 Energy, formerly known as Freyr Battery, announced on March 20, 2025, the establishment of a new solar cell manufacturing plant in Rockdale, Texas, as part of a strategic rebranding effort aimed at strengthening its domestic supply chain.

The new facility aligns with T1 Energy’s 2024 strategy, which emphasizes growing demand for solar energy solutions in the U.S. Daniel Barcelo, T1’s chairman and CEO, stated, “Demand for these solutions in the U.S. is expected to continue growing. The emergence of power-intensive industries such as AI and cryptocurrency, and the electrification of the transportation sector will necessitate significant investment in the U.S. grid.”

The Rockdale plant will play a critical role in T1 Energy’s operations as the company transitions focus to producing domestic solar cells and battery solutions. The plant follows the company’s acquisition of a 5-gigawatt solar module manufacturing facility in Wilmer, Texas, in late 2024. Barcelo indicated that this combined infrastructure will enhance the company’s capacity to serve the U.S. market.

Construction on the Rockdale facility is expected to commence mid-2025, with production anticipated to start by the end of 2026. Barcelo highlighted the importance of this timeline, stating it is “very important” for T1 Energy to initiate construction within the planned timeframe. The strategic location in the Lone Star State reflects T1’s commitment to establishing a robust presence in the solar manufacturing sector.

The anticipated investments for the Rockdale site are significant, with estimates reaching up to $850 million. The plant is projected to create approximately 1,800 new direct jobs in advanced manufacturing. This initiative is also seen as crucial for economic development in the region.

Barcelo added, “Our corporate transformation positions us to build on our U.S. solar manufacturing position and to leverage our team’s expertise in the battery market.” The company’s headquarters have moved from Luxembourg to Newnan, Georgia, and now to Austin as part of this transformation.

Meanwhile, T1 Energy’s existing facility in Wilmer has been exceeding production expectations. In the first two months of 2025, production at the Wilmer site reportedly exceeded forecasts by nearly 50%. Construction is on track to meet the full production target of 3.4 gigawatts for 2025.

Jaime Gualy, EVP of corporate development, emphasized that while the Rockdale facility is under construction, T1 Energy plans to prioritize collaboration with U.S.-based suppliers to qualify for tax incentives offered under the Inflation Reduction Act. This strategic approach intends to strengthen domestic supply chains and boost the company’s competitiveness in the evolving market.

As T1 Energy progresses, it aims to not only enhance its manufacturing capabilities through significant investment in U.S. solar infrastructure but also solidify its standing as a leader in the solar and battery storage sectors across the country.