The Daily Dig
T1 Energy, formerly FREYR Battery, has started initial construction on its G2_Austin solar cell manufacturing facility in Milam County, Texas. Site prep and foundation work began in December 2025, with Yates Construction leading early phase activity at the Sandow Lakes Advanced Manufacturing and Logistix Campus. The project is backed by up to $850 million in investment and is designed to produce 5 gigawatts of solar cells annually.
SSOE Group is the engineering partner. The plant will manufacture TOPCon solar cells, with equipment installation targeted for mid-2026 and commercial operations expected in the second half of the year. Output from the facility is intended to supply T1 Energy's G1_Dallas module assembly plant in Wilmer, Texas.
Project Snapshot:
Company / Platform: T1 Energy (formerly FREYR Battery)
Project: G2_Austin Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility
Location: Sandow Lakes Advanced Manufacturing and Logistix Campus, Milam County, Texas
Site Size: 100 acres (lease with option to purchase)
Investment: Up to $850 million
Capacity: 5 GW solar cell production
Technology: TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cells
Construction Lead: Yates Construction
Engineering Partner: SSOE Group
Construction Start: December 2025 (site preparation and foundations)
Equipment Installation: Targeted mid-2026
Operations Target: Second half of 2026 (fact sheet lists Q4 2026)
Jobs: Up to 1,800 advanced manufacturing roles
Local Incentives: 30-year tax abatement approved by the Milam County Commissioners Court with performance requirements and clawback provisions
Minimum Investment Requirement: $700 million capital expenditure threshold under the incentive agreement
Strategic Link: Facility intended to supply solar cells to T1 Energy's G1_Dallas module assembly plant in Wilmer, Texas
TheJobWalk Thoughts
T1 Energy is intentionally linking G2_Austin's cell output to its G1_Dallas module assembly line, and that changes the pressure on this job. Missing the mid-2026 equipment installation window does not just affect this project. It stalls the domestic supply chain T1 is trying to build. GCs and specialty subs chasing work in this space should expect compressed schedules and tight coordination demands once equipment procurement kicks in. Suppliers should also clock the $700 million minimum capex threshold baked into the Milam County incentive deal. That number tells you where the owner's committed floor sits and how serious they are about following through.
