Company Profile
Company Overview
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions that are truly Taking Energy Forward. With over 8 gigawatts (GW) installed worldwide, our proven solar solutions diversify the energy portfolio and reduce the risk of fuel-price volatility while delivering a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) that is cost competitive with fossil fuels today. By integrating technologies and expertise across the entire solar value chain, First Solar delivers bankable PV energy solutions that maximize the value of our customers’ PV investment while minimizing their risk. Having developed, financed, engineered, constructed, and operating some of the world’s largest and most successful PV power plants in existence, First Solar has become the partner of choice for customers globally.
Company History
Our History
First Solar has been taking energy forward since our founding in 1999. We are integrating solar power into the global energy mix by providing PV energy solutions to address contemporary energy needs such as fuel cost volatility and supply reliability. With over 8GW installed worldwide, we are the partner of choice for reliable, dependable, and cost-effective solar energy.
1999 – 2013 Scaled Advanced Thin Film Module Technology
•1st solar company to: ?Produce 1GW in a single year
Break the $1/watt manufacturing cost barrier
Implement a global PV module recycling program
•Multiple world records for CdTe thin film solar module (17%) and cell (21%) efficiency
2007 – 2013 Demonstrated Leadership across Entire Solar Value Chain
•Developed world’s largest contracted solar project pipeline ( 3GW+)
• Facilitated the financing for ~2GW (representing ~$9 billion)
•Developed advanced grid integration, plant control, forecasting, and energy scheduling capabilities
•Engineered and constructed over 1.6GW (AC) of PV power plants
•Currently operate more than 2GW (DC) with fleet system availability of over 99%
2012 – 2013 Introducing Solutions to Contemporary Energy Problems
•Integrating utility-scale solar into the global energy mix
•Reducing fuel consumption and costs with PV/diesel hybrid system solutions
•Delivering off-grid and energy access solutions to underserved energy markets
•Providing solutions for restricted spaces and distributed solar generation