Global Leader in PV Energy Solutions
First Solar is the leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions. With vertically integrated capabilities improving every aspect of the solar value chain, First Solar delivers power plant solutions that maximize value and mitigate risk for customers worldwide.
Leadership Achieving Cost and Scale
First Solar was formed in 1999 and has become the world’s leading thin film module manufacturer. First Solar is the:
- 1st solar company to produce 1 gigawatt (GW) in a single year
- 1st solar company to break the $1/watt manufacturing cost barrier
- 1st solar company to implement a global PV module recycling program
- World-record-holder for CdTe thin film solar module (14.4%) and cell (18.7%) efficiency
Leadership across the Entire Value Chain
First Solar has gained industry-leading capabilities across the entire solar value chain to become the world’s leading provider of PV energy solutions. First Solar has:
- Developed the largest solar project pipeline in the world (currently nearly 3GW contracted worldwide)
- Sold PV power plants to top power producers and energy investors in the industry
- Facilitated the financing for nearly ~2GW (AC) (representing approximately ~$9 billion) of First Solar power plants
- Designed and constructed over 1.5GW of PV power plants, including the world’s largest and most advanced operational PV plant: Agua Caliente in Arizona, USA
- Developed the most advanced grid integration and plant control capability in the solar industry
- Made significant improvements throughout the balance of system to optimize the entire PV power plant and reduce lifecycle costs
- Developed the industry’s most advanced O&M program and world-class Operations Center
- Achieved system availabilities of over 99% for fleet of utility-scale PV plants under operation (over 650MW growing to 2.2 GW)
Leadership Integrating into the Global Energy Mix
First Solar’s mission is to create enduring value by enabling a world powered by clean, affordable solar electricity. By providing an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today, First Solar is integrating solar power into the global energy mix.
First Solar delivers advanced PV energy solutions to contemporary problems such as fuel cost volatility and energy supply reliability. First Solar energy solutions include utility-scale generation, industrial power, and fuel replacement solutions. With our proprietary technologies, industry expertise, and proven track record of success, First Solar PV power plants integrate and operate more like traditional generation plants and are the smartest source for reliable and dependable solar energy.