TEMPE, Ariz., Dec 15, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- First Solar Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced it has manufactured and
shipped more than 1 gigawatt (GW) of its photovoltaic (PV) solar modules
in 2009, becoming the first PV company to attain this production volume
in a single year. One gigawatt of solar modules produces enough
electricity to serve the needs of approximately 145,000 average American
homes and saves roughly 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide
emissions annually.
As the world's largest solar module manufacturer, First Solar has
increased its manufacturing capacity from approximately 75 megawatts
(MW) per year at the beginning of 2007 to more than 1GW today.
"This proof that the solar industry can achieve the manufacturing scale
necessary to fight climate change is especially timely in light of the
Copenhagen conference that began last week," said Bruce Sohn, First
Solar president. "Our efforts in scaling our technology are critical to
creating a more sustainable energy infrastructure and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions."
First Solar has continually lowered the cost of manufacturing solar
modules, breaking the $1 per watt barrier earlier this year.
About First Solar
First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor
technology and provides comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system
solutions. By continually driving down manufacturing costs, First Solar
is delivering an economically viable alternative to fossil-fuel
generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life
collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating
cost-effective, renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the
environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.
For First Solar Investors
This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant
to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not
constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a
number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially,
including risks associated with the company's business involving the
company's products, their development and distribution, economic and
competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and
other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking information contained in this press release or with
respect to the announcements described herein.
SOURCE: First Solar, Inc.
First Solar, Inc.
United States:
Alan Bernheimer
+1-602-414-9361
media@firstsolar.com
Europe:
Brandon Mitchener
+49-6131-1443-399
media@firstsolar.com
