First Solar to Build 26 Megawatt Avra Valley PV Solar Project for NRG

PRINCETON, N.J. & TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) and First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) today announced an agreement for First Solar to construct NRG's 26 megawatt (AC) Avra Valley solar project near Tucson, Ariz. Electricity from the Avra Valley solar project will be sold to Tucson Electric Power under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

The project will utilize First Solar's advanced thin-film photovoltaic technology, mounted on the company's single-axis tracker system, which rotates the solar modules to follow the sun throughout the day. The tracker system extends the peak energy production period, providing more electricity in the afternoon, when energy demand is greatest.

"NRG and First Solar have built a very strong working relationship, starting with our first 21 megawatt project in Blythe, California, to our most recently completed 20 megawatt Roadrunner solar generating station in New Mexico," said James Kelly, Director of Development for NRG Solar. "We look forward to working with First Solar on the Avra Valley project that, when completed, will help Arizona meet its renewable energy goals."

Construction on the project, which is expected to begin this month, will create an estimated 200 jobs. First Solar expects to complete Avra Valley by the end of 2012.

"We are proud to once again work with NRG as they add to their renewable energy portfolio and create clean energy for Arizona," said Jim Lamon, First Solar Senior Vice President for EPC and Operation and Maintenance. "We're excited to construct this utility-scale project using our proprietary tracker system, which maximizes the energy output of a solar facility."

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology, and is a premier provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system solutions. The company 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 value-driven 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.

About NRG

NRG is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. A Fortune 500 company, NRG is a pioneer in developing cleaner and smarter energy choices for our customers: whether as one of the largest solar power developers in the country, or by building the first privately funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure or by giving customers the latest smart energy solutions to better manage their energy use. Our diverse power generating facilities can support more than 20 million homes and our retail electricity providers — Reliant, Green Mountain Energy Company and Energy Plus — serve more than two million customers. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com.

Safe Harbor

Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements above include the expected benefits and timing of the Avra Valley solar project. Although NRG believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements above include, among others, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the power industry, weather conditions, competition in wholesale power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, changes in the wholesale power markets, unanticipated outages at our generation facilities, the inability to access other financing arrangements, the inability to implement value enhancing improvements to plant operations and companywide processes, our ability to create and maintain successful partnering relationships.

NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be construed as exhaustive. For more information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect NRG's future results, review NRG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

First Solar Contacts
Media:
Alan Bernheimer, 415-935-2499
Public Relations Director, Americas
media@firstsolar.com
or
Investors:
David Brady, 602-414-9315
Vice President, Investor Relations
dbrady@firstsolar.com
or
Luke Fairborn, 602-414-9315
Director, Investor Relations
lucas.fairborn@firstsolar.com
or
Michelle Pereira, 602-414-9315
Manager, Investor Relations
michelle.pereira@firstsolar.com
or
NRG Contacts
Media:
Meredith Moore, 609-524-4522
Lori Neuman, 609-524-4525
or
Investors:
Chad Plotkin, 609-524-4526
Stefan Kimball, 609-524-4527

Source: First Solar, Inc.

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