Modules Made to Date Produce Enough Electricity to Power 2.5 Million
Homes
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) today announced cumulative production
has reached 5 gigawatts (GW), or 66 million solar modules, capable of
generating enough clean electricity to power approximately 2.5 million
homes. The company began commercial production in 2002 and has since
grown to become one of the world's largest solar module manufacturers,
with 36 production lines on three continents.
"This milestone helps advance our mission of providing clean solar
electricity at affordable prices. Our ability to scale high-volume
production has been a key factor in reducing the cost of renewable
energy," said Tymen DeJong, First Solar Senior Vice President of Global
Manufacturing.
First Solar recently announced that implementing technologies and
processes derived from its research and development (R&D) program
produced a world-record 17.3 percent efficient cadmium telluride solar
cell in July, resulting in average module conversion efficiency of 12.4
percent from its best-performing production lines during the third
quarter.
Efficiency gains have also enabled the company to begin production of 87
watt modules, which produce higher amounts of electricity when installed
in the field.
Five GW of solar generation displaces 3.3 million metric tons of CO2e
annually, the equivalent of taking 650,000 average cars off the road or
planting 84 million trees each year.
On a life cycle basis, systems using First Solar modules also have the
lowest carbon footprint and fastest energy payback time—the amount of
time a system must operate to recover the energy that was required to
produce it—of any other photovoltaic technology. This enables systems
using First Solar modules to provide the greatest and fastest
environmental benefits.
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.
First Solar—USA
Ted Meyer, +1 (602) 427-3318
media@firstsolar.com
or
Alan
Bernheimer, +1 (510) 625-7447
media@firstsolar.com
or
First
Solar—Europe
Brandon Mitchener, +32(0)223311-13
media-emea@firstsolar.com
or
First
Solar Investors
David Brady, +1 (602) 414-9315
dbrady@firstsolar.com
or
Lucas
Fairborn, +1 (602) 414-9315
investor@firstsolar.com
Source: First Solar, Inc.
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