BRISBANE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced it has been awarded the
module supply contract for the 140 megawatt (MW)DCSun Metals
Solar Farm in North Queensland (QLD), Australia. It will be Australia's
largest solar project once constructed, and utilize more than 1,167,000
First Solar advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules to produce
approximately 270,000 megawatt-hours of energy in its first year of
operation. Situated 15 kilometers south of Townsville, the project will
supply electricity to the Sun Metals zinc refinery, which is a member of
the Korea Zinc Group and a world leader in metal processing technology.
"Large-scale solar is fast becoming one of the most cost-effective
sources of energy generation in Australia. This project represents the
viability of the commercial and industrial solar market in Australia,
and the growing trend of major energy consumers owning and operating
renewable energy assets," said Jack Curtis, First Solar's Regional
Manager for Asia Pacific.
With a proven track record across the solar value chain in Australia,
First Solar is also the country's leading module supplier for
large-scale solar projects.
"The performance and reliability advantages inherent to First Solar's
technology in Australia are well known, and we're pleased to support
this historic project," said Curtis.
First Solar technology has a higher energy yield than crystalline
silicon technology in Australia due to its lower temperature
coefficient, linear shading response and superior spectral response.
This advantage is of particular importance in hot and humid climates
such as Townsville, and over the course of a project's operational life
will translate to more energy output for Sun Metals.
"Sun Metals is pleased to sponsor this landmark project for Australia,
and we recognize the importance of quality and performance in every
choice we have made for the delivery of the project," said Yun Choi, Sun
Metals' CEO and Vice President Korea Zinc. "There is significant value
in partnering with trusted and reliable partners like First Solar. The
development and realization of the project will benefit from First
Solar's broad capabilities and market experience, in addition to their
industry leading technology."
RCR Tomlinson Limited will manage the engineering, procurement and
construction (EPC) of the project. Construction is scheduled to commence
in April 2017.
"This is another milestone in our valued relationship with First Solar,"
said Paul Dalgleish, RCR's Managing Director and Chief Executive. "RCR
is a leader in the EPC delivery of large-scale solar farms, and the
inclusion of First Solar's technology, with which we have extensive
experience, will ensure the success of the project is maximized for all
involved."
On completion, the project is expected to generate enough solar energy
to displace approximately 248,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide
annually, the equivalent of taking nearly 66,000 cars off the road.
About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic
(PV) solar systems which use its advanced module and system technology.
The company's integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically
attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From
raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First
Solar's renewable energy systems 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 safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements, among
other things, concerning: effects on our financial statements and
guidance resulting from certain module manufacturing changes and
associated restructuring activities; our business strategy, including
anticipated trends and developments in and management plans for our
business and the markets in which we operate; future financial results,
operating results, revenues, gross margin, operating expenses, products,
projected costs (including estimated future module collection and
recycling costs), warranties, solar module efficiency and balance of
systems cost reduction roadmaps, restructuring, product reliability,
investments in unconsolidated affiliates and capital expenditures; our
ability to continue to reduce the cost per watt of our solar modules;
our ability to reduce the costs to construct PV solar power systems;
research and development programs and our ability to improve the
conversion efficiency of our solar modules; our ability to expand
manufacturing capacity worldwide; sales and marketing initiatives; and
competition. These forward-looking statements are often characterized by
the use of words such as "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "project,"
"plan," "intend," "seek," "believe," "forecast," "foresee," "likely,"
"may," "should," "goal," "target," "might," "will," "could," "predict,"
"continue" and the negative or plural of these words and other
comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are only predictions
based on our current expectations and our projections about future
events. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements. We undertake no obligation to update any of these
forward-looking statements for any reason. These forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or
implied by these statements. These factors include, but are not limited
to, the matters discussed in Item 1A: "Risk Factors," of our most recent
Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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First Solar Media
Jennifer Abbott
+61-2-9002-7736
jennifer.abbott@firstsolar.com
or
First
Solar Investors
Stephen Haymore
+1 602-414-9315
stephen.haymore@firstsolar.com
Source: First Solar, Inc.
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