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First Solar indicators PPA with Dow Inc
First Solar has involved terms with Dow Inc. on a power contract for 75% of the annual electrical energy generation at First Solar's upcoming 200 MW Horizon Solar project in Frio County, Texas.
The contract is for 15 years and the power produced by the project will assist to minimize discharges from Dow's Gulf Coast procedures. These procedures consist of the business's facilities in Texas-- home to the largest petrochemical site in the western hemisphere.
While a schedule for the project's building has actually not yet been made available, First Solar has said that the project will certainly be making use of the business's Series 6 panels. The panels will include Dow's ENGAGE PV Polyolefin Elastomers, which are encapsulant films used to boost the component's performance as well as performance.
Dow claims that the Elastomer can boost power generation, enhance resistance to potential induced degradation and decrease the levelized cost of power, as well as total system costs.
Jun 24, 2020 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Markets & Finance News, USA, PPA, First Solar, North America, Dow Inc
First Solar Secures Oxford PV Perovskite IP
First Solar signed a non-exclusive patent license with Oxford PV to use its perovskite IP for U.S. utility-scale, commercial and industrial, and residential PV products. The scope covers Oxford PV’s issued and pending patents tied to perovskite materials and excludes crystalline silicon patents, enabling First Solar to explore perovskite-enabled devices.Framed by CEO Mark Widmar as pursuing “viable pathways” to thin film–perovskite products, the move hedges First Solar’s cadmium telluride roadmap and preserves U.S. manufacturing optionality. The company cites $2 billion in thin-film R&D, a perovskite development line in Ohio, and a goal of 18 GW U.S. capacity by 2027.
How does First Solar’s Oxford PV license reshape its perovskite-thin film roadmap and manufacturing?
Clears freedom-to-operate for perovskite-enabled thin films in the U.S., letting First Solar advance tandem and all-thin-film concepts without IP overhang.
Shifts the technology roadmap from single-junction CdTe-only gains toward tandem architectures (perovskite-on-CdTe, perovskite-on-perovskite) to unlock higher module efficiencies and energy yield.
Creates a parallel path: continue incremental CdTe improvements while maturing perovskite stacks, reducing risk of a single-technology bet.
Pulls forward bankability efforts for perovskite layers—accelerated lifetime testing, damp heat/UV protocols, and third‑party validation—to meet utility procurement standards.
Triggers factory retooling plans: new coating/deposition tools for perovskite layers, in‑line thermal processing, solvent management, and expanded optical/electrical metrology.
Requires re-qualification of the module stack (encapsulants, edge seals, barrier films) to handle halides and maintain long‑term stability.
Expands supplier engagement for perovskite precursors, solvents, transparent contacts, and moisture/oxygen barriers, fostering a U.S.-anchored materials chain.
Enables staged scale-up: pilot tandems on existing thin‑film lines, then selective conversion of production bays once yield and uptime targets are met.
Alters cost roadmap: higher near-term capex/opex for added layers and QA, offset longer term by efficiency-driven BOS savings and fewer modules per MW.
Opens product segmentation options—premium-efficiency tandems for space‑constrained C&I/rooftop; ruggedized single‑junction thin film for harsh-heat utility sites—optimizing margin mix.
Strengthens domestic manufacturing positioning for policy incentives by keeping high-value process steps onshore.
Spurs new reliability IP and know‑how around perovskite/CdTe interfaces, diffusion barriers, and recombination management—raising competitive moat.
Encourages collaborations with equipment makers for high-throughput, roll-to-roll–like perovskite deposition compatible with First Solar’s throughput.
Sets measurable waypoints: cell‑level tandem efficiency targets, yield thresholds, degradation rates, and cost/W milestones to trigger line conversions.
Increases optionality for future module formats (bifacial/thin glass), leveraging perovskite tunability for spectrum splitting and better temperature coefficients.
Feb 25, 2026 // Manufacturing News, Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, USA, First Solar, oxford pv, perovskite, North America, licensing
First Solar Innovates: Bifacial CdTe Thin-Film Solar Panel
First Solar has developed the first bifacial solar panel using its CdTe thin-film technology. This fully functional pre-commercial Series 6 Plus Bifacial module features transparent back contact technology, which enables bifacial energy gain and allows infrared wavelengths of light to pass through rather than be absorbed as heat. The module is undergoing field and laboratory testing, and is expected to lower the operational temperature and result in a higher specific energy yield. First Solar has also invested $370 million into a new R&D innovation center to be completed in 2024, which will feature a high-tech pilot manufacturing line for the production of thin-film and tandem PV modules.
Can Bifacial CdTe Panels Revolutionize Solar?
First Solar has developed the first bifacial solar panel using its CdTe thin-film technology
Fully functional pre-commercial Series 6 Plus Bifacial module features transparent back contact technology
Transparent back contact technology enables bifacial energy gain and allows infrared wavelengths of light to pass through
Field and laboratory testing of module expected to lower the operational temperature and result in higher specific energy yield
First Solar has invested $370 million into a new R&D innovation center, to be completed in 2024
High-tech pilot manufacturing line to be featured in new R&D innovation center for production of thin-film and tandem PV modules
Jun 15, 2023 // Manufacturing News, First Solar, solar panel
First Solar Probes Solar Firms for TOPCon Patent Violations
First Solar Inc is investigating several crystalline-silicon solar manufacturers for potential infringement of its patents related to the manufacturing of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) crystalline-silicon PV solar cells. The US thin-film photovoltaics maker acquired the patents through its acquisition of TetraSun Inc in 2013, with patents issued in various countries and pending applications in others.First Solar plans to thoroughly investigate potentially infringing products and is examining leading crystalline silicon solar manufacturers for infringement. The company intends to challenge any infringement discovered and take measures to safeguard its rights, including enforcement, licensing, and other actions. First Solar's executive vice president emphasized the company's commitment to developing advanced solar technology across various semiconductor platforms.
Is First Solar Inc investigating crystalline-silicon solar manufacturers for patent infringement?
First Solar Inc is investigating several crystalline-silicon solar manufacturers for potential infringement of its patents related to the manufacturing of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) crystalline-silicon PV solar cells.
The US thin-film photovoltaics maker acquired the patents through its acquisition of TetraSun Inc in 2013, with patents issued in various countries and pending applications in others.
First Solar plans to thoroughly investigate potentially infringing products and is examining leading crystalline silicon solar manufacturers for infringement.
The company intends to challenge any infringement discovered and take measures to safeguard its rights, including enforcement, licensing, and other actions.
First Solar's executive vice president emphasized the company's commitment to developing advanced solar technology across various semiconductor platforms.
Jul 22, 2024 // Markets & Finance News, First Solar, TOPCon Patent
First Solar Launches 3.5-GW Factory in Alabama
First Solar Inc. officially opened its new 3.5-GW solar module factory in Lawrence County, Alabama, investing $1.1 billion to enhance its US manufacturing capabilities. This facility will produce solar panels using locally sourced materials, adding to the company's existing capacity, which now totals nearly 11 GW in the US. It is projected to create over 800 jobs in energy technology manufacturing and supports First Solar’s commitment to sourcing American-made components.The Alabama factory is part of First Solar's broader strategy to boost its domestic manufacturing to 14 GW by the end of 2026, with an additional 3.5-GW plant underway in Louisiana set to begin operations in 2025. First Solar aims for a global capacity of 25 GW by the same year, currently exceeding 21 GW.
How does First Solar's new factory impact US solar manufacturing and job creation?
Strengthening Domestic Production: First Solar’s new factory in Alabama represents a significant step in boosting domestic solar manufacturing capabilities. By establishing a local production facility, the company reduces reliance on overseas manufacturing and supply chains, thereby increasing the resilience of the US solar industry.
Job Creation: The opening of the factory is expected to generate over 800 jobs in energy technology manufacturing. This job creation not only provides employment opportunities but also contributes to local economic growth and strengthens the workforce in the renewable energy sector.
Skill Development and Training: With the establishment of the new factory, there will be a growing need for skilled workers in solar panel manufacturing. This could lead to the implementation of training programs and partnerships with educational institutions, enhancing the skill sets of the local workforce and fostering a new generation of experts in renewable energy.
Local Supply Chains: By focusing on locally sourced materials for solar panel production, First Solar’s factory helps stimulate local economies and fosters the growth of related industries, such as glass and semiconductor manufacturing. This focus on local supply chains may lead to increased competitiveness and innovation within the US manufacturing ecosystem.
Environmental Impact: Increased domestic production of solar panels can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and importation from overseas. Additionally, having a factory in the US aligns with environmental goals by promoting clean energy solutions.
Economic Resilience: By investing in domestic manufacturing capabilities, First Solar contributes to a more resilient economy that can better withstand global supply chain disruptions, which have been highlighted during recent global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Support for Renewable Energy Goals: The growth of solar manufacturing facilities like First Solar’s in Alabama is aligned with national and state-level renewable energy targets, which aim to increase the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix, ultimately aiding in climate change mitigation efforts.
Collaboration Opportunities: The factory could lead to collaborative opportunities with local businesses and research institutions, enhancing innovation in solar technology and potentially leading to advancements in solar efficiency and sustainability practices.
Investor Confidence: The establishment of a large-scale manufacturing facility by First Solar may enhance investor confidence in the US solar market, attracting further investments and fostering an environment conducive to growth in renewable energy sectors.
Global Competitiveness: By ramping up its manufacturing capacity to 14 GW domestically by 2026, First Solar could enhance US competitiveness in the global solar market, positioning the country as a leader in solar technology and manufacturing.
Sep 27, 2024 // Manufacturing News, USA, Alabama, First Solar, North America
First Solar indicators 4.9 GW deal for modules
First Solar has participated in arrangements to provide an additional 4900MW (DC) of its thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules to Intersect Power.
When integrated with a previously introduced arrangement for 2.4 GW (DC) signed in July 2022, these deals take Intersect Power's overall orders for First Solar modules this year to 7.3 GW (DC).
Of the 4.9 GW, the contract to supply 1GW was signed prior to First Solar's third quarter 2022 earnings call in October, while the contract to supply the staying 3.9 GW was authorized subsequent to the October earnings phone call.
The orders put by Intersect Power this year will see a mix of First Solar's Series 6 Plus and also Series 7 modules deployed in its solar, storage, and green hydrogen projects coming online throughout the US from 2025 to 2029.
" We have an unprecedented chance to decarbonize our economy while simultaneously boosting our production industry as well as offering clean power protection," claimed Sheldon Kimber, president, Intersect Power.
He added: "First Solar's properly produced, high-performance modules are the foundation of our commitment to American modern technology and also employees.
" Our country's energy transition have to be American made."
Prior to 2022, Intersect Power had placed orders for an overall of 4.1 GW (DC) of modules in deals checked in 2019 as well as 2021.
" Intersect Power was among the early pioneers of long-term, multi-year purchase as well as has actually taken advantage of the assurance of supply and secure prices that this approach delivers," claimed Georges Antoun, primary commercial officer, First Solar.
" We boast of this withstanding partnership and also we're thrilled that, as Intersect Power remains to scale, its development will be underpinned by American solar innovation produced by First Solar."
Nov 18, 2022 // Manufacturing News, Markets & Finance News, USA, First Solar, North America, Intersect Power, solar module, Sheldon Kimber
First Solar Scores 2 GW Order from Longroad Energy
solar PV manufacturer, First Solar has secured an order worth 2GW for its thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules from Longroad Energy, a US-based renewable
Sep 13, 2023 // Manufacturing News, Markets & Finance News, USA, First Solar, North America, longroad energy, thin film modules
Lightsource BP places major order with First Solar
BP has placed a 4GW (dc) order for First Solar's thin-film solar modules, scheduled to be delivered in between 2026 and also 2028.
The modules will be made
Feb 28, 2023 // Manufacturing News, Markets & Finance News, First Solar, Lightsource BP, solar module
Norsk Solar Lights Up First Brazil Solar Site
Norsk Solar has launched the first of six 18MW solar plants in Brazil, with the remaining five to be completed in the next month. This is the first IPP project for Norsk Solar, a 25-year PPA with Órigo Energia, and is located in the state of Minas Gerais.
Aug 15, 2023 // Plants, South america, Brazil, PV Power Plant, Norsk Solar
First Solar Opens 3.5-GW Louisiana Factory
First Solar on Friday opened a $1.1 billion solar panel factory in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, dedicated to producing its Series 7 modules. The facility targets 3.5 gigawatts of annual nameplate capacity at full ramp-up, marking a major expansion of the company’s U.S. manufacturing footprint. The investment equates to about €955.6 million.The new plant, located in south Louisiana’s Iberia Parish, is designed to scale output as it transitions to steady-state operations. First Solar said the Series 7 factory underscores its commitment to domestic module supply as demand grows for utility-scale solar, with capacity goals tied to achieving full operational ramp.
How will First Solar’s Louisiana Series 7 plant impact U.S. module supply?
Adds up to 3.5 GW per year of new U.S.-made modules, meaningfully increasing domestic supply for utility-scale projects
Reduces dependence on imports amid tariff, AD/CVD, and logistics uncertainty, stabilizing delivery schedules and pricing
Expands availability of cadmium telluride thin-film, diversifying beyond polysilicon and easing exposure to crystalline-silicon cycles
Improves developers’ ability to qualify for the IRA domestic content bonus, enhancing project economics and bankability
Supports multi-year offtake contracts, giving EPCs and utilities greater visibility on volumes and specs
Encourages upstream localization (glass, backsheet/encapsulant, junction boxes), strengthening the Gulf Coast solar manufacturing ecosystem
Provides technology suited to hot, humid, high-irradiance regions, broadening viable project siting and performance profiles
Increases competitive pressure on imported modules, potentially narrowing price spreads while raising quality and warranty standards
Enhances supply-chain resilience during global disruptions by adding geographically diverse U.S. capacity
Near-term impact moderated by ramp-up curves and existing backlogs, with more pronounced supply relief as the plant reaches steady state
Nov 24, 2025 // Manufacturing News, USA, First Solar, North America
First Solar Orders 457 MW Modules from MN8 Energy
solar module manufacturer First Solar has placed orders with MN8 Energy LLC for 457 Megawatts of advanced thin-film solar modules, including Series 6 plus bifacial
May 3, 2024 // Manufacturing News, First Solar, PV module, MN8 Energy
First Solar Reduces Vietnam, Malaysia Output by 1 GW
First Solar Inc, a leading US manufacturer of thin-film solar modules, has announced plans to reduce its production capacity by a total of 1 gigawatt (GW) at its facilities in Vietnam and Malaysia. This strategic decision reflects the company's efforts to optimize its manufacturing operations and align production with current market demands.The reduction in production capacity comes as First Solar continues to navigate the evolving global solar market, focusing on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The company remains committed to maintaining its competitive edge while ensuring the sustainability of its operations in the face of changing industry dynamics.
Why is First Solar reducing production capacity at its Vietnam and Malaysia facilities?
Market Demand Fluctuations: First Solar is responding to changes in global solar market demand. By reducing production capacity, the company aims to better align its output with current market needs, avoiding overproduction and potential inventory surpluses.
Cost Management: Reducing production capacity can help First Solar manage operational costs more effectively. By scaling back production, the company can optimize resource allocation, reduce waste, and improve overall cost efficiency.
Focus on Technological Advancements: The company may be reallocating resources to focus on the development and implementation of new technologies. By reducing production at certain facilities, First Solar can invest more in research and development to enhance the efficiency and performance of its solar modules.
Supply Chain Optimization: Adjusting production capacity allows First Solar to streamline its supply chain operations. This can lead to improved logistics, reduced lead times, and better coordination with suppliers and customers.
Strategic Reallocation of Resources: The decision may be part of a broader strategy to reallocate resources to other regions or facilities where demand is stronger or where production can be more cost-effective.
Regulatory and Trade Considerations: Changes in international trade policies, tariffs, or local regulations in Vietnam and Malaysia might have influenced the decision to reduce production capacity in these locations.
Sustainability Goals: By optimizing production, First Solar can further its commitment to sustainability. Reducing excess production helps minimize environmental impact and supports the company's long-term sustainability objectives.
Competitive Positioning: The reduction in capacity is a strategic move to maintain First Solar's competitive edge in the industry. By focusing on efficiency and market alignment, the company can better position itself against competitors in the rapidly evolving solar market.
Mar 5, 2025 // Manufacturing News, Malaysia, First Solar, Asia
First Solar unveils India module production facility plans
authorization of Indian federal government motivations that are "adequate to First Solar".
If authorized, the site would step forward in the state of Tamil Nadu as
Jul 30, 2021 // Manufacturing News, Policy, India, First Solar, Asia, thin film, series 6, incentives, shinetime china
First Solar inks 2.4 GW supply deal with Intersect
First Solar has reached a PV supply arrangement with Intersect Power for a significant pipeline of solar projects throughout the US.
The firm will certainly supply 2.4 GW of high-performance advanced slim film PV modules in between 2024 as well as 2026, including in previous orders from Intersect completing 4.1 GW.
The modules will certainly be deployed at Intersect Power's solar, storage, and green hydrogen projects coming online throughout the USA in between 2025 and 2027.
A huge proportion are expected to be generated in First Solar's Northwest Ohio manufacturing complex.
Intersect Power chief executive officer Sheldon Kimber claimed: "Our continuous partnership with First Solar has been essential in swiftly scaling our organization to satisfy our vision and also dependably providing our customers value as well as performance to support their decarbonisation goals.
" We look forward to bringing this large-scale portfolio to operation, and also developing good-paying, American jobs in both building and construction as well as manufacturing with First Solar's domestically-produced modules."
First Solar is investing $680m in broadening America's domestic PV solar production capacity by 3.3 GW each year, by constructing its third United States production center in Lake Township, Ohio.
The new facility is anticipated to be commissioned in the first fifty percent of 2023 and also when completely functional will certainly scale the firm's Northwest Ohio footprint to a total yearly capacity of 6GW.
Jul 29, 2022 // Manufacturing News, Markets & Finance News, USA, First Solar, North America, Sheldon Kimber
First Solar Expands Ohio Operations with New Distribution Hub
First Solar, a US thin-film photovoltaics (PV) maker, has announced plans to open a new distribution centre in Ohio as part of its strategy to increase production capacity in the state. The company has acquired a 1.2-million-square-foot facility in Troy Township, which will be repurposed into a distribution hub. The facility will serve First Solar's local factories, which have a combined capacity to produce approximately 6 GW of PV products by the end of 2023. The new distribution centre will streamline logistics activities, reduce operating costs, and ensure efficient shipping of modules to customers.First Solar is also expanding its module production capacity in Ohio by 1 GW and aims to have a US manufacturing footprint of over 10 GW by 2025. The company plans to use the flexible space of the new site as a light-scale satellite manufacturing location in the long term. Additionally, First Solar will open a new research and development centre in Ohio and invest over $2 billion throughout 2024 to open new factories in Alabama and Louisiana, with the goal of achieving a 14 GW production footprint in the US by 2026.
What are First Solar's plans for expanding production capacity and opening new facilities in the US?
First Solar plans to expand its production capacity in the US by building new facilities.
The company aims to increase its manufacturing capabilities to meet the growing demand for renewable energy.
The expansion plans include the construction of new solar panel manufacturing plants.
These new facilities will enable First Solar to produce a larger volume of solar panels, contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector in the US.
The company's expansion strategy also involves the establishment of new research and development centers to drive innovation in solar technology.
By opening new facilities, First Solar aims to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the regions where the plants are located.
The company's investment in expanding production capacity demonstrates its commitment to supporting the transition to clean energy and reducing carbon emissions in the US.
First Solar's expansion plans align with the government's push for increased renewable energy production and the development of a sustainable energy infrastructure.
The company's efforts to expand production capacity and open new facilities in the US will contribute to the country's goal of achieving energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Jan 22, 2024 // Manufacturing News, USA, First Solar, North America, Ohio









