Release
First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced that it has manufactured 4 gigawatts (GW) of thin-film photovoltaic solar modules since beginning commercial production in 2002. A 4GW generation capacity is enough solar electricity to power around two million households, displacing more than 2.5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions a year–the equivalent of taking 500,000 cars off the road.
The company also announced that its second factory at Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany, has begun producing solar modules one month ahead of schedule. The four new production lines are still expected to ramp to full production during the third quarter of 2011, bringing annual capacity at the two Frankfurt factories to more than 500 megawatts.
First Solar, which is one of the world’s leading producers of photovoltaic solar modules, also has manufacturing sites in Perrysburg, Ohio and Kulim, Malaysia, as well as new plants under construction in Mesa, Arizona and Vietnam. It recently completed the production ramp of its two newest plants in Malaysia.
ABOUT FIRST SOLAR
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.
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