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  • Offer Profile
  • First Solar is the global leader in photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions.

    First Solar has developed, financed, engineered, constructed, and currently operates many of the world’s largest grid-connected PV power plants in existence. By integrating technologies, services and expertise across the entire solar value chain, First Solar delivers bankable PV energy solutions that enable a world powered by reliable and affordable solar electricity.
Product Portfolio
  • Modules and Components

  • With 10 gigawatts (GW) installed worldwide, our advanced PV technologies are designed to maximize energy yield and reduce system costs for our customers. By our integrating technologies and expertise across the entire solar value chain, we deliver more reliable and cost-effective PV energy solutions than anyone else in the industry. We leverage our experience of engineering, constructing, and operating utility-scale PV plants to streamline grid integration, construction, and operations and maintenance (O&M).
      • Module Plus System

      • Optimized Efficiency Delivers Bankable Value
        Streamline Your Installation. Mitigate Your Risk. Maximize Return.

        With Module Plus, First Solar has further enhanced the performance of our industry-leading photovoltaic (PV) solutions by improving the process of configuring, purchasing and installing an integrated module and mounting system. Module Plus features the reliability of our advanced PV modules, paired with a range of specially-designed mounting systems that are optimized for accelerated installation and maximum energy return.

        Module Plus Benefits:
        • Optimizes PV module performance
        • Accelerated installation
        • Streamlined processes, risks and warranty management with single-source supply chain
        • Simplified logistics
        • Backed by an exceptional module warranty (25-year output/10-year limited materials and workmanship)
        • Reduced operations and maintenance expenses

        Module Plus Configuration:
        • First Solar advanced PV modules
        • First Solar mounting solutions (tracker or fixed-tilt)
        • Component warranty
          • First Solar Thin Film Modules

          • First Solar modules couple leading-edge technology with the manufacturing excellence and quality control that comes from being one of the world's most experienced producers of advanced PV modules. We are able to provide the best in performance, quality, and reliability to our customers because we invest more in research and development than any other solar company in the world.

            First Solar is uniquely positioned to serve the full spectrum of PV applications and customer needs. We have two distinct module technologies, both of which are designed to generate more energy per watt than competing solar panels. With more than 10GW installed worldwide, First Solar modules are the foundation for our high-performance PV energy solutions.
              • System Solutions

              • As a vertically integrated solar provider with more than 10 gigawatts (GW) of experience, we are uniquely positioned to deliver superior system-level results over our competitors. By integrating technologies, and expertise across the entire solar value chain, we deliver more predictable and bankable PV energy solutions that increase energy yield, reduce the LCOE and provide stable grid integration, which results in system solutions that maximize value and minimize risk for our customers.
                  • AC Power Block

                  • First Solar AC Power Block
                    The AC Power Block™ is a configurable power generation unit that enables construction of a fully integrated First Solar utility scale power plant. The AC Power Block delivers bankable PV energy at the lowest LCOE in the world's most diverse regions.

                    By utilizing technologies optimized by First Solar, the AC Power Block provides verification of the power plant energy model ensuring that delivered performance equals predicted performance resulting in verified asset value for the plant owner.

                    AC Power Block Benefits:
                    • Proven Reliability
                      • Utilizes the core of First Solar’s proven PV power plant design for maximum reliability
                      • Maximizes energy output and grid stability through proven plant technologies and service
                    • Guaranteed Plant Performance
                      • Guaranteed performance that proves the energy model and provides assurance of lifetime energy generation
                      • Backed by a 25-year aggregate module capacity warranty and guaranteed 1st year energy performance
                    • Lowest LCOE
                      • Reduces the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)
                      • Provides bankable revenue stream and verified asset value

                    Guaranteed Power Plant Performance
                    • 1st year energy guarantee
                    • 25-year aggregate module capacity warranty
                    With First Solar’s AC Power Block™, First Solar builds the energy model and then proves it by guaranteeing 1st year energy performance, resulting in certified asset value and a bankable revenue stream for power plant owners.

                    First Solar AC Power Block Solution
                    • Power Block Configuration
                    • First Solar Advanced PV Modules
                    • First Solar Mounting Solutions
                    • Inverters
                    • First Solar Plant Control System and SCADA
                      • PV Power Plants

                      • First Solar PV Power Plant
                        As the global leader in PV energy, our PV power plants set the bar for bankable project execution, receiving numerous “Project of the Year” awards. In addition, we have been named the “#1 EPC Company” and “#1 Project Developer” in the industry. With experience and expertise across the entire solar value chain, we integrate our technologies and activities to maximize energy output and reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for our customers. By accepting full value chain responsibility and standing behind the performance of the entire power plant, we maximize the value of our customers PV investment while minimizing their risk.

                        First Solar PV Power Plant Features:
                        • Stable grid integration and advanced plant control features
                        • Maximum project value with our engineering & plant optimization services
                        • Bankable results with project development and financing expertise
                        • Superior energy yield with integrated and optimized technologies throughout the plant
                        • World-class execution with our procurement and construction capabilities
                        • Industry-leading system availability with our operations and maintenance (O&M) services
                        • Technologies proven to deliver reliable energy yield and stable grid integration

                        Grid Integration & Plant Control Systems
                        Developing electricity-generation assets starts with grid integration. We understand the challenges associated with integrating solar into the electricity grid on a global scale. Our power plants are equipped with advanced plant control features typical of large, conventional power plants that actively stabilize the electricity grid.
                          • Structured Energy Products

                          • Reliable and Affordable Solar Energy

                            Our customers need kilowatt-hours, not just kilowatts. Consequently, we have developed a full range of capabilities to include the delivery of structured energy products that are cost competitive in the marketplace today. Having converted more power purchase agreements (PPA) to energy than anyone else in the solar industry, our reliable and bankable energy solutions are trusted by some of the world’s leading utilities and energy investors.
                            Our energy products are backed by our technologies, capabilities and expertise across the entire solar value chain. We have developed, financed, engineered, constructed, and currently operate many of the world’s largest grid-connected PV power plants on the planet. Our customers take confidence in our ability to provide reliable, dependable and cost-competitive solar energy.
                              • Technologies and Capabilities

                              • By integrating technologies, capabilities and expertise across the entire solar value chain, First Solar delivers more reliable, dependable and cost-effective PV energy solutions. We take a holistic approach to maximizing energy output and reducing LCOE by integrating all of our technology roadmaps and activities throughout the plant lifecycle to increase system-level results.
                                  • Grid Integration & Plant Controls

                                  • First Solar believes solar energy should be reliable. As a result, we have engineered a proprietary plant control system and incorporated forecasting and energy scheduling capabilities to ensure bulk power reliability and stable grid integration—this functionality is operational today on PV plants that are several-hundred megawatts in size.

                                    First Solar Plant Control System Features
                                    • Dynamic voltage and/or power factor regulation of the solar plant at the point of interconnection (POI)
                                    • Real power output curtailment of the solar plant when required, so that it does not exceed an operator-specified limit
                                    • Ramp-rate controls to ensure that the plant output does not ramp up or down faster than a specified ramp-rate limit
                                    • Frequency control to lower plant output in case of over-frequency situation or increase plant output (if possible) in case of under-frequency
                                    • Start-up and shut-down control
                                    • Curtailment mitigation in cases where plant output is constrained but the plant has additional generation capability
                                      • Plant Design & Engineering

                                      • We design power plants to maximize energy output and reduce LCOE. Every project is different. Project specific factors such as the local irradiance, weather, soil, wind, and topography must be taken into account for the design, layout, technology selection, and system configuration.

                                        Maximizing Energy Output and Project Value
                                        Our expert engineers have designed gigawatts of PV plants and have experience with more than 1,000 iterations of plant design improvements. In a process called “design optimization,” we go beyond standard plant engineering to configure PV plants that maximize project value. By applying our experience and expertise to meticulously configure PV plant parameters, we ensure our PV plants deliver the maximum financial results.
                                        As an example, we regularly optimize the right combination of DC:AC ratio with a project’s unique financing and site constraints to deliver the best combination of LCOE vs. NPV. Our PV plants achieve our customers’ most important objectives by delivering the project specific economics that are most important to them.
                                          • Project Development

                                          • Project development is essential to creating valuable power plant assets and includes activities prior to construction, such as securing a power purchase agreement (PPA), establishing site control, project permitting, and project financing.

                                            The World's Largest Solar Pipeline
                                            We have developed the world’s largest contracted solar project pipeline (currently approximately 3GW). More importantly, we have a proven track record of converting more PPA’s to energy than anyone else in the industry. Our experienced project development team has successfully developed numerous solar power plants over 100MW in highly regulated environments. If you have a PPA with First Solar, you can count on us to deliver reliable, dependable, and cost-effective solar energy for the life of that agreement.
                                              • Advance PV Modules

                                              • First Solar modules couple leading-edge technology with the manufacturing excellence and quality control that comes from being one of the world's most experienced producers of advanced PV modules. We are able to provide the best in performance, quality, and reliability to our customers because we invest more in research and development than any other solar company in the world.

                                                First Solar is uniquely positioned to serve the full spectrum of PV applications and customer needs. We have two distinct module technologies, both of which are designed to generate more energy per watt than competing solar panels. With more than 10GW installed worldwide, First Solar modules are the foundation for our high-performance PV energy solutions.
                                                  • First Solar Advanced Thin Film Module

                                                  • First Solar’s advanced solar modules have set the industry benchmark for utility-scale PV. Our technology demonstrates a proven performance advantage over conventional crystalline silicon solar panels, delivering up to 9% more annual energy for the same nameplate watts. The Series 3 Black Plus™ and Series 4™ Modules build on this advantage, leading the industry in quality and long-term durability.

                                                    Outperforms conventional crystalline silicon solar modules with equal power rating
                                                    • Proven energy yield advantage in humid climates due to superior spectral response and in hot climates due to superior temperature coefficient (-0.25%/°C)
                                                    • Robust against shading in landscape orientation

                                                    Industry-leading long-term reliability and durability
                                                    • Extended reliability in harsh environments: Thresher Test; TUV Long-Term Sequential Test; IEC 61701 Salt Mist/Corrosion; IEC60068 Desert Sand Resistance; PID-Free
                                                    • Certified to IEC 61646, IEC 61730, UL Listed (NA), MCS (UK), CEC (AU)
                                                    • Manufactured to ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, and OHSAS 18001:2007

                                                    Frameless glass-to-glass laminate (60 x 120 cm, 12.0 kg)
                                                    25-year power output warranty and 10-year materials and workmanship warranty
                                                  • First Solar TetraSun™ Module

                                                  • The First Solar TetraSun™ Module is designed for applications where space is at a premium or customers prefer a high-power density solution. With a proprietary cell architecture and manufacturing process, our crystalline modules offer one of the industry’s highest power ratings and lowest temperature coefficients, resulting in superior energy density in space-constrained installations. With lower installation costs, faster installation times, and greater system revenues, our crystalline modules will deliver unparalleled value for our customers.

                                                    First Solar TetraSun™ Module Features:

                                                    • Proprietary cell enables efficiencies over 21% and module designs with superior power density compared to standard crystalline silicon
                                                    • Streamlined manufacturing process versus other approaches to high-efficiency reduces complexity and improves product consistency and performance
                                                      • Manufactured using high-purity, large form factor (156mm) n-type wafers with higher efficiencies than p-type mono-crystalline cells due to a higher minority carrier lifetime
                                                      • 156mm wafers provide more active cell area per module and increased power output than standard 125mm wafers
                                                      • Metallization process utilizes less than 50μ narrow copper electrodes with superior conductivity and less resistive losses than industry-standard, screen-printed silver fingers
                                                      • Copper-plated metallization induces minimal stress on wafers, improving mechanical yield and reliability
                                                    • Superior energy harvest compared to standard crystalline silicon technologies
                                                      • Lower temperature coefficient (-0.3%/ °C) results in superior energy production compared to standard crystalline technologies (typical -0.45%/°C)
                                                      • No light-induced degradation
                                                      • No potential-induced degradation
                                                • First Solar Mounting Systems

                                                • We offer several proprietary mounting solutions that have been custom-designed by First Solar engineers to integrate exclusively with our modules and reduce system costs. Project specific factors such as the local irradiance, weather, soil, wind, and topography will dictate the optimal mounting solution for each project. With a single-axis tracker technology and multiple fixed mounting solutions to choose from, we offer a suite of proven mounting systems that have been engineered to maximize energy output, increase installation velocity, and reduce costs.
                                                    • The First Solar Tracker

                                                    • Tracker systems follow the sun throughout the day to maximize energy output. The First Solar Tracker is a proven single-axis tracking technology that has been custom designed to integrate with First Solar modules and reduce system costs. The First Solar Tracker generates up to 25% more energy than fixed mounting systems and provides a bankable energy production profile preferred by utilities.

                                                      The First Solar Tracker Features:
                                                      • Increased energy production and lower LCOE
                                                      • Distributed Actuation Architecture™ with high system up-time and lower O&M costs
                                                      • Industry-leading reliability and system availability
                                                      • Flexible system design and pre-assembled components for faster time-to-power
                                                      • Advanced communication system with high-resolution data collection and control
                                                      • Proprietary tracking algorithm optimized for First Solar modules
                                                    • First Solar Fixed Mounting Solutions

                                                    • First Solar has multiple fixed mounting solutions that have been custom-designed by First Solar engineers to integrate exclusively with First Solar modules and reduce system costs.

                                                      First Solar Folding Table Features:
                                                      • Rapid installation with reduced costs
                                                      • Preassembled beam and rail unfold out of the box
                                                      • Easily installed by 2 people
                                                      • Pre-installed clips require no tools or hardware
                                                      • Design supports winds up to 120 mph
                                                      • 1-year material and workmanship warranty
                                                      • Landscape orientation, 4 modules high by 5 wide

                                                      In addition to our fixed folding table, we have several standard fixed-tilt mounting systems and designs. Standard fixed mounting systems provide the lowest cost of parts and are ideal in lower cost labor markets.
                                                      First Solar Fixed Tilt Features:
                                                      • Low product cost
                                                      • Easy assembly
                                                      • High durability and reliability
                                                      • Design supports winds up to 120 mph
                                                      • 1 year material and workmanship warranty
                                                      • Landscape orientation, 4 modules high by 5 wide