First Solar, Inc. - FSLR STOCK NEWS

First Solar has announced a significant order from Lightsource bp for 4 gigawatts (GW)_DC of its advanced thin film solar modules, set for delivery between 2026 and 2028. This order comes after a previous commitment of 4.3 GW_DC in 2021, reinforcing Lightsource bp's position as a major user of First Solar's technology. The latest deal emphasizes the growth of the U.S. solar industry, bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act. First Solar is investing over $1.1 billion in a new factory in Alabama and expanding operations in Ohio, projecting a total capacity of 10.6 GW_DC by 2026 and creating over 850 new jobs.

Silicon Ranch has procured an additional 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of thin film solar modules from First Solar (FSLR), enhancing its ongoing partnership. This deal builds on a prior 4 GW contract announced in April 2022 and a 700 MW commitment from October 2022, ensuring supply for projects from 2026 to 2027. The agreement supports domestic solar manufacturing and aligns with First Solar's sustainability goals. Silicon Ranch continues to lead in utility-scale solar in the Southeast, managing over 150 solar facilities across 15 states and boasting a successful project execution record. The recent $600 million equity raise positions them for future growth.

First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) is scheduled to release its financial results for Q4 and the full year 2022 on February 28, 2023. The announcement will provide important insights into the company's performance and its 2023 financial guidance. The results will be discussed during a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET, accessible via a live webcast on the company's investor website. An audio replay will be available until March 30, 2023. First Solar, known for its eco-efficient solar modules, is committed to sustainability and advancing solar technology.

First Solar has successfully sold the Luz del Norte solar power plant, a 141-MW utility-scale facility located in Copiapó, Chile, to Toesca, an independent asset manager. This transaction, announced during the Q3 2022 earnings call, was finalized in December 2022, although specific financial terms weren't disclosed. First Solar is recognized as a leading solar technology company focused on eco-efficient solar modules aimed at combating climate change, with operations rooted in sustainability from production to recycling.

First Solar has secured a contract to deliver 1.6 GW of its Series 7 thin film solar modules to National Grid Renewables, following a prior agreement for 2 GW. Deliveries are scheduled for 2026 and 2027. This deal extends their partnership to over 4 GW in total. The Series 7 modules are noted for their efficiency and environmentally responsible production methods. First Solar is also investing $1.3 billion to expand its manufacturing capacity in the U.S., aiming for over 10 GW annual capacity by 2025.

National Grid Renewables has commenced commercial operations at its Noble Solar and Storage Project in Denton County, Texas. This 275 MW solar and 125 MWh energy storage facility is a significant stride for the company, marking its first utility-scale energy storage project. The Noble project is expected to prevent 450,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually and generate $26 million in tax revenue over the first 20 years. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have been secured with The Home Depot, NRG Energy, and The Hershey Company.

First Solar (FSLR) has secured agreements to provide 4.9 GW_DC of solar modules to Intersect Power, totaling 7.3 GW_DC for 2022. This positions Intersect as the largest buyer of First Solar technology by 2029, with a projected capacity of 11.4 GW_DC. The modules will be used in various projects starting from 2025. Additionally, First Solar plans to invest $4 billion in U.S. manufacturing, extending annual capacity to over 10 GW_DC by 2025, and establishing a $270 million R&D center in Ohio.

First Solar plans to invest approximately $1.1 billion in a new solar module manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, Alabama, with a planned capacity of 3.5 GW_DC. This factory aims to be operational by 2025 and will create over 700 direct jobs. This investment is part of a broader initiative to scale First Solar’s manufacturing footprint to exceed 10 GW_DC by 2025, contributing to US energy self-sufficiency. The company's total US manufacturing investment is set to surpass $4 billion by 2025.

First Solar (FSLR) plans to invest approximately $270 million in a new 1.3 million square-foot R&D facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, aimed at accelerating technology validation for next-generation thin film solar modules. The center will feature a pilot manufacturing line, improving production efficiency and reducing downtime. Completion is anticipated in 2024, contingent on approval of local incentives. This investment aligns with First Solar's goal of enhancing its manufacturing capacity and maintaining its leadership in advanced photovoltaics.