First Solar first to produce 1 GW in a single year

subscribe

First Solar Inc. announced it has manufactured and shipped more than 1 gigawatt (GW) of its photovoltaic (PV) solar modules in 2009, becoming the first PV company to attain this production volume in a single year.

One gigawatt of solar modules produces enough electricity to serve the needs of approximately 145,000 average American homes and saves roughly 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

As the worldÂ’s largest solar module manufacturer, First Solar has increased its manufacturing capacity from approximately 75 megawatts (MW) per year at the beginning of 2007 to more than 1GW today.

“This proof that the solar industry can achieve the manufacturing scale necessary to fight climate change is especially timely in light of the Copenhagen conference,” said Bruce Sohn, First Solar president. “Our efforts in scaling our technology are critical to creating a more sustainable energy infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

First Solar has continually lowered the cost of manufacturing solar modules, breaking the $1 per watt barrier earlier this year.

Related News

bc-hydro-rates-to-rise-by-3-75-over-two-years

BC Hydro Rates to Rise by 3.75% Over Two Years

VANCOUVER - British Columbia's electricity rates will experience a 3.75% increase over the next two years, as confirmed by the provincial government on March 17, 2025. The announcement was made by Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, Adrian Dix, who emphasized the decision's necessity for maintaining BC Hydro’s infrastructure while balancing affordability for residents.

For most households, the increase will amount to an additional $3.75 per month, based on an average BC Hydro bill of $100. While this may seem modest, the increase reflects a broader strategy to stabilize the utility's rates amidst economic challenges and ensure long-term energy security…

READ MORE
ssen

Ontario Teachers Pension Plan agrees to acquire a 25% stake in SSEN Transmission

READ MORE

hydro one

New Hydro One CEO aims to repair relationship with Ontario government — and investors

READ MORE

powerlines

Hydro One: No cut in peak hydro rates yet for self-isolating customers

READ MORE

nelson charging station

Nelson, B.C. Gets Charged Up on a New EV Fast-Charging Station

READ MORE