Mark Widmar

First Solar leads the way in responsible solar technology, offering advanced thin-film PV modules and comprehensive renewable energy systems. Committed to sustainability, they prioritize employee welfare, environmental stewardship, and innovative manufacturing. Discover how First Solar is pioneering a greener, more sustainable future.

Since 1999, First Solar has grown to become an international leader in solar technology underpinning responsible practices with a drive for innovative solutions. At the center of this is what they term “Responsible Solar,” guiding principles that set the threshold for employee welfare, environmental stewardship, and business sustainability. These cornerstones not only reduce risks but maximize returns for people and the planet.

Holistic Solution to Solar Power

First Solar is known for advanced PV solar systems that provide a practical and economic alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation. First Solar gives comprehensive renewable energy systems by bringing together power plant solution technologies with top module and system technologies in the industry. The company provides end-to-end solutions for the solar module—sourcing raw materials through end-of-life recycling for minimal environmental impact and more sustainability.

Leading the Way to a Sustainable Energy Future

First Solar is the prime American solar technology company and among the top ten manufacturers of solar power modules in the world—the only US-headquartered firm. Even more interestingly, it is not a China-based manufacturer. Their advanced thin-film photovoltaic modules are the new generation of solar technology, offering high performance with lower carbon emissions compared to traditional crystalline silicon photovoltaic panels. This technology reduces costs while increasing scalability and efficiency.

Manufacturing Excellence

First Solar’s advanced manufacturing capabilities culminate in the largest solar manufacturing footprint in the Western Hemisphere, located in Ohio. With a third factory scheduled to come online in early 2023 and a fourth facility in the US Southeast by 2025, First Solar stands to have a global annual manufacturing capacity in excess of 20 gigawatts. That network of facilities spans across the US, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam—the diversified and robust foundation necessary to be sure of supply.

First Solar’s proprietary manufacturing process is an entirely integrated and continuous operation, where a sheet of glass turns into a fully functional solar panel within approximately four hours of operation. This will give—through highly skilled workers, Industry 4.0 architecture, machine-to-machine communication, artificial intelligence, and IoT connectivity—independence from Chinese c-Si supply chains and significantly greater control and traceability.

Technological Innovations

First Solar works on developing leading-edge thin-film photovoltaic modules at R&D centers in California and Ohio. These modules are made with a layer of CadTel semiconductor, a byproduct from copper and zinc mining. They set industry standards for quality, durability, reliability, and sustainability. This thin-film technology puts them at an advantageous position over conventional c-Si modules in many ways: reduced costs, better scalability, and higher theoretical efficiency limits.

It has the best class degradation rates, temperature coefficients, and spectral and shading responses of energy-efficient thin-film PV modules, hence being the most environmentally friendly product in the industry. First Solar’s modules use only 1-2% of the semiconductor material needed for conventional c-Si modules to deliver comparable power with less overall resource usage and a reduced environmental impact.

Leadership and Vision

First Solar, under the leadership of Mark R. Widmar since he assumed the position of CEO in July 2016, has had a very well-placed vision and growth. Joining First Solar in 2011 as Chief Financial Officer, Widmar’s tenure at First Solar has made the company go through several milestones, like establishing joint ventures and expanding its manufacturing capacity. His rich experience in financial and managerial roles at GrafTech International, NCR Inc., Dell, Inc., and Lucent Technologies supplied him with the capability to manage First Solar into sustainable long-term viability.

Dedicated to a Sustainable Future

First Solar is focused on responsible solar technologies and actions for sustainable operations—what actually gives it its edges in the renewable energy sector. First Solar is pioneering the future of sustainable energy through leading-edge solutions, robust manufacturing processes, and dedication to environmental stewardship. Its sophisticated technologies are matched by strong relations with the community and its clients, thereby making sure that its effect goes beyond the generation of clean energy but serves the greater good of a healthy planet for present and future generations.

In a nutshell, First Solar is pioneering responsible solar technology that will drive the future of renewable energy. First Solar brings sustainability into the process, new and innovative manufacturing techniques, and advanced thin-film photovoltaic technology, setting new industry standards, quite literally paving the road toward a greener, more sustainable future.