Brings competitively priced solar power to the Texas market

TEMPE, Ariz., September 4, 2014 - First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced the completion of Phase 1 of the Barilla Solar Project in Pecos County, Texas, bringing approximately 18 MWAC of generating capacity to the Texas competitive wholesale market.

First Solar will offer electricity generated by the Barilla plant on a competitive open contract basis, making it the first such solar asset in Texas. First Solar developed, constructed and will operate the power plant, which incorporates a suite of advanced controls and capabilities essential to supporting grid stability and reliability within the ERCOT region. The project is in the final stages of the commissioning process.

Pecos County Judge Joe Shuster, commenting on the announcement said: "First Solar is a pioneer in bringing West Texas solar into the diverse energy portfolio of Texas. In West Texas we've got plenty of land, some with a lot of oil under it, and all of it with sunshine which makes it perfect for solar plants like this. I'm excited to see Barilla as the first project in what I hope will soon be the 'Texas solar patch.'"

"It is exciting to enter the Texas market with a clean, renewable energy source that is competitively priced against traditional high-cost peak resources," said Tim Rebhorn, Senior Vice President of Business Development for First Solar. "This project demonstrates First Solar's capability to rapidly develop, construct and commission a solar asset offering clean, renewable energy at competitive rates to the grid when and where it is needed."

Rebhorn said that the Barilla power plant will contribute to lower electricity prices for Texas consumers, while providing a reliable resource to power providers.

According to the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Texas has the greatest technical potential for solar development in the U.S. The Barilla Solar Project takes advantage of one of the best solar resource geographies in the state, with the added benefit of tying into nearby existing power transmission infrastructure in the West Texas region. The solar power plant utilizes no water for electricity generation, an important additional benefit in an area where scarce water resources must be preserved.

Regarding the Barilla project, state Rep. Poncho Nevarez (D - Eagle Pass) said, "We are blessed with sunshine in Pecos County and West Texas. Harnessing it would give us an opportunity for clean and efficient power for Texas' future. What a great investment!"

About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced module and system technology. The company's integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar's renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.

For First Solar Investors
This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements, among other things, concerning: our business strategy, including anticipated trends and developments in and management plans for our business and the markets in which we operate; future financial results, operating results, revenues, gross margin, operating expenses, products, projected costs, warranties, solar module efficiency and balance of systems ("BoS") cost reduction roadmaps, restructuring, product reliability and capital expenditures; our ability to continue to reduce the cost per watt of our solar modules; our ability to reduce the costs to construct photovoltaic ("PV") solar power systems; research and development programs and our ability to improve the conversion efficiency of our solar modules; sales and marketing initiatives; and competition. These forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of words such as "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "forecast," "foresee," "likely," "may," "should," "goal," "target," "might," "will," "could," "predict," "continue" and the negative or plural of these words and other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and our projections about future events. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements for any reason. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the matters discussed in Item 1A: "Risk Factors," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports filed with the SEC.

Contacts
First Solar Media
Steve Krum
+1 602-427-3359
steve.krum@firstsolar.com

First Solar Investors
David Brady
+1 602-414-9315
dbrady@firstsolar.com
or
Stephen Haymore
+1 602.414.9315
stephen.haymore@firstsolar.com


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