First Solar, Inc. : First Solar Showcases Series 3 BlackTM Thin-Film Module at SNEC 2013 PV Power Expo

SHANGHAI, China - May 06 , 2013 - First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) announced today that it will showcase its latest Series 3 BlackTM module technology at the SNEC (from May 14-16, 2013) International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition (SNEC PV Power Expo) in Shanghai, to demonstrate the company's leading solar PV technology and expertise in China.

Series 3 BlackTM is the latest evolution from First Solar to the industry's-leading Series 3 thin-film PV module platform. The module incorporates First Solar's latest advances in conversion efficiency as well as features to enhance its performance in utility-scale power plants. The module's change in appearance is due to the use of advanced, all-black edge seal technology combined with an innovative encapsulation material that further enhances its field durability and demonstrates improvements in accelerated life testing results. The enhancements allow Series 3 BlackTM to achieve world-class durability and performance in the harshest operating conditions.

First Solar executives will attend and address the conference at the SNEC PV Power Expo to showcase the company's industry-leading modules, system technology and grid integration. First Solar Chief Technology Officer Raffi Garabedian will deliver a keynote speech at the conference's opening ceremony and plenary session, and will provide an overview of the current and future potential of cadmium-telluride (CdTe) technologies for utility-scale applications. Garabedian will also present at the expo's CTO Dialogue, where he will demonstrate First Solar's latest Series 3 BlackTM thin-film module technology along with the company's integrated R&D methodology, CdTe module conversion efficiency world record and technology roadmap.

"We are pleased to be attending the SNEC PV Power Expo this year and look forward to meeting with other innovators and leaders in the PV solar industry at the event in China," said First Solar's Bruce Yung, Vice President of Business Development and Managing Director for China. "We are excited at the opportunity to showcase our new Series 3 BlackTM modules in China and we look forward to bringing it to bear in solar projects with Chinese partners to help achieve global sustainable energy goals."

First Solar's Series 3 BlackTM module technology will be on display from May 14-16 at booth no. E1-370 in the Shanghai International Exhibition Center.

About SNEC PV Power Expo

The SNEC PV Power Expo is one of the largest international PV tradeshows worldwide and jointly organized by 16 international associations and organizations. Held annually in Shanghai, since 2007, this year's expo will feature more than 2,300 exhibiting companies from more than 90 countries and regions. Top PV scientists from around the world will be invited to present on cutting-edge solar energy technologies at the expo.

For more information on the SNEC PV Power Expo, visit www.snec.org.cn/Default.aspx?lang=en.

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules. 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 the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company's business involving the company's products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.

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