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First Solar Modules to Power Ohio State University at Solar Decathlon Competition in Wash., D.C.

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^{Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 16th 2011 at 5:39 GMT by Market Wire}  

TEMPE, Ariz.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced that a team of students from Ohio State University will use the companya™s advanced thin-film solar modules to power their sustainable house in the 2011 U.S. Department of Energya™s Solar Decathlon competition, which will take place next week in Wash., D.C. Installation of the 8 kilowatt photovoltaic rooftop system, which utilizes modules manufactured in First Solara™s Perrysburg, Ohio facility, will begin today.

"They also make economic sense and were manufactured in our home state."

aFirst Solar is proud to sponsor the Ohio State University Solar Decathlon team. We applaud their innovative design efforts and wish them luck at next weeka™s competition,a said Mike Koralewski, Vice President of Site Operations and Plant Manager for First Solara™s Perrysburg, Ohio facility. aOur Ohio-manufactured solar modules were a natural fit for this Ohio-based team.a

The biennial Solar Decathlon challenges students to use a holistic approach to design and construct net-zero energy-consuming homes. The competition features houses from 20 universities from around the world. Ohio State Universitya™ sustainable house maximizes the efficiency of the dwelling by condensing all of the mechanical and fixed items into a minimal footprint, while still providing flexible spaces that can accommodate the needs of a modern family.

aWe chose First Solara™s modules because they offer the technological edge our sustainable home design requires,a said Matthew Oa™Kelly, Ohio State University Team Project Engineer. aThey also make economic sense and were manufactured in our home state.a

First Solara™s modules are well suited for rooftop applications and generate electricity with no water usage and no waste production. They also perform well in high temperature conditions and can produce more electricity when mounted flush on a rooftop, where wind is less able to cool them.

The companya™s Perrysburg, Ohio, facility produces approximately 250 megawatts per year and employs approximately 1200 associates.

For more information on the Ohio State Solar Decathlon team, visit [ http://solardecathlon.osu.edu/ ].

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology, and is a premier provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system solutions. The company is delivering an economically viable alternative to fossil-fuel generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating value-driven renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit [ www.firstsolar.com ].