UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K
(Mark one)

[x]
[]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
Commission file number: 001-33156

First Solar, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

20-4623678

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

350 West Washington Street, Suite 600

Tempe, Arizona 85281
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(602) 414-9300
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Common stock, $0.001 par value

Name of each exchange on which registered

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [x] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [x]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted
and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit
and post such files). Yes [x] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of
large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [x]

Accelerated filer [ ]

Non-accelerated filer [ ]

Smaller reporting company [ ]

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [x]
The aggregate market value of the registrants common stock, $0.001 par value per share, held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2015 , the last business day of
the registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $2.8 billion (based on the closing sales price of the registrants common stock on that date). As of
February 19, 2016 , 101,767,670 shares of the registrants common stock, $0.001 par value per share, were issued and outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information required by Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to the extent not set forth herein, is incorporated by reference from the registrants definitive proxy
statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2016 , which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the
fiscal year to which this Annual Report on Form 10-K relates.

Table of Contents
FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

PART I
Item 1:
Item 1A:
Item 1B:
Item 2:
Item 3:
Item 4:

Business
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures

2
18
21
42
42
43
43

Item 5:
Item 6:
Item 7:
Item 7A:
Item 8:
Item 9:
Item 9A:
Item 9B:

PART II
Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information

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46
70
73
73
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74

Item 10:
Item 11:
Item 12:
Item 13:
Item 14:

PART III
Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accountant Fees and Services

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75
75
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PART IV
Item 15:
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Signatures
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Index to Exhibits

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80
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143

Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we refer to First Solar, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries as First Solar, the
Company, we, us, and our. Our last three fiscal years ended on December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 .

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NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
Exchange Act) and the Securities Act of 1933, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. All
statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The 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 (including estimated future module collection and recycling costs), warranties, solar module efficiency and
balance of systems (BoS) cost reduction roadmaps, restructuring, product reliability, investments in unconsolidated affiliates, 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 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. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words, such as estimate, expect,
anticipate, project, plan, intend, seek, 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. All forward-looking statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K are based upon information available to us as of the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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, including, but
not limited to:

structural imbalances in global supply and demand for photovoltaic (PV) modules;

the market for renewable energy, including solar energy;

reduction, elimination, or expiration of government subsidies and support programs for solar energy projects;

our ability to execute on our Long Term Strategic Plan;

interest rate fluctuations and both our and our customers ability to
secure financing;

our ability to execute on our solar module and BoS cost reduction
roadmaps;

our ability to attract new customers and to develop and maintain existing customer and supplier relationships;

changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations and environmental, health and safety requirements;

our competitive position and other key competitive factors;

environmental responsibility, including with respect to cadmium telluride and other semiconductor materials;

claims under our limited warranty obligations;

future collection and recycling costs for solar modules covered by our module collection and recycling program;

our ability to protect our intellectual property;

our ability to prevent and/or minimize the impact of cyber attacks or other breaches of our information systems;

our continued investment in research and development;

the supply and price of components and raw materials, including

cadmium telluride;

our ability to successfully develop and complete our systems business

projects;

our ability to attract and retain key executive officers and associates;

general economic and business conditions, including those influenced by international and geopolitical events; and

all other matters discussed in Item 1A: Risk Factors, and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under this section.
Unit of Power

When referring to our manufacturing capacity, total sales, and solar module sales, the unit of electricity in watts for megawatts (MW)
and gigawatts (GW) is direct current (DC) unless otherwise noted. When referring to our PV solar power systems, the unit of electricity in
watts for MW and GW is alternating current (AC) unless otherwise noted.

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PART I
Item 1: Business
Company Overview
We are a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions. We design, manufacture, and sell PV solar
modules with an advanced thin-film semiconductor technology and also develop, design, construct, and sell PV solar power systems that
primarily use the modules we manufacture. Additionally, we provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services to system owners that use
solar modules manufactured by us or by other third-party manufacturers. We have substantial, ongoing research and development efforts
focused on module and system level innovations. We are the worlds largest thin-film PV solar module manufacturer and one of the worlds
largest PV solar module manufacturers. Our mission is to create enduring value by enabling a world powered by clean, affordable solar energy.
In addressing overall global demand for PV solar electricity, our differentiated, fully integrated systems business can provide competitively
priced utility-scale PV solar energy solutions to system owners and low cost electricity to end-users. Our systems business has enabled us to
drive cost reduction across the value chain and deliver compelling solutions to our customers. With our systems business, we believe we are in
a position to continue to expand our business in key geographic markets with a compelling need for mass-scale PV electricity. We are
committed to continually lowering the cost of solar electricity and plan to compete on an economic basis with conventional fossil-fuel-based
peaking power generation.
In furtherance of our goal of delivering affordable solar electricity, we are continually focused on reducing PV solar power system costs in
five primary areas: module manufacturing costs, BoS costs (consisting of the costs of the components of a PV solar power system other than
the modules that we manufacture, such as mounting, inverters, cables, tracker equipment, and installation labor costs), project development
costs, the cost of capital, and operating costs. First, with respect to our module manufacturing costs, we believe our advanced technology has
allowed us to reduce our average module manufacturing costs to among the lowest in the world for modules produced on a commercial scale,
based on publicly available information. We believe that our module manufacturing cost is competitive, on a comparable basis with, or is lower
than, those of traditional crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers. By continuing to improve module conversion efficiency and energy
density, increasing production line throughput, and lowering raw material costs, we believe that we can further reduce our manufacturing costs
per watt and maintain cost competitiveness with traditional crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers. Second, with respect to our planned
BoS cost reduction roadmap, we have aggressive programs which target key improvements in components and system design, which, when
combined with continued improvements in module conversion efficiency, volume procurement around standardized hardware platforms, the
use of innovative installation techniques and know-how, and accelerated installation times, are expected to result in continued reductions in our
BoS costs and drive a lower system levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Third, with respect to our project development costs, we seek optimal
site locations in an effort to maximize solar resources and minimize transmission and permitting costs, and to accelerate lead times to electricity
generation. Fourth, with respect to the cost of capital, by continuing to demonstrate the financial viability and operational performance of our
utility-scale PV solar power systems, we believe we can continue to lower the cost of capital associated with our systems, thereby further
enhancing the economic viability of our projects and lowering the cost of electricity generated by such systems incorporating our modules and
technology. The remaining primary system cost relates to the actual operating costs of a system, which includes the O&M costs of the
plant. We believe that our O&M services are an important aspect to further reductions in the LCOE of a PV solar power system through
seamless grid integration, increased reliability, and maximization of the availability of the systems we operate and maintain for our customers.
In addition to enabling the system cost reductions described above, we believe that combining our vertical integration across the value
chain enables us to be more competitive, accelerate the adoption of our technology in PV solar power systems, and successfully expand into
key geographic markets around the world. Our vertically integrated capabilities enable us to maximize value and mitigate risk for our
customers and offer valuable benefits such as grid integration and stabilization, thereby positioning us to deliver meaningful PV solar energy
solutions to varied energy problems worldwide. We seek to offer leadership across the entire solar value chain, resulting in more reliable and
cost effective PV solar energy solutions for our customers, and furthering our mission to create enduring value by enabling a world powered by
clean, affordable solar electricity.

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Market Overview
Solar energy is a growing form of renewable energy with numerous economic and environmental benefits that make it an attractive
complement to, and/or substitute for, traditional forms of electricity generation. In recent years, the price of PV solar power systems, and
accordingly the cost of producing electricity from such systems, has dropped to levels that are competitive with or even below the retail price of
electricity in many markets. The rapid price decline that PV solar energy has experienced in recent years opens new possibilities to develop
systems in some locations with limited or no financial incentives. The fact that a PV solar power system requires no fuel provides a unique and
valuable hedging benefit to owners of such systems relative to traditional electricity generation assets. Once installed, PV solar power systems
can function for 25 or more years with relatively less maintenance or oversight, compared to traditional forms of electricity generation. In
addition to these economic benefits, PV solar has several environmental benefits. For example, PV solar power systems do not generate any
greenhouse gas or other emissions and use no or minimal amounts of water compared to traditional forms of electricity generation. Solar
markets worldwide continue to develop, aided by the above factors as well as demand elasticity resulting from declining industry average
selling prices, both at the module and system level, which make solar power more affordable to new markets, and we have continued to
develop our localized presence and expertise in such markets.
The solar industry continues to be characterized by intense pricing competition, both at the module and system levels. In the aggregate, we
believe manufacturers of solar modules and cells have, relative to global demand, significant installed production capacity and the ability for
additional capacity expansion. We believe the solar industry may from time to time experience periods of structural imbalance between supply
and demand (i.e., where production capacity exceeds global demand), and that such periods will put pressure on pricing. Additionally, intense
competition at the systems level can result in an environment in which pricing falls rapidly, thereby further increasing demand for solar energy
solutions but constraining the ability for project developers; engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies; and verticallyintegrated solar companies such as First Solar to sustain meaningful and consistent profitability. In light of such market realities, we are
executing our Long Term Strategic Plan, Vision 2020 (Long Term Strategic Plan) described below, under which we are focusing on our
competitive strengths. Such strengths include our advanced module and system technologies as well as our differentiated, vertically-integrated
business model that enables us to provide utility-scale PV solar energy solutions to key geographic markets with immediate electricity needs.
Strategy and Competitive Strengths
To build upon our industry leading position and to remain one of the preferred providers of PV solar energy solutions, we are pursuing the
following strategies: differentiation, sustainable growth, and financial viability.
Differentiation

First Solar is vertically integrated across substantially the entire solar value chain. Many of the efficiencies, cost reductions, and
capabilities that we deliver to our customers are not easily replicable for other industry participants that are not similarly vertically
integrated. The First Solar model offers PV solar energy solutions that benefit from our capabilities, including: project development;
engineering and plant optimization; grid integration and plant control systems; advanced PV modules; trackers and fixed mounting
systems; procurement and construction consulting; and operations and maintenance services.

First Solar systems deliver solar energy that is cost competitive with certain conventional energy sources, depending on the location
and application. Our solutions diversify the energy portfolio and reduce the risk of fuel-price volatility, while delivering an LCOE that
is cost competitive in some circumstances with electricity generated from fossil fuels. With the absence of commodity price risk, solar
energy has a meaningful value proposition, including a long-term fixed price with relatively low operating costs and reliable energy.
When compared to the price of power derived from a conventional source of energy, a fixed price cannot be achieved unless the cost
of hedging is included. Hedging costs of a commodity such as natural gas, along with the costs of credit support required for a longterm hedge, can significantly increase conventional energy costs.

First Solars bankability and financial credibility enable us to offer meaningful module and system warranties after installation, which
provide us with a competitive advantage relative to some of our peers in the solar sector in the context of project financing.

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We offer one of the most bankable utility-scale solar energy solutions in the world. With our proven experience, financial stability,
and ability to maximize the use of our leading technology in debt-financed projects, our bankable energy solutions provide access to
capital and relatively low-cost financing to leading utilities and energy investors.

First Solar has developed advanced grid integration technology, which provides PV plants the ability to actively stabilize the
electricity grid and operate more like traditional electricity generation plants. Advanced plant features of our grid integration systems
include the ability to regulate voltage, curtail active power when necessary, limit the rate of change of power, prevent trips during
faults and disturbances, and react to changes in grid frequency.

First Solar has made significant improvements to BoS components to optimize the entire PV power plant and reduce lifecycle costs.
Our proprietary data acquisition, plant control, and mounting systems are examples of plant optimizing technologies that enable us to
provide reliable and predictable solar energy, increased energy yields and system availabilities, faster construction velocities, and a
lower LCOE. Additionally, our advanced plant controls enable seamless integration of our utility-scale solar plants onto the electricity
grid, providing vital grid support services such as voltage and power factor regulation, active and reactive power control, ramp rate
control, frequency regulation, and fault ride-through.

We invest significant resources in research and development (R&D), both at the module and system level. First Solars R&D model
differentiates us from much of our competition due to its vertical integration, from advanced research to product development,
manufacturing, and applications. Our module conversion efficiency has improved on average more than half a percent every year for
the last ten years. First Solar has recently achieved two new world records for cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV efficiency, achieving
an independently certified research cell efficiency of 22.1% and a full area module efficiency of 18.2% . Our module R&D efforts are
being focused on continually improving the energy density of our modules and otherwise driving improvements in the lifetime energy
production of our modules while simultaneously integrating our module and BoS offerings for cost effective, productive, and reliable
PV power plants.

In many climates, First Solars CdTe modules provide a significant energy yield advantage over conventional crystalline silicon solar
modules of equivalent efficiency rating. For example, in humid climates, our CdTe modules provide a superior spectral response, and
in hot climates, our CdTe modules provide a superior temperature coefficient. As a result, at temperatures above 25C (standard test
conditions), our CdTe modules produce more energy than competing conventional crystalline silicon solar modules with an equivalent
efficiency rating. This advantage provides stronger system performance in high temperature climates, which is particularly
advantageous as the vast majority of a systems generation, on average (in typical high insolation climates), occurs when module
temperatures are above 25C. As a result, our PV solar power systems can produce more annual energy at a lower LCOE than
competing systems with the same nameplate capacity.

First Solar CdTe PV modules are manufactured in a high-throughput, automated environment that integrates all manufacturing steps
into a continuous flow line. At the outset, a sheet of glass enters the production line, and in less than 2.5 hours it is transformed into a
complete PV module, which is flash tested, boxed, and ready for shipment. We currently have 30 manufacturing lines worldwide and
2.8 GW of annualized manufacturing capacity. Each line is currently capable of producing approximately 2,500 modules per day;
totaling approximately 71,600 modules each day across 30 lines. About every second, a completed PV module rolls off a First Solar
manufacturing line somewhere in the world. With expected increases in module efficiency as per our roadmap, our capacity has a
potential to scale up to approximately 3.1 GW in 2017 based on the 30 existing lines. In addition, our stored manufacturing equipment
includes up to 8 lines either from our former German factories or from manufacturing facilities that we put on hold with capacity of
up to approximately 0.8 GW. As a result, our total available manufacturing capacity includes up to 3.9 GW of either installed or stored
capacity that can be readily installed and deployed in production and become a significant enabler of our future growth. In January
2015, we marked a new milestone by achieving over 10 GW of solar capacity installed globally using our CdTe PV modules
manufactured to date, making us the first thin-film PV module manufacturer in the world to achieve this milestone.

O&M is a key driver for power plants to deliver on their projected revenues. By leveraging our extensive experience in plant
optimization and advanced diagnostics, we have developed one of the most advanced O&M programs in the industry. With more than
5.6 GW DC of utility-scale PV plants under the O&M program, we maintain a fleet average system availability greater than 99.5%.
Our experienced O&M staff enhances the probability that our customers power plants produce the energy predicted in their energy
model. Our products and services are engineered to maximize energy output and revenue for our customers while significantly
reducing their unplanned maintenance costs. Plant owners benefit from predictable expenses over the life of the contract and reduced
risk of energy loss. Our goal is to optimize our customers power plants to generate the maximum amount of energy and revenue
under their respective power purchase agreements
4

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(PPA) throughout the operational life of the plants. We have made significant investments in O&M technologies in order to develop
and create a scalable and sustainable O&M platform. Our O&M program is compliant with the North American Electric Reliability
Corporation (NERC) standards and is designed to be scalable to accommodate the growing O&M needs of customers worldwide.
We believe our O&M expertise is a significant differentiator, as it is difficult for many competitors to replicate this experience.

We manage, as owner or partial owner, project assets to preserve and enhance shareholder value. We provide seamless management of
projects from initial land development through construction, commissioning, and operation bringing to bear all of our experience in
each of these phases.

Sustainable Growth
In executing our Long Term Strategic Plan, we are focusing on providing PV solar energy solutions using our modules to key geographic
markets that we believe have a compelling need for mass-scale PV electricity, including markets throughout the Americas, Asia, the Middle
East, and Africa. As part of our Long Term Strategic Plan, we are focusing on opportunities in which our PV solar energy solutions can
compete directly with fossil fuel offerings on an LCOE or similar basis, or complement such fossil fuel electricity offerings. Execution of the
Long Term Strategic Plan entails a prioritization of market opportunities worldwide relative to our core strengths and a corresponding
allocation of resources around the globe. This prioritization involves a focus on our core utility-scale offerings and exists within a current
market environment that includes rooftop and distributed generation solar, particularly in the U.S. While it is unclear how rooftop and
distributed generation solar might impact our core utility-scale offerings in the next several years, we believe that utility-scale solar will
continue to be a compelling solar offering for companies with technology and cost leadership and will continue to represent an increasing
portion of the overall electricity generation mix.
We are closely evaluating and managing the appropriate level of resources required as we pursue the most advantageous and cost effective
projects and partnerships in our target markets. We have dedicated, and intend to continue to dedicate, significant capital and human resources
to reduce the total installed cost of PV solar energy, to optimize the design and logistics around our PV solar energy solutions, and to ensure
that our solutions integrate well into the overall electricity ecosystem of each specific market. We expect that, over time, an increasing portion
of our consolidated net sales, operating income, and cash flows may come from solar offerings in the key geographic markets described above
as we execute on our Long Term Strategic Plan. The timing, execution, and financial impacts of our Long Term Strategic Plan are subject to
risks and uncertainties, as described in Item 1A: Risk Factors. We are focusing our resources in those markets and energy applications in
which solar power can be a least-cost, best-fit energy solution, particularly in regions with high solar resources, significant current or projected
electricity demand, and/or relatively high existing electricity prices. As part of these efforts, we continue to expand or reallocate resources
globally, including business development, sales personnel, and other supporting professional staff in target markets. Accordingly, we may shift
current costs or incur additional costs over time as we establish a localized business presence in these target markets.
Joint ventures or other strategic arrangements with partners are a key part of our Long Term Strategic Plan, and we generally use such
arrangements to expedite our penetration of various key markets and establish relationships with potential customers. We also enter into joint
ventures or strategic arrangements with customers or other entities to maximize the value of particular projects. Some of these arrangements
involve, and are expected in the future to involve, significant investments or other allocations of capital. We continue to develop relationships
with policymakers, regulators, and end customers in these strategic markets with a view to creating opportunities for utility-scale PV solar
power systems. We sell such systems directly to end customers, including utilities, independent power producers, commercial and industrial
companies, and other system owners. Depending on the market opportunity, our sales offerings may range from module-only sales, to module
sales with a range of development, EPC services, and other solutions, to full turn-key PV solar power system sales. We expect these offerings
to continue to evolve over time as we work with our customers to optimize how our PV solar energy solutions can best meet our customers
energy and economic needs.
Financial Viability
First Solars commitment is to create long-term shareholder value and generate returns on invested capital in excess of its weighted
average cost of capital over that time horizon. Despite substantial downward pressure on the price of solar modules due to pricing competition
and significant capacity in the industry, we have continued to deliver strong financial performance and liquidity. As planned, we expect to
continue to drive operating expense efficiencies and improvements while still investing in growth, the continued development of our global
sales capabilities, and our R&D roadmap. We seek to balance our incentive compensation and decision-making processes to ensure we direct
our efforts and investments towards long-term profitable and sustainable growth with appropriate returns on invested capital and reinvest
excess returns back into the business.

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Offerings and Capabilities
Offerings
We are focusing on markets and energy applications in which solar power can be a least-cost, best-fit energy solution, particularly in
regions with high solar resources, significant current or projected electricity demand, and/or relatively high existing electricity prices. We
differentiate our product offerings by geographic market and localize the solution, as needed. Our consultative approach to our customers solar
energy needs and capabilities results in customized solutions to meet their economic goals. We have designed our customer solutions according
to the needs of the following different business areas. Although we have substantial experience with the utility-scale power plant and advanced
PV module offerings described below, certain other offerings are in various stages of development.

Utility-Scale Power Plant . We have extensive, proven experience in delivering reliable grid-connected bulk power systems for utilityscale generation. First Solars grid-connected PV solar power systems diversify the energy portfolio, reduce fossil-fuel consumption,
reduce the risk of fuel price volatility, and save costs, proving that centralized solar generation can deliver reliable and affordable
solar electricity to the grid in many places around the world. Benefits of our grid-connected bulk power system solutions include
reduction of fuel imports and improvements in energy security; diversification of the energy portfolio and reductions of risk related to
fuel-price volatility; enhanced peaking generation and faster time-to-power; improved grid reliability and stability with advanced PV
plant controls; and managed PV variability through accurate forecasting.

Advanced PV Modules . Our CdTe PV module outperforms conventional crystalline silicon solar modules with equal power rating due
in part to superior spectral response and temperature coefficient in many climates. At temperatures above 25C, First Solar modules
produce more energy than conventional crystalline silicon solar modules with equal nameplate efficiency ratings. Our TetraSun
crystalline silicon module is designed for applications where space is at a premium or customers prefer a high power density
solution. With a proprietary cell architecture, our crystalline silicon modules offer one of the industrys highest power ratings and
conversion efficiencies and lowest temperature coefficients, resulting in high energy density in space-constrained installations.

Module Plus. With module plus, we have further enhanced the performance of our industry-leading PV solutions by improving the
process of purchasing an integrated module and mounting system. Module plus features the reliability of our advanced thin-film PV
modules, paired with a range of specially designed mounting systems that are optimized for accelerated installation and maximum
energy return. Accordingly, our module plus customers have access to our advanced PV modules and portfolio of additional system
components by leveraging our global supplier network to streamline project logistics and minimize risks through a single system
component supplier.

Commercial and Industrial . We are in the process of developing system solutions for commercial and industrial applications. We
believe the wholesale commercial and industrial market, while in its early stages, is a promising opportunity for First Solar, given our
large-scale PV system expertise. A recent example is our announcement in February 2015 that Apple Inc. had committed to purchase
electricity from our California Flats solar project under construction in Monterey County, California. Apple will receive electricity
from 130 MW AC of the project under a 25-year power purchase agreement, the largest agreement in the industry to provide clean
energy to a commercial end user.

Community Solar. Our community solar offering addresses the residential and small business sectors, providing a broad range of
customers access to competitively priced solar energy regardless of the suitability of their rooftops. Community solar utilizes
relatively small ground-mounted installations that provide clean energy to utilities, which then offer consumers the ability to buy into
a specific community installation and benefit from the solar power generated by that resource. First Solars expertise in utility-scale
generation and module technology, paired with the community solar experience of our partner Clean Energy Collective, allows
residential power consumers to go solar, including those who live in apartment buildings or whose home rooftops cannot
accommodate solar panels. We are currently working with strategic partners to develop a commercially scalable community solar
offering.

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Full Suite of Capabilities
The First Solar model offers PV solar energy solutions with superior value and less risk with our expertise across substantially the entire
solar value chain, including:

Project Development . During project development, we obtain land and land rights for the development of PV solar power systems
incorporating our modules, negotiate long-term PPAs with potential purchasers of the electricity to be generated by those plants or
develop plants in regulated markets where feed-in-tariff (FiT) or similar structures are in place, manage the interconnection and
transmission process, negotiate agreements to interconnect the systems to the electricity grid, and obtain the permits that are required
prior to the construction of PV solar power systems, including applicable environmental and land-use permits. We also buy projects in
various stages of development and continue developing those projects with system designs incorporating our own modules. We sell
developed PV solar power systems to utilities, independent power producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other system
owners, such as investors who are looking for long-term investment vehicles that are expected to generate consistent returns.

EPC Services . We provide EPC services to projects developed by us, to projects developed by independent solar power project
developers, and directly to system owners such as utilities. EPC services include engineering design and related services, BoS
procurement, advanced development of grid integration solutions, and construction contracting and management. Depending on the
customer and market need, we may provide our full EPC services or any combination of individual products and services within our
EPC capabilities. An example of such combination of individual services would be providing engineering design and procurement of
BoS parts (EP services) for a third-party constructing a PV solar power system.

O&M Services . We have a comprehensive O&M service offering covering more than 5.6 GW DC of utility-scale PV solar power
systems. Utilizing a state of the art Global Operations Center, our team of O&M experts provide a variety of services to optimize
system performance and comply with PPAs, other agreements, and regulations. We offer our O&M services to solar power plant
owners that use either our solar modules or modules manufactured by other third-party manufacturers.

Tracker and Other Balance of Systems . BoS consists of all of the non-module components of the solar power plant. We sell certain
components of the solar system including single-axis trackers, which are manufactured by a third-party using our proprietary
technology. We offer several proprietary mounting solutions that have been custom-designed by First Solar engineers to integrate
exclusively with our modules and reduce system costs. Project-specific factors such as the local irradiance, weather, soil, wind, and
topography will dictate the optimal mounting solution for each project. With a single-axis tracker technology and multiple fixed
mounting solutions to choose from, we offer a suite of mounting systems that have been engineered to maximize energy output,
increase installation velocity, and reduce costs. Our proprietary tracker systems follow the sun throughout the day to maximize energy
output and generate up to 25% more energy than fixed mounting systems. In addition, our vertical integration combined with partner
collaboration has enabled us to continue to make system-level improvements, such as PV solar power systems combining our CdTe
modules with 1500 volt inverter/transformer systems.

Global Markets
We have established and are continuing to develop a localized business presence on six continents, as described below. Energy markets are
by their nature localized, with different drivers and market forces impacting electricity generation and demand in a particular region or for a
particular application. Accordingly, our business is evolving worldwide and is shaped by the varying ways in which our PV solar energy
solutions can be a compelling and economically viable solution to energy needs in different markets and applications.
The Americas

United States. Multiple PV markets in the United States, which accounted for 87% of our 2015 net sales, exemplify several of the
criteria critical for a sustainable solar market: (i) sizeable electricity demand, particularly around growing population centers and
industrial areas, (ii) high existing power prices, and (iii) abundant solar resources. In those areas and applications in which these
factors are more pronounced, our PV solar energy solutions compete favorably on an economic basis with more traditional forms of
energy generation. The market penetration of PV solar is impacted by certain state and federal support programs, including the 30%
federal investment tax credit, as described under Support Programs. We have significant experience and a market leadership
position in developing, engineering, constructing, and maintaining utility-scale power plants in the United States, particularly in
California and other southwestern states,
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and increasingly in southeastern states. Currently, our solar projects in the United States account for a majority of the 1.6 GW AC
advanced-stage pipeline of projects that we are either currently constructing or expect to construct. See Item 7: Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Systems Project Pipeline for more information about
these projects.

Chile. Chile is a promising region for PV solar in that certain markets are characterized by abundant solar resources and potential
demand in the form of mining or industrial activity. The Chilean governments National Energy Strategy includes expansion of the
countrys renewable energy capacity to 20% of its total generated power by 2025 . Throughout 2015 , we continued construction of
our 141 MW AC Luz del Norte PV solar power system located near Copiap, Chile. Energy from the Luz del Norte system will be
supplied into the Chilean Central Interconnected System, contributing significantly toward Chiles renewable energy goal. Once
completed, Luz del Norte will be one of the largest solar systems in the region. We also expect to participate in upcoming auctions for
additional PPAs in the region.

Other Americas. We are developing our business in other countries in the Americas including Brazil, Mexico, and certain Central
American countries.

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

Europe . While PV solar adoption in prior years was driven to a large degree by feed-in-tariffs and other incentive programs in
Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, PV solar has entered its next phase in which growth will ultimately be determined by the degree to
which PV solar energy solutions can compete economically with more traditional forms of electricity generation, particularly in areas
with high prevailing electricity prices, strong electricity demand, and strong solar resources. In particular, Germany, France, and the
Netherlands are all running tenders in which large-scale PV solar projects can bid for capacity.
In Europe, which accounted for approximately 2% of our 2015 net sales, we have been engaged in business development and module
sales activities in the United Kingdom (U.K.), Germany, France, and the Netherlands, and we are actively evaluating additional
sales opportunities in Turkey, Israel, and emerging Southeastern European markets as well as mature Western European solar markets.
We are party to a joint venture with Belectric Solarkraftwerke GmbH to develop solar power projects in Europe, North Africa, the
United States, and the Middle East. Under the terms of the joint venture, First Solar provides its thin-film modules, selected
components, and value-added services, while Belectric provides its advanced balance of systems and a range of service capabilities.
Both companies engineering, procurement, and construction contributions vary by project and geography.

The Middle East. The solar energy market potential in the Middle East continues to be driven by strong fundamentals, including
attractive economics, abundant solar resources, and robust policy. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Jordan are
important markets for utility-scale solar with indications of future potential coming from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. The UAE,
Egypt, and Jordan lead the region with policy mechanisms designed to ramp up the share of renewable energy in their generation
portfolios. While their motives for investing in solar energy range from energy security to the diversification of their generation
portfolios to the minimization of domestic consumption of hydrocarbons, the common factor is that the economics of PV solar have
made it a compelling choice as a generation source.
Jordan and Egypt have actively facilitated the development of the independent power production sector in their countries as a means
of responding to urgent energy needs. For example, Jordan has committed to installing 600 MW of PV solar capacity by 2020 , while
Egypt has progressed in its over-subscribed multi-gigawatt solar tender. In the rest of the Arabian Gulf, the regions state-owned
hydrocarbon companies are becoming more involved in regional solar programs. Examples include initiatives spearheaded by Saudi
Aramco, Petroleum Development Oman, and the Kuwait Oil Company. However, as with any emerging market, challenges remain
and these are primarily related to evolving policy and legislation, prevailing energy subsidies, infrastructure, the availability of
financing, the level of competition, and geopolitical risk.
Since establishing a presence in the Middle East in 2013 , First Solar has focused on the regions utility-scale segment while pursuing
a range of opportunities. In addition to constructing the 13 MW DC first phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
in Dubai, First Solar will also be supplying the modules for the Parks 200 MW AC second phase. In Jordan, First Solar is constructing
the 53 MW AC Shams Maan PV solar power system, which is expected to account for approximately 1% of Jordans annual energy
output upon completion in 2016 . Additionally, First Solar has provisionally been allocated 50 MW in Egypts Feed-in-Tariff program.
As a result of these and other projects, First Solar expects to be the leading provider of PV solutions in the Middle East, with a
projected installed capacity of at least 271 MW across the region by 2017 .

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Africa . Africa offers strong potential for PV solar, which can play a useful role in meeting the regions varying energy needs. Our
focus in the region is primarily the sale of modules and BoS components for utility-scale projects. In South Africa, the government is
procuring bids under a competitive tender process in support of a target of procuring over 18 GW of renewable energy (wind, solar,
etc.) by 2030 as part of South Africas Integrated Resource Plan of which over 9.4 GW was allocated to PV solar. Additionally, we are
working with our channel partners, such as Caterpillar Inc., to provide hybrid diesel and/or PV solutions to the mining industry in the
region. Whether mines are grid-connected or relying on diesel generators, solar energy, with its cost competitiveness and reliability,
represents a meaningful value proposition for the industry. Deploying PV hybrid solutions that supplement existing power sources,
such as the electricity grid or diesel generators, can help mining companies address their daytime electricity supply challenges, while
minimizing costs and reducing environmental impacts.

Asia-Pacific (APAC) and India

Australia. Australia is a promising region for PV solar. The Australian PV solar market is expected to experience growth in 2016 after
a pause in new development activity in 2014 and 2015 . In Australia, which accounted for approximately 5% of our 2015 net sales, the
solar industry was adversely impacted during 2014 and 2015 by regulatory uncertainty related to an extended review of the federal
governments national Renewable Energy Target (RET) and potential de-funding of the federal governments Australia Renewable
Energy Agency and Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which offer grant-based funding for PV solar projects in both grid-connected
and off-grid applications. In June 2015 , the federal government announced a compromise position on the RET, setting a target of
33,000 gigawatt hours by 2020 . In addition to federal government support, numerous state and territory governments have announced
their own support programs. In particular, the Australian Capital Territory announced a reverse auction for utility-scale PV projects,
the Queensland government announced PPA support for up to 60 MW of utility-scale PV projects, and the Victorian government
announced plans to support renewable energy. In 2015 , First Solar retained the title of Australias largest PV EPC and O&M
company. First Solar also completed commissioning of the Nyngan and Broken Hill solar projects ( 102 MW and 53 MW,
respectively), which are the largest solar plants in Australia.

Japan. Japan has evolving electricity market characteristics, particularly after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, which
make it an attractive market for PV solar. One such characteristic is the announcement of new safety standards following the failure of
the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, which resulted in the idling of Japans nuclear reactors, which had historically generated
nearly 30% of the countrys electricity. Japan has few domestic fossil fuel resources and relies heavily on fossil fuel imports.
Accordingly, the Japanese government has announced a long-term goal of dramatically increasing installed solar power capacity and
has provided various incentives for solar power installations. As a result, strong solar demand is expected in Japan over the next
several years.
In 2015 , we completed the construction of three PV solar power systems and commenced the construction of four additional systems.
We have also acquired the rights to a 59 MW AC PV solar project in Japan, which is expected to use our CdTe PV modules and begin
construction in 2016 . We are partnering with local companies to develop, construct, and operate PV solar power systems, which will
further mitigate Japans dependence on nuclear power and fossil fuel imports. Our sales offerings in Japan include both our CdTe
modules and high-efficiency crystalline silicon modules as well as O&M services.

India. There is significant potential for PV solar in India due to its growing energy needs, substantial population centers, lack of
electrification to many parts of the country, high energy costs, strong irradiance, and aggressive renewable energy targets set by the
government, which include increasing the countrys solar capacity to 100 GW by the year 2022 . To support this initiative, several key
electricity regulations have been announced relating to ramping up renewable purchase obligations, implementing penal provisions
for non-compliance with the obligations under the Indian Electricity Act, budgetary allocations under the Central Government for
establishing the Green Transmission Corridor, and the creation of numerous solar parks in various states with dedicated transmission
infrastructure to be installed by the government. In addition to these measures, the Central Government also introduced the
Renewable Generation Obligations, which will mandate that all thermal power generators must implement new renewable energy
generation capacity to match 10% of their new thermal generation capacity. Overall, these policy and regulatory measures have been
introduced with an objective of creating significant and sustained demand for PV solar in India. Accordingly, we are working to sell
modules and develop utility-scale PV solar projects in India to address the energy and renewable purchase obligation needs of utilities
and target the open access industrial and commercial power demand.

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In 2015 , we secured rights through a competitive auction to sell power under a 25 -year PPA for a cumulative capacity of 75 MW AC
to the state owned electricity distribution companies in Telangana. We also have 125 MW AC of existing projects, for which PPAs
were secured in 2014 . In 2015 , we successfully achieved commercial operation of 20 MW AC of our project pipeline and
commenced development or construction on 180 MW AC of the remaining pipeline, which is expected to achieve commercial
operation during 2016 . We continue to maintain our PV module market leadership in India with over 1,000 MW DC of installed
modules.

Other APAC. We are developing our business in other APAC countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Each of these regions has one or more market characteristics or trends (such as an environment of declining fuel subsidies in
Indonesia) which can make PV solar electricity attractive. In China, we continue to evaluate our options and remain committed to our
presence, with the goal of developing sales opportunities in the market.

Support Programs
Although our Long Term Strategic Plan provides for First Solar to compete in key markets that do not require solar-specific government
subsidies or support programs, in the near term our net sales and profits remain subject to variability based on the availability and size of
government subsidies and economic incentives. Support programs for PV solar electricity generation, depending on the jurisdiction, include
FiTs, quotas (including renewable portfolio standards and tendering systems), and net energy metering programs. In addition to these support
programs, financial incentives for PV solar electricity generation include tax incentives, grants, loans, rebates, and production incentives.
Although we expect to become less impacted by, and less dependent on, support programs as we execute our Long Term Strategic Plan, support
programs will continue to play varying roles in accelerating the adoption of PV solar systems around the world.
In Europe, renewable energy targets, in conjunction with FiTs, Renewable Obligation Certificates, and other schemes such as tenders for
utility-scale PV solar, have contributed to the growth in PV solar markets. Renewable energy targets prescribe how much energy consumption
must come from renewable sources, while incentive policies and competitive tender policies are intended to support new supply development
by providing certainty to investors. A 2009 European Union (EU) directive on renewable energy, which replaced an earlier 2001
directive, sets varying targets for all EU member states in support of the directives goal of a 20% share of energy from renewable sources in
the EU by 2020 , and requires national action plans that establish clear pathways for the development of renewable energy sources.
Tax incentive programs exist in the U.S. at both the federal and state level and can take the form of investment and production tax credits,
accelerated depreciation, and sales and property tax exemptions and abatements. At the federal level, investment tax credits for business and
residential solar systems have gone through several cycles of enactment and expiration since the 1980s. In December 2015 , the U.S. Congress
extended the 30% federal energy investment tax credit (ITC) for both residential and commercial solar installations through December 31,
2019 . The credit will step down to 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021, and remain at 10% permanently beginning in 2022 . The ITC has been an
important economic driver of solar installations in the U.S., and its extension is expected to contribute to greater medium-term demand
visibility in the U.S. The positive impact of the ITC has depended to a large degree on the availability of tax equity for project financing, and
any significant reduction in the availability of tax equity in the future could make it more difficult to develop and construct projects requiring
financing. The eventual step-down of the ITC to 10% underscores the need for the LCOE from solar systems to continue to decline and remain
competitive with other sources of energy generation.
At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agencys adoption of a final Clean Power Plan Rule (the Rule) and implementation of
the Rule through state plans offered the possibility of increasing the demand for PV solar generating capacity in certain regions of the U.S. in
which PV solar has not historically received significant state-level policy support. However, the adoption and implementation of the Rule has
been impacted by litigation against the Rule initiated by states and other stakeholders which has not yet been resolved, and in February 2016,
the U.S. Supreme Court stayed implementation of the Rule while such legal challenges are pending. It is therefore premature to assess what the
effects of the Rule will be on PV solar markets.
The majority of states in the U.S. have enacted legislation adopting Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mechanisms. Under an RPS,
regulated utilities and other load serving entities are required to procure a specified percentage of their total electricity sales to end-user
customers from eligible renewable resources, such as solar generating facilities, by a specified date. Some programs may further require that a
specified portion of the total percentage of renewable energy must come from solar generating facilities. RPS legislation and implementing
regulations vary significantly from state to state, particularly with respect to the percentage of renewable energy required to achieve the states
RPS, the definition of eligible renewable energy resources, and the extent to which renewable energy credits (certificates representing the
generation of renewable energy) qualify for RPS compliance. Measured in terms of the volume of renewable electricity required to meet its
RPS mandate, Californias RPS program is the most significant in the U.S., and the California market for renewable energy has dominated the
western U.S. region for the
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past several years. First enacted in 2002 , Californias RPS statute has been amended several times to increase the overall percentage
requirement as well as to accelerate the target date for program compliance. Pursuant to amendments enacted by the California Legislature in
2015 , the California RPS program now requires utilities and other obligated load serving entities to procure 50% of their retail electricity
demand from eligible renewable resources by 2030 . In 2015 , approximately 60% of our total net sales were derived from our systems projects
or third-party module sales to solar power systems in California.
Business Segments
We operate our business in two segments. Our components segment involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules, which
convert sunlight into electricity. We primarily manufacture CdTe modules and also manufacture high-efficiency crystalline silicon modules.
Third-party customers of our components segment include integrators and operators of PV solar power systems. Our second segment is our
fully integrated systems business (systems segment), through which we provide complete turn-key PV solar power systems, or solar
solutions, that draw upon our capabilities, which include (i) project development, (ii) EPC services, and (iii) O&M services, as described in
more detail below. We may provide our full EPC services or any combination of individual products and services within our EPC capabilities
depending upon the customer and market opportunity. All of our systems segment products and services are for PV solar power systems, which
primarily use our solar modules, and we sell such products and services to utilities, independent power producers, commercial and industrial
companies, and other system owners. Additionally, within our systems segment, we may own and operate certain of our PV solar power
systems for a period of time based on strategic opportunities.
See Note 23 Segment and Geographical Information to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our business segments.
Components Business
Our components business involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules which convert sunlight into electricity.
Solar Modules
CdTe Modules. Our flagship module since the inception of First Solar has been manufactured using our advanced CdTe thin-film
technology. Each solar module is a glass laminate approximately 2ft x 4ft (60cm x 120cm) in size that encapsulates a CdTe thin-film
semiconductor. Our solar modules had an average rated power per module of approximately 107 watts , 95 watts , and 91 watts for 2015 ,
2014 , and 2013 , respectively. During 2014, we announced the release of our Series 4 TM module, which offers up to 8% more energy than
conventional crystalline silicon modules with the same efficiency rating, and is compatible with advanced 1500-volt plant architectures. The
Series 4A TM variant features a new anti-reflective coated glass, which enhances energy production. Our semiconductor structure is a singlejunction polycrystalline thin-film that uses CdTe as the absorption layer. CdTe has absorption properties that are matched to the solar spectrum
and can deliver competitive conversion efficiencies using approximately 1-2% of the amount of semiconductor material that is used to
manufacture traditional crystalline silicon solar modules. One of the drivers of First Solar modules performance advantage over traditional
crystalline silicon modules is a lower temperature coefficient, delivering higher energy yields at elevated operating temperatures typical of
utility-scale solar power plants in sunny regions.
Crystalline Silicon Modules. In addition to our primary CdTe module technology, we also manufacture crystalline silicon modules made
from high-efficiency N-Type Mono cells produced at our facility in Kulim, Malaysia and then assembled into a 60 or 72 cell module by thirdparty contract manufacturers. When fully ramped, we expect the facility to have the capacity to produce 55,000 156mm cells per day for a
nameplate capacity of 100 MW annually. The standard First Solar 60 cell PV module will have a power rating of 300 watts. Accordingly, our
crystalline silicon technology is expected to deliver a very high efficient cell at a much lower manufacturing cost than is currently available in
the marketplace.
Descriptions below of our components business relate to our CdTe modules unless otherwise noted.
Manufacturing Process
CdTe Modules. We manufacture our CdTe solar modules on high-throughput integrated production lines in an automated, proprietary, and
continuous process. Our solar modules employ a thin layer of semiconductor material to convert sunlight into electricity. Our manufacturing
process eliminates the multiple supply chain operators and expensive and time-consuming batch processing steps that are used to produce
crystalline silicon solar modules. Currently, we manufacture our solar modules at our Perrysburg, Ohio and Kulim, Malaysia manufacturing
facilities.

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We have integrated our CdTe manufacturing processes into a continuous production line with the following three stages: the deposition
stage, the cell definition and treatment stage, and the assembly and test stage. In the deposition stage, panels of transparent oxide-coated glass
are robotically loaded onto the production line where they are cleaned, laser etch identified with a serial number, heated, and coated with thin
layers of CdTe and other semiconductor materials using our proprietary vapor transport deposition technology, after which the semiconductorcoated plates are cooled rapidly to increase strength. In the cell definition and treatment stage, we use high speed lasers to transform the large
single semiconductor coating on the glass plate into a series of interconnected cells that deliver the desired current and voltage output. In this
stage, we also treat the semiconductor film using proprietary chemistries and processes to improve the device performance, and we apply a
metal terminated sputtered back contact. Finally, in the assembly and test stage, we apply busbars, inter-layer material, and a rear glass cover
sheet that is laminated to encapsulate the device. A junction box and termination wires are then applied to complete the assembly. The final
assembly stage is the only stage in our production line that requires manual processing.
We maintain a robust quality and reliability assurance program that monitors critical process parameters and measures product
performance to ensure that industry and internal standards are met. Acceptance testing for both electrical leakage and power measurement on a
solar simulator are conducted prior to a module being boxed for shipment. The quality and reliability tests complement production surveillance
with an ongoing monitoring program, subjecting production modules to accelerated life stress testing to help ensure ongoing conformance to
requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL). These programs assure a
high level of product quality and reliability, helping to deliver power performance in the field.
Crystalline Silicon Modules. We manufacture our crystalline silicon cells at our facility in Kulim, Malaysia. The manufacturing process
starts with 156mm N-Type mono-crystalline silicon wafers supplied by a variety of wafer suppliers. Incoming wafers are subjected to a series
of inspections to ensure that high quality standards are met. The proprietary manufacturing process consists of passivation, annealing,
metalization, printing, wet cleans, and electroplating steps and are all fully automated independent steps. Completed cells are tested and binned
according to strict performance criteria. The final module assembly is completed by a contract manufacturing company that performs
manufacturing to our module specifications using a bill of materials managed by us.
We maintain a robust quality and reliability assurance program that monitors critical process parameters to ensure that industry and internal
standards are met. This rigorous set of evaluations is conducted prior to each solar module undergoing acceptance testing for both electrical
leakage and power measurement on a solar simulator. The quality and reliability tests complement production surveillance with an ongoing
monitoring program, subjecting production modules to accelerated life cycle and stress testing to ensure conformance to IEC and UL
requirements. This program assures a high level of product quality and reliability, helping to predict power performance in the field.
Research, Development, and Engineering
We continue to devote substantial resources to research and development with the primary objective of lowering the lifecycle cost of
electricity generated by our PV solar power systems. We conduct our research and development activities primarily in the United States. Within
our components business, we focus our research and development activities on, among other areas, continuing to increase the conversion
efficiency and energy yield of our solar modules and continuously improving durability and manufacturing efficiencies, including throughput
improvement, volume ramp, and material cost reduction.
In the course of our research and development activities, we continuously explore and research technologies in our efforts to sustain
competitive differentiation in our modules. We typically qualify process and product improvements for full production at our Perrysburg, Ohio
plant and then use a systematic process to propagate them to our other production lines. We believe that our systematic approach to technology
change management will provide continuous improvements and ensure uniform adoption across our production lines. In addition, our CdTe
production lines are replicas or near replicas of each other and, as a result, a process or production improvement on one line can be rapidly and
reliably deployed to other production lines.
We regularly produce research cells in our laboratories, some of which are tested for performance and certified by independent labs such as
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Cell efficiency measures the proportion of light converted in a single solar cell at standard test
conditions. Our research cells are produced using laboratory equipment and methods and are not intended to be representative of our
manufacturing capability. We believe that our record cells demonstrate a potential long-term module efficiency entitlement of over 19% using
our commercial-scale manufacturing equipment.

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In 2013 , we acquired GEs global CdTe solar intellectual property portfolio, setting a course for significant advancement of our PV thinfilm solar technology. The combination of the two companies complementary technologies and First Solars existing manufacturing
capabilities have accelerated the development of CdTe solar module performance and improved efficiency at a manufacturing scale. In
addition, GE Global Research and First Solar R&D are collaborating on future technology development to further advance CdTe solar
technology pursuant to an agreement through 2016 .
For information regarding our research and development expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , See Item 7:
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations.
Customers
With respect to our components business, during 2015 , we sold the majority of our solar modules (not included in our systems projects) to
integrators and operators of systems in India and Great Britain. Third-party module sales represented approximately 6 % of our total 2015 net
sales. Additionally, we develop, design, construct, and sell PV solar power systems that use the solar modules we manufacture.
During 2015 , Southern Power Company , Strata Solar, LLC , and NextEra Energy, Inc. individually accounted for more than 10% of our
components segments net sales, which includes the solar modules used in our systems projects. We are investing in key geographic markets,
particularly in areas with abundant solar resources and sizable electricity demand, and as part of such efforts, we are seeking to develop
additional customer relationships, which has reduced and is expected to continue to reduce our customer and geographic concentration and
dependence.
Competition
The renewable energy, solar energy, and solar module sectors are highly competitive and continually evolving as participants in these
sectors strive to distinguish themselves within their markets and compete within the larger electric power industry. We face intense competition
for sales of solar modules, which has resulted in and may continue to result in reduced margins and loss of market share. With respect to our
components business, our primary sources of competition are currently crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers as well as other thin-film
module manufacturers. Certain of our existing or future competitors may be part of larger corporations that have greater financial resources and
greater brand name recognition than we do and, as a result, may be better positioned to adapt to changes in the industry or the economy as a
whole. Certain competitors may have direct or indirect access to sovereign capital, which could enable such competitors to operate at minimal
or negative operating margins for sustained periods of time. Among PV module and cell manufacturers, the principal methods of competition
include sales price per watt, conversion efficiency, energy yield, reliability, warranty terms, and customer payment terms. If competitors reduce
module pricing to levels near or below their manufacturing costs, or are able to operate at minimal or negative operating margins for sustained
periods of time, our results of operations could be adversely affected. At December 31, 2015 , the global PV industry consisted of more than
150 manufacturers of solar modules and cells. In the aggregate, these manufacturers have, relative to global demand, significant installed
production capacity and the ability for additional capacity expansion. We believe the solar industry may from time to time experience periods
of structural imbalance between supply and demand (i.e., where production capacity exceeds global demand), and that such periods will put
pressure on pricing, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
In addition, we expect to compete with future entrants into the PV solar industry that offer new technological solutions. We also face
competition from semiconductor manufacturers and semiconductor equipment manufacturers or their customers that produce PV solar cells,
solar modules, or turn-key production lines. We also face competition from companies that currently offer or are developing other renewable
energy technologies (including wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass, and tidal technologies) and other power generation sources that
employ conventional fossil fuels.
Raw Materials
Our CdTe module manufacturing process uses approximately 30 types of raw materials and components to construct a complete solar
module. One critical raw material in our production process is cadmium telluride. Of the other raw materials and components, the following are
also critical to our manufacturing process: front glass coated with transparent conductive oxide, other semiconductor materials, organics such
as photo resist, tempered back glass, packaging components such as interlayer, cord plate/cord plate cap, junction box, lead wire, and solar
connectors. Before we use these materials and components in our manufacturing process, a supplier must undergo a rigorous qualification
process. We continually evaluate new suppliers and currently are qualifying several new suppliers and materials. When possible, we attempt to
use suppliers that can provide a raw material supply source that is near our manufacturing locations, reducing the cost and lead times for such
materials. A few of our critical materials or components are single sourced and most others are supplied by a limited number of suppliers.

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CdTe Solar Module Collection and Recycling Program
First Solar is committed to extended producer responsibility and takes into account the environmental impact of its products over their
entire life cycle. We established the solar industrys first comprehensive module collection and recycling program. First Solars module
recycling process is designed to enable the recovery of valuable materials, including the glass and encapsulated semiconductor material, for use
in new modules or other new products and minimizes the environmental impacts associated with our modules at the end of their useful lives.
Approximately 90% of each collected First Solar module can be recycled into materials for use in new products, including new solar modules.
First Solars recycling services provide plant owners with flexibility in determining end-of-life module disposition. For modules sold under
sales arrangements covered under our Solar Module Collection and Recycling Program (the program), we include a description of our
module collection and recycling obligations. For such modules covered under the program, we agree to cover the costs for the collection and
recycling of solar modules, and the end-users agree to notify us, disassemble their systems, package the solar modules for shipment, and revert
module ownership rights back to us at the end of the modules service lives.
The European Unions Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive places the obligation of recycling (including
collection, treatment, and environmentally sound disposal) of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) products upon producers. The
WEEE Directive is now applicable to PV solar modules in EU member states. For modules covered under our pre-funded program that were
previously sold into and installed in the EU, we continue to maintain a commitment to cover the estimated collection and recycling costs
consistent with our historical program. In addition, as a result of the transposition of the WEEE Directive by the EU member states, we will be
adjusting our offering in the various EU member states as required to ensure compliance with specific EU member state WEEE regulations.
In addition to achieving substantial environmental benefits, our solar module collection and recycling program may provide us the
opportunity to recover certain raw materials and components for reuse in our manufacturing process. We currently have recycling facilities
operating at each of our current manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Malaysia and at our former manufacturing facility location in Germany
that produce glass cullet suitable for use in the production of new glass products by a third-party supplier and unrefined semiconductor
materials that will be further processed by a third-party supplier and then used to produce semiconductor materials for use in new solar
modules.
Solar Module Warranties
We provide a limited PV solar module warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service conditions
for 10 years following the transfer of title to our modules. We also typically warrant that modules installed in accordance with agreed-upon
specifications will produce at least 97% of their labeled power output rating during the first year, with the warranty coverage reducing by 0.7%
every year thereafter throughout the 25 -year performance warranty period. Prior to 2014 , we warranted that modules installed in accordance
with agreed-upon specifications would produce at least 90% of their labeled power output rating during the first 10 years following installation
and at least 80% of their labeled power output rating during the following 15 years. In resolving claims under both the defect and power output
warranties, we have the option of either repairing or replacing the covered modules or, under the power output warranty, providing additional
modules to remedy the power shortfall. We also have the option to make a payment for the then current market price of modules to resolve the
claims. Such limited module warranties are standard for module sales and are automatically transferred from the original purchasers of the solar
modules to subsequent purchasers upon resale.
As an alternative form of our standard limited module power output warranty, we also offer an aggregated or system level limited module
performance warranty. This system level limited module performance warranty is designed for utility-scale systems and provides 25 -year
system level energy degradation protection. In addition, this warranty represents a practical expedient to address the challenge of identifying,
from the potential millions of modules installed in a utility-scale system, individual modules that may be performing below warranty thresholds
by focusing on the aggregate energy generated by the system rather than the power output of individual modules. The system level limited
module performance warranty typically is calculated as a percentage of a systems expected energy production, adjusted for certain actual site
conditions, with the warranted level of performance declining each year in a linear fashion, but never falling below 80% during the term of the
warranty. In resolving claims under the system level limited module performance warranty to restore the system to warranted performance
levels, we first must validate that the root cause of the issue is due to module performance; we then have the option of either repairing or
replacing the covered modules, providing supplemental modules, or making a cash payment. Consistent with our limited module power output
warranty, when we elect to satisfy a warranty claim by providing replacement or supplemental modules under the system level module
performance warranty, we do not have any obligation to pay for the labor to remove or install modules.

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From time to time, we have taken remediation actions with respect to affected modules beyond our limited warranty, and we may elect to
do so in the future, in which case we would incur additional expenses. Such potential voluntary future remediation actions beyond our limited
warranty obligation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations if we commit to any such remediation actions.
Systems Business
Through our fully integrated systems business, we provide complete turn-key PV solar power systems, or solar solutions, which may
include project development, EPC services, and/or O&M services.
Project Development
Project development activities include: site selection and securing rights to acquire or use the site, obtaining the requisite interconnection
and transmission studies, executing an interconnection agreement, obtaining environmental and land-use permits, maintaining effective site
control, and entering into a PPA with an off-taker of the power to be generated by the project. These activities culminate in receiving the right
to construct and operate a PV solar power system. Depending on the market opportunity or geographic location, we may acquire projects in
various stages of development or acquire project companies from developers in order to complete the development process, construct a system
incorporating our modules, and sell the system to a long-term owner. We may also collaborate with local partners in connection with these
project development activities. Depending on the type of project or geographic location, PPAs or FiT structures define the price and terms the
utility customer or investor will pay for power produced from the project. Entering into a PPA generally provides the underlying economics
needed to finalize development including permitting, beginning construction, arranging financing, and marketing the project for sale to a longterm owner. Depending primarily on the location, stage of development upon our acquisition of the project, and other site attributes, the
development cycle typically ranges from one to two years but can be as long as five years. We may be required to incur significant costs for
preliminary engineering, permitting, legal, and other expenses before we can determine whether a project is feasible, economically attractive,
or capable of being built. If there is a delay in obtaining any required regulatory approvals, we may be forced to incur additional costs, writedown capitalized project assets, and the right of the off-taker under the PPA to terminate may be triggered.
EPC Services
EPC services include engineering design and related services, BoS procurement, advanced development of grid integration solutions, and
construction contracting and management. We provide the majority of our EPC services to our self-developed projects intended to be sold;
however, we also provide EPC services to projects developed by independent solar power project developers, and directly to system owners
such as utilities. Depending on the customer and market need, we may provide our full EPC services or any combination of individual products
and services within our EPC capabilities.
For PV solar power systems built by us, we typically provide a limited product warranty on BoS parts for defects in engineering design,
installation, and workmanship for a period of one to two years following the substantial completion of a system. In resolving claims under such
BoS warranties, we have the option of remedying the defect through repair or replacement.
As part of our systems business, we conduct performance testing of a system prior to substantial completion to confirm the system meets
its operational and capacity expectations noted in the EPC agreement. In addition, we may provide an energy performance test during the first
year of a systems operation. Such a test is designed to demonstrate that the actual energy generation for the first year meets or exceeds the
modeled energy expectation, after certain adjustments. These adjustments include factors, such as irradiance, weather, module degradation,
soiling, curtailment, and other conditions that may affect a systems energy output but are unrelated to the quality, design, or construction.

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O&M Services
Our typical O&M service arrangements involve the performance of standard activities associated with operating and maintaining a PV
solar power system. We perform such activities pursuant to the scope of services outlined in the underlying contract. These activities are
considered necessary to optimize system performance and comply with PPAs, other agreements, and regulations. Although the scope of our
services may vary by contract, our O&M service arrangements generally include 24/7 system monitoring, certain PPA and other agreement
compliance, North American Electric Reliability Corporation compliance, Large Generator Interconnection Agreement compliance, energy
forecasting, performance engineering analysis, regular performance reporting, turn-key maintenance services including spare parts and
corrective maintenance repair, warranty management, and environmental services. As part of our O&M services, we also typically provide an
effective availability guarantee, which stipulates that a system will be available to generate a certain percentage of total possible energy during
a specific period after adjusting for factors outside of our control as the service provider, such as weather, curtailment, outages, force majeure,
and other conditions that may affect system availability.
Customers
With respect to our systems business, our customers consist of utilities, independent power producers, commercial and industrial
companies, and other system owners. These customers may purchase completed PV solar power systems, which include our solar modules, or
any combination of development, EPC services, and O&M services. During 2015 , the substantial majority of our systems business sales were
in North America, and the principal customers of our systems business were NextEra Energy, Inc. and Southern Power Company , each of
which also accounted for more than 10% of the segments net sales.
Competition
With respect to our systems business, we face competition from other providers of renewable energy solutions, including developers of PV
solar power systems and developers of other forms of renewable energy projects, including wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass, and tidal
projects. To the extent other solar module manufacturers become more vertically integrated, we expect to face increased competition from such
companies as well. We also face competition from other EPC companies and joint venture type arrangements between EPC companies and
solar companies. Certain current or potential future competitors may also have a low cost of capital and/or access to foreign capital. While the
decline in PV module prices over the last several years has increased interest in solar electricity worldwide, there are limited barriers of entry in
many parts of the PV solar value chain, depending on the geographic market. Accordingly, competition at the systems level can be intense,
thereby exerting downward pressure on systems level profit margins industry-wide, to the extent competitors are willing and able to bid
aggressively low prices for new projects and PPAs, using low cost assumptions for modules, BoS components, installation, maintenance, and
other costs. Please see Item 1A: Risk Factors Competition at the systems level can be intense, thereby potentially exerting downward
pressure on systems level profit margins industry-wide, which could reduce our profitability and adversely affect our results of operations.
Research, Development, and Engineering
Our systems business research and development activities are primarily focused on the objective of lowering the LCOE through reductions
in BoS costs, improved system design, and energy yield enhancements associated with PV solar power systems that use our modules. These
R&D efforts are also focused on continuing to improve our systems in terms of grid reliability. We conduct our research and development
activities for the systems business primarily in the United States. Innovations related to system design, hardware platforms, inverters, trackers,
and installation techniques and know-how, among other things, can and are expected in the future to continue to reduce BoS costs, which can
represent a significant portion of the costs associated with the construction of a typical utility-scale PV solar power system.
For information regarding our research and development expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , see Item 7:
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations.
Own and Operate
From time to time, we may temporarily own and operate certain PV solar power systems, often with the intention to sell at a later date.
The ability to do so allows us to gain control of the sales process, provide a lower risk profile to a future buyer of a system, and improve our
ability to drive higher eventual sale values. As of December 31, 2015 , we owned and operated a number of systems in various geographic
markets. As an owner and operator for certain of these systems, we may be subject to the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC), as well as various other local, state, and federal regulatory bodies. For more information about risks related to owning
and operating PV solar power systems, please see Item 1A: Risk Factors As an
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owner and operator of PV solar power systems that deliver electricity to the grid, certain of our affiliated entities may be regulated as public
utilities under U.S. federal and state law, which could adversely affect the cost of doing business and limit our growth. For more information
about the economics of such ownership and the impacts on our liquidity see Item 7: Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Intellectual Property
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to maintain and protect our proprietary technology and to conduct our business without
infringing on the proprietary rights of others. We rely primarily on a combination of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, as well as associate
and third-party confidentiality agreements, to safeguard our intellectual property. We regularly file patent applications to protect inventions
arising from our research and development and are currently pursuing patent applications in the U.S. and other countries. Our patent
applications and any future patent applications might not result in a patent being issued with the scope of the claims we seek, or at all, and any
patents we may receive may be challenged, invalidated, or declared unenforceable. In addition, we have registered and/or have applied to
register trademarks and service marks in the U.S. and a number of foreign countries for First Solar and First Solar and Design.
With respect to proprietary know-how that is not patentable and processes for which patents are difficult to enforce, we rely on, among
other things, trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to safeguard our interests. We believe that many elements of our PV module
manufacturing process, including our unique materials sourcing, involve proprietary know-how, technology, or data that are not covered by
patents or patent applications, including technical processes, equipment designs, algorithms, and procedures. We have taken security measures
to protect these elements. Our research and development personnel have entered into confidentiality and proprietary information agreements
with us. These agreements address intellectual property protection issues and require our associates to assign to us all of the inventions,
designs, and technologies they develop during the course of employment with us. We also require our customers and business partners to enter
into confidentiality agreements before we disclose any sensitive aspects of our modules, technology, or business plans.
We have not been subject to any material intellectual property infringement or misappropriation claims.
Environmental, Health, and Safety Matters
Our operations include the use, handling, storage, transportation, generation, and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
We are subject to various national, state, local, and international laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including
those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the use, management, and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes,
occupational health and safety, and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Therefore, we could incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs,
fines, and civil or criminal sanctions and costs arising from third-party property damage or personal injury claims as a result of violations of, or
liabilities under, environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations or non-compliance with environmental permits
required for our operations. We believe we are currently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental and occupational health and
safety requirements and do not expect to incur material expenditures for environmental and occupational health and safety controls in the
foreseeable future. However, future developments such as the implementation of new, more stringent laws and regulations, more aggressive
enforcement policies, or the discovery of unknown environmental conditions may require expenditures that could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. See Item 1A: Risk Factors Environmental obligations and liabilities
could have a substantial negative impact on our financial condition, cash flows, and profitability.
Corporate History
In February 2006, we were incorporated as a Delaware corporation. Our common stock has been listed on The NASDAQ Global Select
Market under the symbol FSLR since our initial public offering in November 2006. In October 2009, our common stock was added to the
S&P 500 Index, making First Solar the first, and currently only, pure-play renewable energy company in the index.
Associates
As of December 31, 2015 , we had approximately 6,350 associates (our term for full and part-time employees), including approximately
4,760 in module manufacturing positions and approximately 560 associates that work directly in our systems business. The remainder of our
associates are in research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative positions. None of our associates are currently
represented by labor unions or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. As we expand domestically and internationally, we may encounter
either regional laws that mandate union representation or associates who desire union representation or a collective bargaining agreement. We
believe that our relations with our associates are good.
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Information About Geographic Areas
We have significant marketing, distribution, and manufacturing operations both within and outside the United States. Currently, we
manufacture our solar modules at our Perrysburg, Ohio and Kulim, Malaysia manufacturing facilities.
In 2015 , the foreign country with the greatest concentration risk was Australia, which accounted for 5% of our consolidated net sales. As
part of our Long Term Strategic Plan, we are in the process of expanding our operations to various countries across the world, including
countries in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. As a result, we are subject to the legal, tax, political, social, regulatory, and
economic conditions of an increasing number of foreign jurisdictions. The international nature of our operations subjects us to a number of
risks, including fluctuations in exchange rates, adverse changes in foreign laws or regulatory requirements, and tariffs, taxes, and other trade
restrictions. See Item 1A: Risk Factors Our substantial international operations subject us to a number of risks, including unfavorable
political, regulatory, labor, and tax conditions in foreign countries and Risk Factors We may be unable to fully execute on our Long Term
Strategic Plan, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. See Note 23
Segment and Geographical Information to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for
information about our net sales and long-lived assets by geographic region.
Available Information
We maintain a website at http://www.firstsolar.com . We make available free of charge on our website our annual reports on Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these materials with, or
furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The information contained in or connected to our website is not
incorporated by reference into this report. We use our website as one means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying
with our disclosure obligations under the SECs Regulation FD. Such disclosures will typically be included within the Investor Relations
section of our website at http://investor.firstsolar.com . Accordingly, investors should monitor such portions of our website in addition to
following our press releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts.
The public may also read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC0330. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and other information regarding issuers, such as First Solar,
that file electronically with the SEC.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Our executive officers and their ages and positions as of February 24, 2016 , were as follows:
Name

Age

Position

James A. Hughes
Mark R. Widmar
Joseph G. Kishkill
Georges Antoun
Philip Tymen deJong
Raffi Garabedian
Paul J. Kaleta
Timothy Rebhorn
Christopher R. Bueter

53
50
51
53
56
49
60
54
52

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer
President, International
President, U.S.
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Executive Vice President & General Counsel
Executive Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategic Marketing
Executive Vice President, Human Resources

James A. Hughes joined First Solar in March 2012 as Chief Commercial Officer and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in May 2012.
Prior to joining First Solar, Mr. Hughes served, from October 2007 until April 2011, as Chief Executive Officer and Director of AEI Services
LLC, which owned and operated power distribution, power generation (both thermal and renewable), natural gas transportation and services,
and natural gas distribution businesses in emerging markets worldwide. From 2004 to 2007, he engaged in principal investing with a privately
held company based in Houston, Texas that focused on micro-cap investments in North American distressed manufacturing assets. Previously,
he served, from 2002 until March 2004, as President and Chief Operating Officer of Prisma Energy International, which was formed out of
former Enron interests in international electric and natural gas utilities. Prior to that role, Mr. Hughes spent almost a decade with Enron
Corporation in positions that
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included President and Chief Operating Officer of Enron Global Assets, President and Chief Operating Officer of Enron Asia Pacific, Africa,
and China, and as Assistant General Counsel of Enron International. Mr. Hughes is a Director of TPI Composites, Inc., a leading manufacturer
of composite wind blades for the wind energy market. He is Chairman of the board of directors of the Los Angeles branch of the Federal
Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Mr. Hughes holds a juris doctor degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, a Certificate of
Completion in international business law from Queen Marys College, University of London, and a bachelors degree in business
administration from Southern Methodist University.
Mark R. Widmar joined First Solar in April 2011 as Chief Financial Officer and served as First Solars Chief Accounting Officer from
February 2012 through June 2015. Mr. Widmar also serves as CFO and as a director on the board of 8point3 Energy Partners LP, the joint
yieldco formed by First Solar and SunPower Corporation in 2015 to own and operate a portfolio of selected solar generation assets. Prior to
joining First Solar, Mr. Widmar served as Chief Financial Officer of GrafTech International Ltd., a leading global manufacturer of advanced
carbon and graphite materials, from May 2006 through March 2011, as well as President, Engineered Solutions from January 2011 through
March 2011. Prior to joining GrafTech, Mr. Widmar served as Corporate Controller of NCR Inc. from 2005 to 2006, and was a Business Unit
Chief Financial Officer for NCR from November 2002 to his appointment as Controller. He also served as a Division Controller at Dell, Inc.
from August 2000 to November 2002 prior to joining NCR. Mr. Widmar also held various financial and managerial positions with Lucent
Technologies Inc., Allied Signal, Inc., and Bristol Myers/Squibb, Inc. He began his career in 1987 as an accountant with Ernst & Young. Mr.
Widmar holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration from Indiana University.
Joseph G. Kishkill was appointed President, International, in July 2015. Mr. Kishkill has leadership responsibility for global business
development, sales, and international public affairs, with a primary focus on sustainable growth in emerging markets. Mr. Kishkill joined First
Solar in September 2013 as Chief Commercial Officer and is a proven leader in business development and growth in global markets, and
thrives in an environment of cultural diversity. He also serves as a director on the board of 8point3 Energy Partners LP. Prior to joining First
Solar, Mr. Kishkill was President, Eastern Hemisphere Operations, for Exterran Energy Solutions, LP and Senior Vice President of Exterran
Holdings, Inc., a global provider of natural gas, petroleum, and water treatment production services. He previously led Exterrans business in
the Latin America region. Prior to joining Exterrans predecessor company in 2002, Mr. Kishkill held positions of increasing responsibility with
Enron Corporation from 1990 to 2001, advancing to Chief Executive Officer for South America. During his career, Mr. Kishkill has been based
in Dubai, Brazil, and Argentina and has provided management services for energy projects and pipelines throughout South America. Mr.
Kishkill holds a Master in Business Administration degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration and holds a Bachelor
of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Brown University.
Georges Antoun was appointed President, U.S. in July 2015. Mr. Antoun has leadership responsibility for the identification, development,
and execution of all projects in the United States. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Antoun served as Chief Operating Officer since joining First
Solar in July 2012. Mr. Antoun has over 20 years of operational and technical experience, including leadership positions at several global
technology companies. Prior to joining First Solar, Mr. Antoun served as Venture Partner at Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV), a private
equity and venture firm that he joined in July 2011. Prior to joining TCV, Mr. Antoun was the Head of Product Area IP & Broadband Networks
for Ericsson, based in San Jose, California. Mr. Antoun joined Ericsson in 2007, when Ericsson acquired Redback Networks, a
telecommunications equipment company, where Mr. Antoun served as the Senior Vice President of World Wide Sales & Operations. After the
acquisition, Mr. Antoun was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of the Redback Networks subsidiary. Prior to Redback Networks, Mr. Antoun
spent five years at Cisco Systems, where he served as Vice President of Worldwide Systems Engineering and Field Marketing, Vice President
of Worldwide Optical Operations, and Vice President of Carrier Sales. He has also held senior management positions at Newbridge Networks, a
data and voice networking company, and Nynex (now Verizon Communications), where he was part of its Science and Technology Division.
Mr. Antoun is a member of the board of directors of Ruckus Wireless, Inc. and Violin Memory, Inc., both publicly-traded companies. Mr.
Antoun earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Masters degree in Information
Systems Engineering from NYU Poly.
Philip Tymen deJong was appointed Chief Operating Officer in July 2015. Mr. deJong has comprehensive leadership responsibility for
areas including manufacturing, EPC, quality and reliability, supply chain, and product management. Mr. deJong joined First Solar in January
2010 as Vice President, Plant Management and served in several Senior Vice President roles in manufacturing and operations prior to being
appointed Senior Vice President, Manufacturing & EPC in January 2015. Prior to joining First Solar, Mr. deJong was Vice President of
Assembly/Test Manufacturing for Numonyx Corporation. Prior to that, he worked for 25 years at Intel Corporation, holding various positions
in engineering, manufacturing, wafer fabrication management, and assembly/test manufacturing. Mr. deJong holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in industrial engineering/mechanical engineering from Oregon State University and has completed advanced study at the University of
New Mexico Anderson School of Management.

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Raffi Garabedian has been the Chief Technology Officer of First Solar, Inc. since May 2012 and manages the Companys technology,
photovoltaic module, and power plant system products and roadmaps. Mr. Garabedian joined First Solar in June 2008 as Director of Disruptive
Technologies. Prior to First Solar, Mr. Garabedian spent over 15 years in the MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) industry, developing
new products ranging from automotive engine control sensors to fiberoptic telecommunications switching systems. He was the founding CEO
of Touchdown Technologies, Inc., which was acquired by Verigy, as well as Micromachines Inc., which was acquired by Kavlico. Mr.
Garabedian is named on approximately 28 issued U.S. patents. Mr. Garabedian earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering
from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on semiconductor and
microsystems technology from the University of California Davis.
Paul Kaleta joined First Solar in March 2014 as Executive Vice President & General Counsel. Prior to joining First Solar, Mr. Kaleta was
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Shared Services & Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer for NV Energy, Inc., which was
acquired by Berkshire Hathaways Energy Group in December 2013. Before that, he was Vice President and General Counsel for Koch
Industries, Inc., one of the worlds largest privately held companies with diverse businesses worldwide, including refining, petrochemicals, and
commodity trading, among others. He also served in a number of legal and other leadership roles for Koch companies. Before joining Koch, he
was Vice President and General Counsel of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (now part of National Grid). In private practice, Mr. Kaleta
was an equity partner in the Washington D.C. law firm Swidler Berlin LLP and an associate in the Washington D.C. office of Skadden, Arps,
Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. He also served as a federal judicial clerk. Mr. Kaleta is the founding chair of the Southern Nevada Chapter of the
I Have a Dream Foundation (now Core Academy-powered by The Rogers Foundation), a member of the Client Advisory Council of Lex
Mundi, and has taught both energy law and business ethics and leadership, as an adjunct professor, among other professional and community
activities. Mr. Kaleta holds a juris doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor's degree from Hamilton College.
Timothy Rebhorn was appointed Executive Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategic Marketing in February 2016. In this role,
he is responsible for managing relationships with key global account customers, global competitive analysis and market strategies, and leading
corporate development activities such as mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures. Mr. Rebhorn joined First Solar in December 2012 as
Senior Vice President, Sales Americas and also served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategic Marketing. His 30-year
career in the energy industry includes leadership roles in the global natural gas and power generation markets. His efforts have been focused on
developing, financing, and operating utility-scale energy projects and large infrastructure projects in water and steel. Prior to joining First Solar,
he was CEO of Quail Nuclear Specialty Services, an industrial construction company. His previous experience includes executive leadership of
Resolutions Management and Merrill International, which provided high-level consulting for clients in the energy, steel, engineering, and
construction industries. With an emphasis on international infrastructure, Mr. Rebhorn led a development SWAT Team that explored and
developed energy projects outside the traditional models of power plants and pipelines, conducted market entry analysis for large energy
clients, and led cross-functional teams in the workout of Enrons international pipeline and power plant portfolio. Mr. Rebhorn began his career
in the United States Navy, where he served as a Certified Nuclear Engineer in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program (USS Parche SSN-683
nuclear submarine) and as a NATO staff planning officer. Mr. Rebhorn is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and earned a Masters in
Business Administration from Texas A&M University.
Christopher R. Bueter was appointed Executive Vice President, Human Resources in February 2016. Mr. Bueter joined First Solar in
November 2009 as Global Director for Industrial Relations and also served as Vice President, Human Resources Global Business Development
and Corporate Services, Vice President, Global Human Resources and Labor Relations, and Senior Vice President, Human Resources. Prior to
joining First Solar, Mr. Bueter served as the Vice President of Global Employee Relations at Dana Corporation, an American-based worldwide
supplier of powertrain components. In his 24 years at Dana Corporation, he served in a variety of roles, including Corporate Director of
Employee Relations and Distribution Services Division Human Resources Manager. Mr. Bueter holds a Bachelor of Science in human
resources management from the University of Toledo, and a juris doctor degree from the University of Toledo Law School.

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Item 1A: Risk Factors
An investment in our stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following information, together with the other
information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before buying shares of our stock. If any of the following risks or uncertainties occur, our
business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and the trading price of our stock could
decline.
Risks Related to Our Markets and Customers
Competition at the systems level can be intense, thereby potentially exerting downward pressure on systems level profit margins
industry-wide, which could reduce our profitability and adversely affect our results of operations.
The significant decline in PV module prices over the last several years continues to create a challenging environment for module
manufacturers, but it has also increased interest in solar electricity worldwide by eroding one of the primary historical constraints to widespread
solar market penetration, namely its affordability. Aided by such lower module prices, competitors have in many cases been willing and able to
bid aggressively for new projects and PPAs, using low cost assumptions for modules, BoS components, installation, maintenance, and other
costs as the basis for such bids. Relatively low barriers to entry for competitors have led to, depending on the market and other factors, intense
competition at the systems level. Intense competition at the systems level can result in an environment in which systems level pricing falls
rapidly, thereby further increasing demand for solar solutions but constraining the ability for project developers, EPC companies, and/or
vertically-integrated solar companies such as First Solar to sustain meaningful and consistent profitability. Accordingly, while we believe our
systems offerings and experience are positively differentiated in many cases from that of our competitors, we may fail to correctly identify our
competitive position, we may be unable to develop or maintain a sufficient magnitude of new systems projects worldwide at economically
attractive rates of return, and we may not otherwise be able to achieve meaningful profitability under our Long Term Strategic Plan.
Depending on the market opportunity, we may be at a disadvantage compared to potential systems-level competitors. For example, certain
of our competitors may have a stronger and/or more established localized business presence in a particular geographic region. Certain of our
competitors may be larger entities that have greater financial resources and greater overall brand name recognition than we do and, as a result,
may be better positioned to impact customer behavior or adapt to changes in the industry or the economy as a whole. Certain competitors may
also have direct or indirect access to sovereign capital and/or other incentives, which could enable such competitors to operate at minimal or
negative operating margins for sustained periods of time.
Additionally, large-scale solar systems are still in their relatively early stages of existence, and, depending on the geographic area, certain
potential customers may still be in the process of educating themselves about the points of differentiation among various available providers of
PV solar solutions, including a companys proven overall experience and bankability, system design and optimization expertise, grid
interconnection and stabilization expertise, and proven O&M capabilities. If we are unable over time to meaningfully differentiate our offerings
at scale, from the viewpoint of our potential customer base, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely
affected.
An increased global supply of PV modules has caused and may continue to cause structural imbalances in which global PV module
supply exceeds demand, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations
In the aggregate, solar manufacturers have, relative to global demand, significant installed production capacity and the ability for
additional capacity expansion. We believe the solar industry may from time to time experience periods of structural imbalance between supply
and demand (i.e., where production capacity exceeds global demand), and that such periods will put pressure on pricing. During the past
several years, industry average sales prices per watt (ASPs) have declined, at times significantly, both at the module and system levels, as
competitors have reduced ASPs to sell-through inventories worldwide. If our competitors reduce module pricing to levels near or below their
manufacturing costs, or are able to operate at minimal or negative operating margins for sustained periods of time, or if demand for PV
modules does not grow sufficiently to justify the current production supply, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be
adversely affected.
If PV technology is not suitable for widespread adoption at economically attractive rates of return or if sufficient additional demand for
solar modules and systems does not develop or takes longer to develop than we anticipate, our net sales and profit may flatten or decline
and we may be unable to sustain profitability.
In comparison to fossil fuel-based electricity generation, the solar energy market is at a relatively early stage of development. If PV
technology proves unsuitable for widespread adoption at economically attractive rates of return or if additional demand for solar modules and
systems fails to develop sufficiently or takes longer to develop than we anticipate, we may be unable to grow
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our business or generate sufficient net sales to sustain profitability. In addition, demand for solar modules and systems in our targeted markets
may develop to a lesser extent than we anticipate. Many factors may affect the viability of widespread adoption of PV technology and demand
for solar modules and systems, including the following:

cost-effectiveness of the electricity generated by PV solar power systems compared to conventional energy sources, such as natural
gas and coal (which fuel sources may be subject to significant price fluctuations from time to time), and other non-solar renewable
energy sources, such as wind;

performance, reliability, and availability of energy generated by PV solar power systems compared to conventional and other nonsolar renewable energy sources and products, particularly conventional energy generation capable of providing 24-hour, nonintermittent baseload power;

success of other renewable energy generation technologies, such as hydroelectric, tidal, wind, geothermal, and biomass;

fluctuations in economic and market conditions that affect the price of, and demand for, conventional and non-solar renewable energy
sources, such as increases or decreases in the prices of natural gas, coal, oil, and other fossil fuels;

fluctuations in capital expenditures by end-users of solar modules and systems which tend to decrease when the economy slows and
when interest rates increase; and

availability, substance, and magnitude of support programs including government targets, subsidies, incentives, and renewable
portfolio standards to accelerate the development of the solar industry.

The reduction, elimination, or expiration of government subsidies, economic incentives, renewable energy targets, and other support
for on-grid solar electricity applications, or an increase in protectionist or other adverse public policies, could reduce demand and/or price
levels for our solar modules and limit our growth or lead to a reduction in our net sales, thereby adversely impacting our operating results .
Although our Long Term Strategic Plan provides for First Solar to transition over time toward operating in key geographic markets that do
not require solar-specific government subsidies or support programs, and we believe that solar will experience widespread adoption in those
applications where it competes economically with traditional forms of energy without any support programs, in the near-term our net sales and
profit remain subject to variability based on the availability and size of government subsidies and economic incentives. Federal, state, and local
governmental bodies in many countries have provided subsidies in the form of FiTs, rebates, tax incentives, and other incentives to end-users,
distributors, systems integrators, and manufacturers of PV products. Many of these support programs expire, phase out over time, require
renewal by the applicable authority, or may be amended. A summary of recent developments in the major government support programs that
can impact our business appears under Item 1: Business Support Programs. To the extent these support programs are reduced earlier than
previously expected or are changed retroactively, or free-field or conversion land applications are disadvantaged, such changes could reduce
demand and/or price levels for our solar modules and systems, lead to a reduction in our net sales, and adversely impact our operating
results. Another consideration in the U.S. market, and to a lesser extent in other global markets, is the effect of governmental land-use planning
policies and environmental policies on utility-scale PV solar development. The adoption of restrictive land-use designations or environmental
regulations which proscribe or restrict the siting of utility-scale solar facilities could adversely affect the marginal cost of such development.
These examples show that established markets for PV solar development, such as the U.S. market, face uncertainties arising from policy,
regulatory, and governmental constraints. While the expected potential of the emerging markets we are targeting is significant, policy
promulgation and market development are especially vulnerable to governmental inertia, political instability, geopolitical risk, fossil fuel
subsidization, potentially stringent localization requirements, and limited available infrastructure.
We could be adversely affected by any violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the U.K. Bribery Act, and other
foreign anti-bribery laws .
The FCPA generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. government officials for
the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Other countries in which we operate also have anti-bribery laws, some of which prohibit
improper payments to government and non-government persons and entities, and others (e.g., the FCPA and the U.K. Bribery Act) extend their
application to activities outside of their country of origin. Our policies mandate compliance with all applicable anti-bribery laws. We currently
operate in, and pursuant to our Long Term Strategic Plan may further expand into, key parts of the world that have experienced governmental
corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices.
In addition, due to the level of regulation in our industry, our operation in certain jurisdictions, including India, China, South America, and the
Middle East, requires substantial government
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contact where norms can differ from U.S. standards. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to facilitate compliance
with these anti-bribery laws, our officers, directors, associates, subcontractors, agents, and partners (such as joint venture partners) may take
actions in violation of our policies and anti-bribery laws. Any such violation, even if prohibited by our policies, could subject us and such
persons to criminal and/or civil penalties or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
cash flows, and reputation.
We may be unable to fully execute on our Long Term Strategic Plan, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, or results of operations.
We face numerous difficulties in executing on our Long Term Strategic Plan, particularly in new foreign jurisdictions, including the
following:

difficulty in accurately prioritizing geographic markets which we can most effectively and profitably serve with our PV offerings,
including miscalculations in overestimating or underestimating the addressable market demand;

difficulty in overcoming the inertia involved in changing local electricity ecosystems as necessary to accommodate large-scale PV
solar deployment and integration;

protectionist or other adverse public policies in countries we operate in and/or are pursuing, including local content requirements or
capital investment requirements;

business climates, such as that in China, that may have the effect of putting foreign companies at a disadvantage relative to domestic
companies;

unstable economic, social, and/or operating environments in foreign jurisdictions, including social unrest, currency, inflation, and
interest rate uncertainties;

the possibility of applying an ineffective commercial approach to targeted markets, including product offerings that may not meet
market needs;

difficulty in generating sufficient sales volumes at economically sustainable profitability levels;

difficulty in timely identifying, attracting, training, and retaining qualified sales, technical, and other personnel in geographies
targeted for expansion;

the possibility of having insufficient capital resources necessary to achieve an effective localized business presence in targeted
jurisdictions;

difficulty in maintaining proper controls and procedures as we expand our business operations both in terms of complexity and
geographical reach, including transitioning certain business functions to low-cost geographies, with any material control failure
potentially leading to reputational damage and loss of confidence in our financial reporting accuracy;

difficulty in competing against companies who may have greater financial resources and/or a more effective or established localized
business presence and/or an ability to operate with minimal or negative operating margins for sustained periods of time;

difficulty in competing against companies who may gain in profitability and financial strength over time by successfully participating
in the global rooftop PV solar market, which is a segment in which we do not have significant historical experience;

difficulty in establishing and implementing a commercial and operational approach adequate to address the specific needs of the
markets we are pursuing;

difficulty in identifying the right local partners and developing any necessary partnerships with local businesses on commercially
acceptable terms; and

difficulty in balancing market demand and manufacturing production in an efficient and timely manner, potentially causing us to be
manufacturing capacity constrained in some future periods or over-supplied in others.
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In addition, please see the Risk Factors entitled Our substantial international operations subject us to a number of risks, including
unfavorable political, regulatory, labor, and tax conditions in foreign countries , and The reduction, elimination, or expiration of government
subsidies, economic incentives, renewable energy targets, and other support for on-grid solar electricity applications, or an increase in
protectionist or other adverse public policies, could reduce demand and/or price levels for our solar modules and limit our growth or lead to a
reduction in our net sales, thereby adversely impacting our operating results .
We may be unable to profitably provide new solar offerings or achieve sufficient market penetration with such offerings.
We may expand our portfolio of offerings to include solutions that build upon our core competencies but for which we have not had
significant historical experience, including variations in our traditional product offerings or other offerings related to commercial and industrial
customers and community solar. We cannot be certain that we will be able to ascertain and allocate the appropriate financial and human
resources necessary to grow these business areas. We could invest capital into growing these businesses but fail to address market or customer
needs or otherwise not experience a satisfactory level of financial return. Also, in expanding into these areas, we may be competing against
companies that previously have not been significant competitors, such as companies that currently have substantially more experience than we
do in the rooftop or other targeted offerings. If we are unable to achieve growth in these areas, our overall growth and financial performance
may be limited relative to our competitors and our operating results could be adversely impacted.
An increase in interest rates or tightening of the supply of capital in the global financial markets (including a reduction in total tax
equity availability) could make it difficult for customers to finance the cost of a PV solar power system and could reduce the demand for
our modules or systems and/or lead to a reduction in the average selling price for PV modules .
Many of our customers and our systems business depend on debt and/or equity financing to fund the initial capital expenditure required to
develop, build, and/or purchase a PV solar power system. As a result, an increase in interest rates, or a reduction in the supply of project debt
financing or tax equity investments, could reduce the number of solar projects that receive financing or otherwise make it difficult for our
customers or our systems business to secure the financing necessary to develop, build, purchase, or install a PV solar power system on
favorable terms, or at all, and thus lower demand for our solar modules which could limit our growth or reduce our net sales. In addition, we
believe that a significant percentage of our end-users install systems as an investment, funding the initial capital expenditure through a
combination of equity and debt. An increase in interest rates could lower an investors return on investment in a system, increase equity return
requirements, or make alternative investments more attractive relative to PV solar power systems, and, in each case, could cause these endusers to seek alternative investments.
Risks Related to Regulations
Existing regulations and policies, changes thereto, and new regulations and policies may present technical, regulatory, and economic
barriers to the purchase and use of PV products or systems, which may significantly reduce demand for our solar modules, systems, or
services.
The market for electricity generation products is heavily influenced by foreign, federal, state, and local government regulations and
policies concerning the electric utility industry, as well as policies promulgated by electric utilities. These regulations and policies often relate
to electricity pricing and technical interconnection of customer-owned electricity generation. In the United States and in a number of other
countries, these regulations and policies have been modified in the past and may be modified again in the future. These regulations and policies
could deter end-user purchases of PV products and investment in the research and development of PV technology. For example, without a
mandated regulatory exception for PV solar power systems, utility customers are often charged interconnection or standby fees for putting
distributed power generation on the electric utility grid. If these interconnection standby fees were applicable to PV solar power systems, it is
likely that they would increase the cost of using such systems for end-users, which could make the systems less desirable, thereby adversely
affecting our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, with respect to utilities that utilize a peak hour pricing policy
or time-of-use pricing methods whereby the price of electricity is adjusted based on electricity supply and demand, electricity generated by PV
solar power systems currently benefits from competing primarily with expensive peak hour electricity, rather than the less expensive average
price of electricity. Modifications to the peak hour pricing policies of utilities, such as to a flat rate for all times of the day, would require PV
solar power systems to achieve lower prices in order to compete with the price of electricity from other sources and would adversely impact our
operating results.

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Our modules, systems, and services (such as O&M) are subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with national and local
ordinances relating to building codes, safety, environmental protection, utility interconnection and metering, and other matters, and tracking the
requirements of individual jurisdictions is complex. Any new government regulations or utility policies pertaining to our solar modules,
systems, or services may result in significant additional expenses to us or our customers and, as a result, could cause a significant reduction in
demand for our solar modules, systems, or services. In addition, any regulatory compliance failure could result in significant management
distraction, unplanned costs, and/or reputational damage.
Environmental obligations and liabilities could have a substantial negative impact on our financial condition, cash flows, and
profitability.
Our operations involve the use, handling, generation, processing, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials and are
subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations at the national, state, local, and international levels. These environmental laws and
regulations include those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the use, management, and disposal of hazardous materials
and wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites, and occupational health and safety. As we execute our Long Term Strategic Plan and expand our
business into foreign jurisdictions worldwide, our environmental compliance burden may continue to increase both in terms of magnitude and
complexity. We have incurred and may continue to incur significant costs in complying with these laws and regulations. In addition, violations
of, or liabilities under, environmental laws or permits may result in restrictions being imposed on our operating activities or in our being
subjected to substantial fines, penalties, criminal proceedings, third-party property damage or personal injury claims, cleanup costs, or other
costs. Such solutions could also result in substantial delay or termination of projects under construction within our systems business, which
could adversely impact our results of operations. While we believe we are currently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental
requirements, future developments such as more aggressive enforcement policies, the implementation of new, more stringent laws and
regulations, or the discovery of presently unknown environmental conditions may require expenditures that could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our CdTe solar modules contain cadmium telluride and other semiconductor materials. Elemental cadmium and certain of its compounds
are regulated as hazardous materials due to the adverse health effects that may arise from human exposure. Based on existing research, the risks
of exposure to cadmium telluride are not believed to be as serious as those relating to exposure to elemental cadmium. In our manufacturing
operations, we maintain engineering controls to minimize our associates exposure to cadmium or cadmium compounds and require our
associates who handle cadmium compounds to follow certain safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment such as
respirators, chemical goggles, and protective clothing. Relevant studies and third-party peer review of our technology have concluded that the
risk of exposure to cadmium or cadmium compounds from our end-products is negligible. In addition, the risk of exposure is further minimized
by the encapsulated nature of these materials in our products, the physical properties of cadmium compounds used in our products, and the
recycling or responsible disposal of our modules. While we believe that these factors and procedures are sufficient to protect our associates,
end-users, and the general public from adverse health effects that may arise from cadmium exposure, we cannot ensure that human or
environmental exposure to cadmium or cadmium compounds used in our products will not occur. Any such exposure could result in future
third-party claims against us, damage to our reputation, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, which could limit or impair our ability to sell and
distribute our products. The occurrence of future events such as these could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
and results of operations.
The use of cadmium or cadmium compounds in various products is also coming under increasingly stringent governmental regulation.
Future regulation in this area could impact the manufacturing, sale, collection, and recycling of solar modules and could require us to make
unforeseen environmental expenditures or limit our ability to sell and distribute our products. For example, European Union Directive
2011/65/EU on the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (recast RoHS Directive) restricts the
use of certain hazardous substances, including cadmium and its compounds, in specified products. Other jurisdictions, such as China, have
adopted similar legislation or are considering doing so. Currently, PV modules are explicitly excluded from the scope of recast RoHS (Article
2), as adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in June 2011. The next general review of the RoHS Directive is scheduled for 2021,
involving a broader discussion of the existing scope. A scope review focusing on additional exclusions is expected to be proposed by the
European Commission in 2016 under the European Unions co-decision process which allows the European Parliament and the European
Council to amend the European Commissions proposal on exclusions. The co-decision procedure is expected to be completed in 2017 or 2018.
If PV modules were to be included in the scope of future RoHS revisions without an exemption or exclusion, we would be required to redesign
our solar modules to reduce cadmium and other affected hazardous substances to the maximum allowable concentration thresholds in the RoHS
Directive in order to continue to offer them for sale within the European Union. As this would be impractical, such an event would effectively
close the European Union market to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of
operations.

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As an owner and operator of PV solar power systems that deliver electricity to the grid, certain of our affiliated entities may be
regulated as public utilities under U.S. federal and state law, which could adversely affect the cost of doing business and limit our growth.
As an owner and operator of PV solar power systems that deliver electricity to the grid, certain of our affiliated entities may be considered
public utilities for purposes of the Federal Power Act, as amended (the FPA) and public utility companies for purposes of the Public Utility
Holding Company Act of 2005 (PUHCA 2005), and are subject to regulation by the FERC, as well as various local and state regulatory
bodies.
Some of our affiliated entities may be exempt wholesale generators or qualifying facilities under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act
of 1978, as amended (PURPA) and as such are exempt from regulation under PUHCA 2005. In addition, our affiliated entities may be
exempt from most provisions of the FPA, as well as state laws regarding the financial or organizational regulation of public utilities. We are not
directly subject to FERC regulation under the FPA. However, we are considered to be a holding company for purposes of Section 203 of the
FPA, which regulates certain transactions involving public utilities, and such regulation could adversely affect our ability to grow the business
through acquisitions. Likewise, investors seeking to acquire our public utility subsidiaries or acquire ownership interests in our securities
sufficient to give them control over us and our public utility subsidiaries may require prior FERC approval to do so. Such approval could result
in transaction delays or uncertainties.
Public utilities under the FPA are required to obtain FERC acceptance of their rate schedules for wholesale sales of electricity and to
comply with various regulations. The FERC may grant our affiliated entities the authority to sell electricity at market-based rates and may also
grant them certain regulatory waivers, such as waivers from compliance with FERCs accounting regulations. These FERC orders reserve the
right to revoke or revise market-based sales authority if the FERC subsequently determines that our affiliated entities can exercise market
power in the sale of generation products, the provision of transmission services, or if it finds that any of the entities can create barriers to entry
by competitors. In addition, if the entities fail to comply with certain reporting obligations, the FERC may revoke their power sales tariffs.
Finally, if the entities were deemed to have engaged in manipulative or deceptive practices concerning their power sales transactions, they
would be subject to potential fines, disgorgement of profits, and/or suspension or revocation of their market-based rate authority. If our
affiliated entities were to lose their market-based rate authority, such companies would be required to obtain the FERCs acceptance of a costof-service rate schedule and could become subject to the accounting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements that are imposed on utilities
with cost-based rate schedules, which would impose cost and compliance burdens on us and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
In addition to the risks described above, we may be subject to additional regulatory regimes at state or foreign levels to the extent we own and
operate PV solar power systems in such jurisdictions.
Risks Related to our Operations, Manufacturing, and Technology
Our operating history to date may not serve as an adequate basis to judge our future prospects and results of operations.
Our historical operating results may not provide a meaningful basis for evaluating our business, financial performance, and prospects. We
may be unable to achieve similar growth, or grow at all, in future periods. Our ability to achieve similar growth in future periods is also
affected by current economic conditions. Our past results occurred in an environment where, among other things, capital was at times more
accessible to our customers to finance the cost of developing solar projects and economic incentives for solar power in certain markets were
more favorable. Accordingly, you should not rely on our results of operations for any prior period as an indication of our future performance.
We face intense competition from manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules, as well as other thin-film solar modules; if global
supply exceeds global demand, it could lead to a reduction in the average selling price for PV modules , which could reduce our net sales
and adversely affect our results of operations.
The solar and renewable energy industries are highly competitive and are continually evolving as participants strive to distinguish
themselves within their markets and compete with the larger electric power industry. Within the global PV solar industry, we face competition
from crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers and other thin-film solar module manufacturers. Existing or future solar manufacturers
might be acquired by larger companies with significant capital resources, thereby intensifying competition with us. In addition, the introduction
of a low cost disruptive technology, such as commercially viable energy storage, could adversely affect our ability to compete, which could
reduce our net sales and adversely affect our results of operations.
Even if demand for solar modules continues to grow, the rapid manufacturing capacity expansion undertaken by many solar module
manufacturers, particularly manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules, has created and may continue to cause periods of structural
imbalance in which supply exceeds demand. See the Risk Factor entitled An increased global supply of PV modules has caused and may
continue to cause structural imbalances in which global PV module supply exceeds demand, which
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could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations , for additional information. In addition, we
believe any significant decrease in the cost of silicon feedstock would reduce the manufacturing cost of crystalline silicon solar modules and
lead to further pricing pressure for solar modules and potentially the oversupply of solar modules.
During any such period, our competitors could decide to reduce their sales prices in response to competition, even below their
manufacturing costs, in order to generate sales. Other competitors may have direct or indirect access to sovereign capital, which could enable
such competitors to operate at minimal or negative operating margins for sustained periods of time. As a result, we may be unable to sell our
solar modules or systems at attractive prices, or for a profit, during any period of excess supply of solar modules, which would reduce our net
sales and adversely affect our results of operations. Also, we may decide to lower our average selling price to certain customers in certain
markets in response to competition.
Problems with product quality or performance may cause us to incur significant and/or unexpected warranty and related expenses,
damage our market reputation, and prevent us from maintaining or increasing our market share.
We perform a variety of module quality and life tests under different conditions upon which we base our assessments and warranty of
module performance over the duration of the warranty. However, if our thin-film or high-efficiency crystalline solar modules perform below
expectations, we could experience significant warranty and related expenses, damage to our market reputation, and erosion of market share.
With respect to our modules, we provide a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service
conditions for 10 years following the transfer of title to our modules. We also typically warrant that modules installed in accordance with
agreed-upon specifications will produce at least 97% of their labeled power output rating during the first year, with the warranty coverage
reducing by 0.7% every year thereafter throughout the 25-year performance warranty period. As an alternative form of our module power
output warranty, we also offer an aggregated or system level module performance warranty. This system level module performance warranty is
designed for utility-scale systems and also provides 25-year system level energy degradation protection. The system level module performance
warranty typically is calculated as a percentage of a systems expected energy production, adjusted for certain actual site conditions, with the
warranted level of performance declining each year in a linear fashion, but never falling below 80% during the term of the warranty. As a result
of these programs, we bear a defined level of risk of product warranty claims long after we have sold our solar modules and recognized net
sales.
If any of the assumptions used in estimating our module warranties prove incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses,
which could adversely impact our financial position, operating results, and cash flows. Although we have taken significant precautions to avoid
a manufacturing excursion from occurring, any manufacturing excursions, including any commitments made by us to take remediation actions
in respect of affected modules beyond our warranties, could adversely impact our business reputation, financial position, operating results, and
cash flows.
Although our module performance warranties extend for 25 years, our oldest solar modules manufactured during the qualification of our
pilot production line have only been in use since 2001. Accordingly, our warranties are based on a variety of quality and life tests that enable
predictions of durability and future performance. These predictions, however, could prove to be materially different from the actual
performance during the warranty period, causing us to incur substantial expense to repair or replace defective solar modules in the future. For
example, our solar modules could suffer various failure modes, including breakage, delamination, corrosion, or performance degradation in
excess of expectations, and our manufacturing operations or supply chain could be subject to materials or process variations that could cause
affected modules to fail or underperform compared to our expectations. These risks could be amplified as we implement design and process
changes in connection with our efforts to improve our products and accelerate module conversion efficiencies as part of our Long Term
Strategic Plan. In addition, as we increase the number of installations in extreme climates, we may experience increased failure rates due to
deployment into such field conditions. Any widespread product failures may damage our market reputation, cause our net sales to decline,
require us to repair or replace the defective modules, and result in us taking voluntary remedial measures beyond those required by our standard
warranty terms to enhance customer satisfaction, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
In resolving claims related to defective modules, we have the option to repair or replace the covered modules, provide additional modules,
or make a cash payment equal to the current market price of the modules; however, historical versions of our module warranty did not provide
a refund remedy. Consequently, we may be obligated to repair or replace the covered modules under such historical programs. As our
manufacturing process may change from time-to-time in accordance with our technology roadmap, we may elect to stop production of older
versions of our modules that would constitute compatible replacement modules. In some jurisdictions, our inability to provide compatible
replacement modules could potentially expose us to liabilities beyond the limitations of our module warranties, which could adversely impact
our business reputation, financial position, operating results, and cash flows.

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In addition to our solar module warranties, we also provide warranties for our BoS equipment, including, but not limited to, mounting
structures, solar trackers, electronics, and cabling. These warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship for one to five years for most
equipment and up to 10 years for mounting structures. As with our modules, these warranties are based on a variety of quality and life tests that
enable predictions of durability and future performance. For PV solar power systems we construct, we also typically provide a limited warranty
against defects in engineering design, installation, and workmanship for a period of one to two years following the substantial completion of a
system. Any failures in BoS equipment or system construction beyond our expectations may also adversely impact our business reputation,
financial position, operating results, and cash flows.
As part of our systems business, we may provide an energy performance test during the first year of a systems operation. Such a test is
designed to demonstrate that the actual energy generation for the first year meets or exceeds the modeled energy expectation, after certain
adjustments, such as irradiance, weather, module degradation, soiling, curtailment, and other conditions that may affect a systems energy
output but are unrelated to the quality, design, or construction. If there is an underperformance event, determined at the end of the first year
after substantial completion, we may incur liquidated damages as a percentage of the contract price.
If our estimates regarding the future costs of collecting and recycling CdTe solar modules covered by our collection and recycling
program are incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses at and from the time we realize our estimates are incorrect and
face a significant unplanned cash burden.
We have pre-funded, and may need to continue to pre-fund, our estimated future costs for collecting and recycling CdTe solar modules
covered by our collection and recycling program. We estimate these costs based on the present value of the expected probability weighted
future costs of collecting and recycling the modules, which includes estimates for the cost of packaging materials, the cost of freight from the
solar module installation sites to a recycling center, the material, labor, capital costs, and scale of recycling centers, and an estimated third-party
profit margin and return on risk for collection and recycling services. We base these estimates on (i) our experience collecting and recycling our
solar modules, (ii) the expected timing of when our solar modules will be returned for recycling, and (iii) expected economic conditions at the
time the solar modules will be collected and recycled. If our estimates prove incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses at
and from the time we realize our estimates are incorrect and could also face a significant unplanned cash burden at the time we realize our
estimates are incorrect or end-users return their modules, which could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, participating end-users
can return their modules covered under the collection and recycling program at any time. As a result, we could be required to collect and
recycle covered CdTe solar modules earlier than we expect.
Our failure to further refine our technology, reduce module manufacturing and BoS costs, and develop and introduce improved PV
products could render our solar modules or systems uncompetitive and reduce our net sales, profitability, and/or market share.
We need to continue to invest significant financial resources in research and development to continue to improve our module conversion
efficiencies, lower the LCOE of our PV solar power systems, and otherwise keep pace with technological advances in the solar industry.
However, research and development activities are inherently uncertain, and we could encounter practical difficulties in commercializing our
research results. We seek to continuously improve our products and processes, and the resulting changes carry potential risks in the form of
delays, additional costs, or other unintended contingencies. In addition, our significant expenditures on research and development may not
produce corresponding benefits. Other companies are developing a variety of competing PV technologies, including advanced multi-crystalline
silicon cells, PERC or advanced p-type crystalline silicon cells, high-efficiency n-type crystalline silicon cells, copper indium gallium
diselenide, and amorphous silicon thin films, which could produce solar modules or systems that prove more cost-effective or have better
performance than our solar modules or systems. In addition, other companies could potentially develop a highly reliable renewable energy
system that mitigates the intermittent power generation drawback of many renewable energy systems, or offer other value-added improvements
from the perspective of utilities and other system owners, in which case such companies could compete with us even if the LCOE associated
with such new system is higher than that of our systems. As a result, our solar modules or systems may be negatively differentiated or rendered
obsolete by the technological advances of our competitors, which would reduce our net sales, profitability, and/or market share.
In addition, we often forward price our products and services in anticipation of future cost reductions and technology improvements, and
thus an inability to further refine our technology and execute our module conversion efficiency roadmap and long-term manufacturing cost,
BoS cost and LCOE reduction objectives could adversely affect our operating results.

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Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights may undermine our competitive position, and litigation to protect our intellectual
property rights or defend against third-party allegations of infringement may be costly.
Protection of our proprietary processes, methods, and other technology is critical to our business. Failure to protect and monitor the use of
our existing intellectual property rights could result in the loss of valuable technologies. We rely primarily on patents, trademarks, trade secrets,
copyrights, and contractual restrictions to protect our intellectual property. We regularly file patent applications to protect inventions arising
from our research and development, and are currently pursuing such patent applications in various countries in accordance with our strategy for
intellectual property in that jurisdiction. Our existing patents and future patents could be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, or rendered
unenforceable. Our pending patent applications may not result in issued patents, or if patents are issued to us, such patents may not be sufficient
to provide meaningful protection against competitors or against competitive technologies.
We also rely upon unpatented proprietary manufacturing expertise, continuing technological innovation, and other trade secrets to develop
and maintain our competitive position. Although we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our associates and third parties to
protect our intellectual property, such confidentiality agreements are limited in duration and could be breached and may not provide meaningful
protection for our trade secrets or proprietary manufacturing expertise. Adequate remedies may not be available in the event of unauthorized
use or disclosure of our trade secrets and manufacturing expertise. In addition, others may obtain knowledge of our trade secrets through
independent development or legal means. The failure of our patents or confidentiality agreements to protect our processes, equipment,
technology, trade secrets, and proprietary manufacturing expertise, methods, and compounds could have a material adverse effect on our
business. In addition, effective patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in some foreign
countries, especially any developing countries into which we may expand our operations. In some countries we have not applied for patent,
trademark, or copyright protection.
Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our proprietary technologies or other intellectual property rights, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results. Policing unauthorized use of proprietary technology can be difficult
and expensive. Also, litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets, or determine the validity
and scope of the proprietary rights of others. We cannot ensure that the outcome of such potential litigation will be in our favor. Such litigation
may be costly and may divert management attention and other resources away from our business. An adverse determination in any such
litigation may impair our intellectual property rights and may harm our business, prospects, and reputation. In addition, we have no insurance
coverage against such litigation costs and would have to bear all costs arising from such litigation to the extent we are unable to recover them
from other parties.
Some of our key raw materials and components are either single-sourced or sourced from a limited number of third-party suppliers,
and their failure to perform could cause manufacturing delays and impair our ability to deliver solar modules to customers in the required
quality and quantities and at a price that is profitable to us.
Our failure to obtain raw materials and components that meet our quality, quantity, and cost requirements in a timely manner could
interrupt or impair our ability to manufacture our solar modules or increase our manufacturing cost. Some of our key raw materials and
components are either single-sourced or sourced from a limited number of third-party suppliers. As a result, the failure of any of our suppliers
to perform could disrupt our supply chain and impair our operations. In addition, some of our suppliers are small companies that may be unable
to supply our increasing demand for raw materials and components as we continue to expand our business. We may be unable to identify new
suppliers or qualify their products for use on our production lines in a timely manner and on commercially reasonable terms. A constraint on
our production may cause us to be unable to meet our capacity plans and/or our obligations under our customer contracts, which would have an
adverse impact on our business.
A disruption in our supply chain for cadmium telluride could interrupt or impair our ability to manufacture solar modules and could
adversely impact our profitability and long-term growth prospects.
A key raw material we use in our CdTe module production process is a cadmium telluride compound. Tellurium, one of the main
components of cadmium telluride, is mainly produced as a by-product of copper refining, and therefore, its supply is largely dependent upon
demand for copper. Our supply of cadmium telluride could be limited if any of our current suppliers or any of our future suppliers are unable to
acquire an adequate supply of tellurium in a timely manner or at commercially reasonable prices. If our competitors begin to use or increase
their demand for cadmium telluride, supply could be reduced and prices could increase. If our current suppliers or any of our future suppliers
cannot obtain sufficient tellurium, they could substantially increase prices or be unable to perform under their contracts. We may be unable to
pass increases in the costs of our raw materials through to our customers. A substantial increase in tellurium prices could adversely impact our
profitability and long-term growth objectives.

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Our TetraSun module offering may not be able to achieve profitable commercial scale, which could adversely impact our operating
results and our future growth objectives with respect to PV solar in restricted spaces.
In 2013, we acquired TetraSun, Inc., a development stage company with high-efficiency crystalline silicon technology. We expect our
high-power density TetraSun modules to offer advantages relative to our CdTe modules in certain commercial & industrial, rooftop, and other
space constrained applications. Although we began manufacturing TetraSun modules during the fourth quarter of 2014, we have less experience
with crystalline silicon module manufacturing compared to many of our competitors, and accordingly we face numerous risks and
uncertainties. Many of these risks are inherent in PV module manufacturing generally, or otherwise similar to risks involved in our CdTe PV
module manufacturing operations, and are discussed elsewhere in Item 1A: Risk Factors.
Additionally, scaling of high-volume TetraSun module manufacturing could present supply chain, timing, and other challenges. Contrasted
with our largely automated CdTe manufacturing lines, our TetraSun module manufacturing operations involve a batch process and are not fully
integrated from initial feedstock to final module, potentially resulting in timing, cost, supply, and other constraints. We outsource module
assembly to a third party, and any constraints such party faces in meeting our volume or quality requirements would negatively impact our
ability to deliver modules to our customers. TetraSun cells are manufactured using n-type mono-crystalline wafers. We rely on our wafer
suppliers to contract polysilicon feedstock in sufficient volumes to meet our demand. Market-driven increases in polysilicon prices realized by
our wafer suppliers or increases in wafer prices generally would increase our manufacturing costs and negatively impact margins on TetraSun
modules.
If we are able to achieve high-volume manufacturing of TetraSun modules, we may not have an adequate sales channel for such modules
and/or the prevailing average selling price or conversion efficiency of PV modules in general may have changed in such a manner as to make
our TetraSun modules uncompetitive. If our TetraSun modules are unable to achieve profitable commercial scale, we may have to write down
all or a portion of the assets related to this business area, and our future growth strategy with respect to PV solar in restricted spaces could be
adversely impacted, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our future success depends on our ability to effectively balance manufacturing production with market demand and, when necessary,
continue to build new manufacturing plants over time in response to such demand and add production lines in a cost-effective manner, all
of which are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Our future success depends on our ability to effectively balance manufacturing production with market demand and increase both our
manufacturing capacity and production throughput over time in a cost-effective and efficient manner. If we cannot do so, we may be unable to
expand our business, decrease our manufacturing cost per watt, maintain our competitive position, satisfy our contractual obligations, or sustain
profitability. See An increased global supply of PV modules has caused and may continue to cause structural imbalances in which global PV
module supply exceeds demand, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations .
Our ability to expand production capacity is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including the following:

delays and cost overruns as a result of a number of factors, many of which may be beyond our control, such as our inability to secure
successful contracts with equipment vendors;

our custom-built equipment taking longer and costing more to manufacture than expected and not operating as designed;

delays or denial of required approvals by relevant government authorities;

being unable to hire qualified staff;

failure to execute our expansion plans effectively;

manufacturing concentration risk resulting from a majority of our production lines worldwide being located in one geographic area,
Malaysia, and the possible inability to meet customer demand in the event of compromises to shipping processes, supply chain, or
other aspects of such facility;

difficulty in balancing market demand and manufacturing production in an efficient and timely manner, potentially causing us to be
manufacturing capacity constrained in some future periods or over-supplied in others; and

incurring manufacturing asset write-downs, write-offs, and other charges and costs, which may be significant, during those periods in
which we idle, slow down, or shut down manufacturing capacity.
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If any future production lines are not built in line with our committed schedules it may impair any future growth plans. If any future
production lines do not achieve operating metrics similar to our existing production lines, our solar modules could perform below
expectations and cause us to lose customers.
If we are unable to systematically replicate our production lines as necessary over time and achieve and sustain similar operating metrics
in our future production lines as we have achieved at our existing production lines, our manufacturing capacity could be substantially
constrained, our manufacturing costs per watt could increase, and our growth could be limited. Such factors may result in lower net sales and
lower net income than we anticipate. For instance, future production lines could produce solar modules that have lower conversion efficiencies,
higher failure rates, and higher rates of degradation than solar modules from our existing production lines, and we could be unable to determine
the cause of the lower operating metrics or develop and implement solutions to improve performance.
Some of our manufacturing equipment is customized and sole sourced. If our manufacturing equipment fails or if our equipment
suppliers fail to perform under their contracts, we could experience production disruptions and be unable to satisfy our contractual
requirements.
Some of our manufacturing equipment is customized to our production lines based on designs or specifications that we provide to
equipment manufacturers, which then undertake a specialized process to manufacture the custom equipment. As a result, the equipment is not
readily available from multiple vendors and would be difficult to repair or replace if it were to become damaged or stop working. If any piece
of equipment fails, production along the entire production line could be interrupted. In addition, the failure of our equipment manufacturers to
supply equipment in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms could delay our expansion plans, otherwise disrupt our production
schedule, and/or increase our manufacturing costs, all of which would adversely impact our operating results.
We may be unable to manage the expansion of our operations effectively.
We expect to continue to expand our business in order to provide utility-scale PV generation to existing and new geographic markets and
to maintain or increase market share. To manage the continued expansion of our operations, we will be required to continue to improve our
operational and financial systems, procedures and controls, and expand, train, manage, and retain our growing associate base. Our management
will also be required to maintain and expand our relationships with customers, suppliers, and other third parties and attract new customers and
suppliers. In addition, our current and planned operations, personnel, systems, and internal controls and procedures might be inadequate to
support our future growth. The effectiveness of our controls and procedures could be adversely impacted to the extent we transfer more
business functions to lower cost geographies as part of our cost reduction initiatives. If we cannot manage our growth effectively, we may be
unable to take advantage of market opportunities, execute our business strategies, or respond to competitive pressures.
Our substantial international operations subject us to a number of risks, including unfavorable political, regulatory, labor, and tax
conditions in foreign countries .
We have significant marketing, distribution, and manufacturing operations both within and outside the United States and expect to
continue to expand our operations worldwide. As a result, we will be subject to the legal, political, social, tax, and regulatory requirements, and
economic conditions of many jurisdictions. Risks inherent to international operations include, but are not limited to, the following:

difficulty in enforcing agreements in foreign legal systems;

difficulty in forming appropriate legal entities to conduct business in foreign countries in the required time frame and the associated
costs of forming those legal entities;

varying degrees of protection afforded to foreign investments in the countries in which we operate, and irregular interpretations and
enforcement of laws and regulations in these jurisdictions;

foreign countries may impose additional income and withholding taxes or otherwise tax our foreign operations, impose tariffs, or
adopt other restrictions on foreign trade and investment, including currency exchange controls;

fluctuations in exchange rates may affect demand for our products and services and may adversely affect our profitability and cash
flow in U.S. dollars to the extent that our equity investments, net sales, or our costs are denominated in a foreign currency and the cost
associated with hedging the U.S. dollar equivalent of such exposures is prohibitive; the longer the duration of such foreign currency
exposure, the greater the risk;
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anti-corruption compliance issues, including the costs related to the mitigation of such risk;

inability to obtain, maintain, or enforce intellectual property rights;

risk of nationalization or other expropriation of private enterprises;

changes in general economic and political conditions in the countries in which we operate, including changes in government incentive
provisions;

unexpected adverse changes in foreign laws or regulatory requirements, including those with respect to environmental protection,
export duties, and quotas;

opaque approval processes in which the lack of transparency may cause delays and increase the uncertainty of project approvals;

difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations;

difficulty in repatriating earnings;

difficulty in negotiating a successful collective bargaining agreement in applicable foreign jurisdictions;

trade barriers such as export requirements, tariffs, taxes, local content requirements, anti-dumping regulations and requirements, and
other restrictions and expenses, which could increase the effective price of our solar modules and make us less competitive in some
countries; and

difficulty of, and costs relating to, compliance with the different commercial and legal requirements of the overseas countries in which
we offer and sell our solar modules.

Our business in foreign markets requires us to respond to rapid changes in market conditions in these countries. Our overall success as a
global business depends, in part, on our ability to succeed in differing legal, regulatory, economic, social, and political conditions. We may not
be able to develop and implement policies and strategies that will be effective in each location where we do business.
Risks Related to Our Systems Business
Project development or construction activities may not be successful; projects under development may not receive required permits,
real property rights, PPAs, interconnection, and transmission arrangements; or financing or construction may not commence or proceed as
scheduled, which could increase our costs and impair our ability to recover our investments.
The development and construction of solar power electric generation facilities and other energy infrastructure projects involve numerous
risks. We may be required to spend significant sums for land and interconnection rights, preliminary engineering, permitting, legal, and other
expenses before we can determine whether a project is feasible, economically attractive, or capable of being built. Success in developing a
particular project is contingent upon, among other things:

obtaining financeable land rights, including land rights for the project site, transmission lines, and environmental mitigation;

receipt from governmental agencies of required environmental, land-use, and construction permits and approvals;

receipt of governmental approvals related to the presence of any protected or endangered species or habitats, migratory birds,
wetlands or other jurisdictional water resources, and/or cultural resources;

negotiation of development agreements, public benefit agreements, and other agreements to compensate local governments for project
impacts;

negotiation of state and local tax abatement and incentive agreements;

receipt of rights to interconnect the project to the electric grid or to transmit energy;

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negotiation of satisfactory EPC agreements;

entering into financeable arrangements for the purchase of the electrical output and renewable energy attributes generated by the
project;

securing necessary rights of way for access and transmission lines;

securing necessary water rights for project construction and operation;

securing appropriate title coverage, including coverage for mineral rights, mechanics liens, etc.;

obtaining construction financing, including debt, equity, and funds associated with the monetization of tax credits and other tax
benefits;

payment of PPA, interconnection, and other deposits (some of which are non-refundable); and

timely implementation and satisfactory completion of construction.

Successful completion of a particular project may be adversely affected, delayed and/or rendered infeasible by numerous factors,
including:

delays in obtaining and maintaining required governmental permits and approvals, including appeals of approvals obtained;

potential permit and litigation challenges from project stakeholders, including local residents, environmental organizations, labor
organizations, tribes, and others who may oppose the project;

in connection with any such permit and litigation challenges, grants of injunctive relief to stop development and/or construction of a
project;

discovery of unknown impacts to protected or endangered species or habitats, migratory birds, wetlands or other jurisdictional water
resources, and/or cultural resources at project sites;

discovery of unknown title defects;

discovery of unknown environmental conditions;

unforeseen engineering problems;

construction delays and contractor performance shortfalls;

work stoppages;

cost over-runs;

labor, equipment, and materials supply shortages or disruptions;

cost or schedule impacts arising from changes in federal, state, or local land-use or regulatory policies;

changes in electric utility procurement practices;

risks arising from transmission grid congestion issues;

project delays that could adversely impact our ability to maintain interconnection rights;

additional complexities when conducting project development or construction activities in foreign jurisdictions (either on a standalone basis or in collaboration with local business partners), including operating in accordance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act and applicable local laws and customs;

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unfavorable tax treatment;

adverse weather conditions;

water shortages;

adverse environmental and geological conditions; and

force majeure and other events out of our control.

If we fail to complete the development of a solar power project, fail to meet one or more agreed upon target construction milestone dates,
fail to achieve system-level capacity, or fail to meet other contract terms, we may be subject to forfeiture of significant deposits under PPAs or
interconnection agreements or termination of such agreements, incur significant liquidated damages, penalties, and/or other obligations under
other project related agreements, and may not be able to recover our investment in the project. Some of these investments are included as assets
on our consolidated balance sheets under the line item Project assets and deferred project costs . If we are unable to complete the
development of a solar power project, we may write-down or write-off some or all of these capitalized investments, which would have an
adverse impact on our net income in the period in which the loss is recognized.
We may be unable to accurately estimate costs under fixed-price EPC agreements in which we act as the general contractor for our
customers in connection with the construction and installation of their PV solar power systems.
We may enter into fixed-price EPC contracts in which we act as the general contractor for our customers in connection with the
installation of their PV solar power systems. All essential costs are estimated at the time of entering into the EPC contract for a particular
project, and these are reflected in the overall fixed-price that we charge our customers for the project. These cost estimates are preliminary and
may or may not be covered by contracts between us or the subcontractors, suppliers, and other parties to the project. In addition, we require
qualified, licensed subcontractors to install many of our systems. Shortages of such skilled labor could significantly delay a project or otherwise
increase our costs. Should actual results prove different from our estimates (including those due to unexpected increases in inflation,
commodity prices, or labor costs) or we experience delays in execution and we are unable to commensurately increase the EPC sales price, we
may not achieve our expected margins or we may be required to record a loss in the relevant fiscal period.
We may be unable to acquire or lease land, obtain necessary interconnection and transmission rights, and/or obtain the approvals,
licenses, permits, and electric transmission grid interconnection and transmission rights necessary to build and operate PV solar power
systems in a timely and cost effective manner, and regulatory agencies, local communities, labor unions, tribes, or other third parties may
delay, prevent, or increase the cost of construction and operation of the system we intend to build.
In order to construct and operate our PV solar power systems, we need to acquire or lease land and rights of way, obtain interconnection
rights, and obtain all necessary local, county, state, federal, and foreign approvals, licenses, and permits, as well as rights to interconnect the
systems to the transmission grid and transmit energy generated from the system. We may be unable to acquire the land or lease interests
needed, may not obtain or maintain satisfactory interconnection rights, may not receive or retain the requisite approvals, permits, licenses, and
interconnection and transmission rights, or may encounter other problems that could delay or prevent us from successfully constructing and
operating such systems.
Many of our proposed PV solar power systems are located on or require access through public lands administered by federal and state
agencies pursuant to competitive public leasing and right-of-way procedures and processes. The authorization for the use, construction, and
operation of systems and associated transmission facilities on federal, state, and private lands will also require the assessment and evaluation of
mineral rights, private rights-of-way, and other easements; environmental, agricultural, cultural, recreational, and aesthetic impacts; and the
likely mitigation of adverse impacts to these and other resources and uses. The inability to obtain the required permits and, potentially, any
excessive delays in obtaining such permits due, for example, to litigation or third-party appeals, could prevent us from successfully
constructing and operating PV solar power systems in a timely manner and could result in the potential forfeiture of any deposit we have made
with respect to a given project. Moreover, project approvals subject to project modifications and conditions, including mitigation requirements
and costs, could affect the financial success of a given project. Changing regulatory requirements and the discovery of unknown site conditions
could also affect the financial success of a given project.

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In addition, local labor unions may increase the cost of, and/or lower the productivity of, project development in California and elsewhere.
We may also be subject to labor unavailability and/or increased union labor requirements due to multiple simultaneous projects in a geographic
region.
Lack of transmission capacity availability, potential upgrade costs to the transmission grid, and other systems constraints could
significantly impact our ability to build PV solar power systems and generate solar electricity power sales.
In order to deliver electricity from our PV solar power systems to our customers, our projects generally need to connect to the transmission
grid. The lack of available capacity on the transmission grid could substantially impact our projects and cause reductions in project size, delays
in project implementation, increases in costs from transmission upgrades, and potential forfeitures of any deposit we have made with respect to
a given project. These transmission issues, as well as issues relating to the availability of large equipment such as transformers and switch gear,
could significantly impact our ability to build such systems and generate solar electricity sales.
Our systems business is largely dependent on us and third parties arranging financing from various sources, which may not be
available or may only be available on unfavorable terms or in insufficient amounts.
The construction of large utility-scale solar power projects is expected in many cases to require project financing, including non-recourse
project debt financing in the bank loan market and institutional debt capital markets. Uncertainties exist as to whether our projects will be able
to access the debt markets in a magnitude sufficient to finance their construction. If we are unable to arrange such financing or if it is only
available on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to fully execute our systems business plan. In addition, we generally expect to sell our
projects by raising project equity capital from tax-oriented, strategic industry, and other equity investors. Such equity sources may not be
available or may only be available in insufficient amounts or on unfavorable terms, in which case our ability to sell our projects may be delayed
or limited, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected. Even if such financing sources are
available, the counterparty to many of our fixed-price EPC contracts, which own the project we are constructing, are often special purpose
vehicles that do not have significant assets other than their interests in the project and have pledged all or substantially all of these assets to
secure the project-related debt and certain other sources of financing. If the owner defaults on its payments or other obligations to us, we may
face difficulties in collecting payment of amounts due to us for the costs previously incurred or for the amounts previously expended or
committed to be expended to purchase equipment or supplies (including intercompany purchases of PV modules), or for termination payments
we are entitled to under the terms of the related EPC contract. If we are unable to collect the amounts owed to us, or are unable to complete the
project because of an owner default, we may be required to record a charge against earnings related to the project, which could result in a
material loss.
In addition, for projects to which we provide EPC services but are not the project developer, our EPC activities are in many cases
dependent on the ability of third parties to finance their systems projects, which, in turn, is dependent on their ability to obtain financing for
such purchases on acceptable terms. Depending on prevailing conditions in the credit markets, interest rates and other factors, such financing
may not be available or may only be available on unfavorable terms or in insufficient amounts. If third parties are limited in their ability to
access financing to support their purchase of PV solar power system construction services from us, we may not realize the cash flows that we
expect from such sales, which could adversely affect our ability to invest in our business and/or generate revenue. See also the risk factor above
entitled An increase in interest rates or tightening of the supply of capital in the global financial markets (including a reduction in total tax
equity availability) could make it difficult for customers to finance the cost of a PV solar power system and could reduce the demand for our
modules or systems and/or lead to a reduction in the average selling price for PV modules .
Developing solar power projects may require significant upfront investment prior to the signing of an EPC contract and commencing
construction, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our solar power project development cycles, which span the time between the identification of land and the commercial operation of a PV
solar power system, vary substantially and can take many months or years to mature. As a result of these long project cycles, we may need to
make significant upfront investments of resources (including, for example, payments for land rights, large transmission and PPA deposits, or
other payments, which may be non-refundable) in advance of the signing of EPC contracts, commencing construction, receiving cash proceeds,
and recognizing any revenue, which may not be recognized for several additional months or years following contract signing. Our potential
inability to enter into sales contracts with potential customers on favorable terms after making such upfront investments could cause us to
forfeit certain nonrefundable payments or otherwise adversely affect our business and results of operations. Furthermore, we may become
constrained in our ability to simultaneously fund our other business operations and these systems investments through our long project
development cycles.

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Our liquidity may be adversely affected to the extent the project sales market weakens and we are unable to sell our solar projects on
pricing, timing, and other terms commercially acceptable to us. In such a scenario, we may choose to continue to own and operate certain solar
projects for a period of time, after which the projects may be sold to third parties.
We may not be able to obtain long-term contracts for the sale of power produced by our projects at prices and on other terms favorable
to attract financing and other investments ; with regard to projects for which electricity is or will be sold on an open-contract basis rather
than under a PPA, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent prevailing spot electricity prices decline in an
unexpected manner.
Obtaining long-term contracts for the sale of power produced by our projects at prices and on other terms favorable to us is essential for
obtaining financing and commencing construction of our projects. We must compete for PPAs against other developers of solar and renewable
energy projects. Further, other sources of power, such as natural gas-fired power plants, have historically been cheaper than the cost of solar
power, and power from certain types of projects, such as natural gas-fired power plants, can be delivered on a firm basis. The inability to
compete successfully against other power producers or otherwise enter into PPAs favorable to us would negatively affect our ability to develop
and finance our projects and negatively impact our revenue. In addition, the availability of PPAs is dependent on utility procurement practices
that could evolve and shift allocation of market risks over time. In addition, PPA availability and terms are a function of a number of economic,
regulatory, tax, and public policy factors, which are also subject to change. Also, certain of our projects may be scheduled for substantial
completion prior to the commencement of a long-term PPA with a major off-taker, in which case we would be required to enter into a stubperiod PPA for the intervening time period or sell down the project. We may not be able to do either on terms that are commercially attractive to
us. Finally, the electricity from certain of our projects is or will be sold on an open-contract basis for a period of time rather than under a PPA.
If prevailing spot electricity prices relating to any such project were to decline in an unexpected manner, such project may decline in value and
our results of operations could otherwise be adversely affected.
We may be subject to unforeseen costs, liabilities, or obligations when providing O&M services.
We may provide ongoing O&M services to system owners under separate service agreements, pursuant to which we generally perform
standard activities associated with operating a PV solar power system, including 24/7 monitoring and control, compliance activities, energy
forecasting, and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Our costs to perform these services are estimated at the time of entering into the
O&M agreement for a particular project, and these are reflected in the price we charge our customers. We have limited experience in
performing O&M services in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, Canada, and Australia where we plan to offer PV systems
solutions as part of our Long Term Strategic Plan, including estimating actual costs for such jurisdictions under our O&M agreements relative
to the price that we charge our customers. Should our estimates of O&M costs prove inaccurate (including any unexpected increases in
inflation or labor or BoS costs), our growth strategy and results of operations could be adversely affected. Because of the potentially long-term
nature of these O&M agreements, the adverse impacts on our results of operations could be significant, particularly if our costs are not capped
under the terms of the agreements. We may also be subject to substantial costs in the event we do not achieve certain thresholds under the
effective availability guarantees included in our O&M agreements.
Our systems business is subject to regulatory oversight and liability if we fail to operate our PV solar power systems in compliance with
electric reliability rules.
The ongoing O&M services that we provide for system owners may subject us to regulation by the North American Electric Reliability
Corporation (NERC), or its designated regional representative, as a generator operator, or GOP, under electric reliability rules filed with
FERC. Our failure to comply with the reliability rules applicable to GOPs could subject us to substantial fines by NERC, subject to FERCs
review. In addition, the system owners that receive our O&M services may be regulated by NERC as generator owners, or GOs and we
may incur liability for GO violations and fines levied by NERC, subject to FERCs review, based on the terms of our O&M agreements.
Finally, as a systems owner and operator, we may in the future be subject to regulation by NERC as a GO.

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Other Risks
We may not realize the anticipated benefits of past or future business combinations or transactions, and integration of these business
combinations may disrupt our business and management.
We have made several acquisitions in the last several years and in the future we may acquire additional companies, project pipelines,
products, or technologies or enter into joint ventures or other strategic initiatives. We may not realize the anticipated benefits of a business
combination, and each transaction has numerous risks. These risks include the following:

difficulty in assimilating the operations and personnel of the acquired or partner company;

difficulty in effectively integrating the acquired products or technologies with our current products or technologies;

difficulty in achieving profitable commercial scale from acquired technologies;

difficulty in maintaining controls, procedures, and policies during the transition and integration;

disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of our management and associates from other opportunities and challenges due to
integration issues;

difficulty integrating the acquired or partner companys accounting, management information, and other administrative systems;

inability to retain key technical and managerial personnel of the acquired business;

inability to retain key customers, vendors, and other business partners of the acquired business;

inability to achieve the financial and strategic goals for the acquired and combined businesses, as a result of insufficient capital
resources or otherwise;

incurring acquisition-related costs or amortization costs for acquired intangible assets that could impact our operating results;

potential impairment of our relationships with our associates, customers, partners, distributors, or third-party providers of products or
technologies;

potential failure of the due diligence processes to identify significant issues with product quality, legal and financial liabilities, among
other things;

potential inability to assert that internal controls over financial reporting are effective;

potential inability to obtain, or obtain in a timely manner, approvals from governmental authorities, which could delay or prevent such
acquisitions; and

potential delay in customer purchasing decisions due to uncertainty about the direction of our product offerings.

Mergers and acquisitions of companies are inherently risky, and ultimately, if we do not complete the integration of acquired businesses
successfully and in a timely manner, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions to the extent anticipated, which could
adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the formation of 8point3 Energy Partners
LP, on a timely basis or at all .
In June 2015, 8point3 Energy Partners LP (the YieldCo or the Partnership), a limited partnership formed by First Solar and SunPower
Corporation (SunPower), completed its initial public offering. The YieldCo is a joint venture vehicle into which we and SunPower each
contributed a portfolio of selected solar generation assets from our existing portfolios of assets. We launched the YieldCo to enable a
competitive cost of capital and greater optionality in the project sales process for a portion of our future project sales. Given the broader
economic factors currently impacting the yieldco sector in general, including yieldco equity valuations generally, the timing and execution of
asset drop downs to the YieldCo are subject to market conditions. We believe
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that the viability of the YieldCo strategy will depend on, among other things, such market conditions and our ability to continue to develop
revenue-generating solar assets, which is subject to the same project-level, business, and industry risks described in the other Risk Factors
contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The viability of the YieldCo strategy is also subject to the risks described in the YieldCos
Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, due to the joint venture nature of the YieldCo, we do not exercise control over the YieldCo in the
same manner that we could over our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and, as such, the viability of the YieldCo strategy will also depend in part on
our ability to effectively manage our business relationships with SunPower. Furthermore, the value of our investment in the YieldCo will
fluctuate over time and may decline. As a result, we may never recover the value of the assets we contributed to the YieldCo, and we may
realize less of a return on such contributions than if we had retained or operated the assets. In addition, our stock price may be impacted by
fluctuations in the price of YieldCo shares and market perceptions about the value of our interest in the YieldCo. If we are unable to achieve the
strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the YieldCo strategy, we would pursue traditional and other pathways in the project sales
process, but our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. See Note 12 Investments in
Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our future success depends on our ability to retain our key associates and to successfully integrate them into our management team.
We are dependent on the services of our executive officers and other members of our senior management team. The loss of one or more of
these key associates or any other member of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business. We may not be
able to retain or replace these key associates, and we may not have adequate succession plans in place. Several of our current key associates
including our executive officers are subject to employment conditions or arrangements that contain post-employment non-competition
provisions. However, these arrangements permit the associates to terminate their employment with us upon little or no notice and the
enforceability of the non-competition provisions in certain jurisdictions is uncertain.
If we are unable to attract, train, and retain key personnel, our business may be materially and adversely affected; any regulatory
compliance failure with respect to applicable labor laws and regulations, including the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, could have an
adverse effect on us.
Our future success depends, to a significant extent, on our ability to attract, train, and retain management, operations, sales, training, and
technical personnel, including in foreign jurisdictions as we continue to execute on our Long Term Strategic Plan. Recruiting and retaining
capable personnel, particularly those with expertise in the PV industry across a variety of technologies, are vital to our success. There is
substantial competition for qualified technical personnel and while we continue to benchmark our organization against the broad spectrum of
business in our market space to remain economically competitive, there can be no assurances that we will be able to attract and retain our
technical personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified associates, or otherwise experience unexpected labor disruptions within our
business, we may be materially and adversely affected.
Labor used on some of our job sites that are completed or under construction are subject to the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts
(collectively, Davis-Bacon). Davis-Bacon requires that personnel assigned to the project be paid at least the prevailing wage and fringe
benefits, as established by and in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). We have an
established policy pursuant to which we evaluate Davis-Bacon requirements in conjunction with our subcontractors on the project and ensure
our collective compliance with these requirements. If it was ultimately determined that any person working under Davis-Bacon requirements
on First Solar projects was not properly classified, was being paid the incorrect prevailing wage, or had not been paid fringe benefits to which
he or she was entitled, we could incur additional liability with respect to such worker or be exposed to other adverse outcomes. For example, in
March 2015, the Wage and Hour Division of the DOL notified our wholly-owned subsidiary First Solar Electric, LLC (FSE) of the DOLs
findings following a labor standards compliance review under Davis-Bacon at our Agua Caliente project in southwestern Arizona. FSE served
as the general contractor for the project. The DOL alleges that certain workers at the project were misclassified and, as a result of that
misclassification, were not paid the required prevailing wage. We disagree with certain of the DOLs investigative findings and are reviewing
those issues of disagreement with the DOL. Possible adverse outcomes include the payment of back wages and debarment of FSE and its
affiliates from doing certain business with the U.S. federal government. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the DOL proceeding.

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Table of Contents
We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely to us, could cause us to
pay significant damage awards or prohibit us from the manufacture and sale of our solar modules or the use of our technology.
Our success depends largely on our ability to use and develop our technology and know-how without infringing or misappropriating the
intellectual property rights of third parties. The validity and scope of claims relating to PV technology patents involve complex scientific, legal,
and factual considerations and analysis and, therefore, may be highly uncertain. We may be subject to litigation involving claims of patent
infringement or violation of intellectual property rights of third parties. The defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, patent
opposition proceedings, and related legal and administrative proceedings can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert
the efforts and resources of our technical and management personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings to which
we may become a party could subject us to significant liability to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, which may not be
available on reasonable terms, or at all, or pay ongoing royalties, require us to redesign our solar modules, or subject us to injunctions
prohibiting the manufacture and sale of our solar modules or the use of our technologies. Protracted litigation could also result in our customers
or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase or use of our solar modules until the resolution of such litigation.
Currency translation and transaction risk may negatively affect our results of operations.
Although our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, we conduct our business and incur costs in the local currency of most countries in
which we operate. As a result, we are subject to currency translation and transaction risk. For example, certain of our net sales in 2015 were
denominated in foreign currencies, such as Australian dollars, Indian rupees, and Euros, and we expect more than a minor percentage of our net
sales to be outside the United States and denominated in foreign currencies in the future. In addition, our operating expenses for our
manufacturing plants located outside the U.S. and our operations for our systems business in foreign countries will generally be denominated in
local currencies. Joint ventures or other business arrangements with strategic partners outside of the United States have involved, and are
expected in the future to involve, significant investments denominated in local currencies. Changes in exchange rates between foreign
currencies and the U.S. dollar could affect our results of operations and result in exchange gains or losses. We cannot accurately predict the
impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations.
We could also expand our business into emerging markets, many of which have an uncertain regulatory environment relating to currency
policy. Conducting business in such emerging markets could cause our exposure to changes in exchange rates to increase, due to the relatively
high volatility associated with emerging market currencies and potentially longer payment terms for our proceeds.
Our ability to hedge foreign currency exposure is dependent on our credit profile with the banks that are willing and able to do business
with us. Deterioration in our credit position or a significant tightening of the credit market conditions could limit our ability to hedge our
foreign currency exposure; and therefore, result in exchange gains or losses.
Sustained declines in worldwide oil prices could adversely affect trading prices of our common shares.
Worldwide oil prices have declined over the last few years and may continue to decline or remain low. Oil is used as a fuel for electricity
generation in only a small percentage of applications worldwide, compared to natural gas or coal-fired electricity generation and other forms of
electricity generation, and accordingly, fluctuations in oil prices generally do not have a significant direct causal effect on prevailing
competitive electricity prices, including electricity from solar sources. Nonetheless, there can be an observed market correlation effect between
declining oil prices and depressed equity valuations of solar companies. If oil prices remain low or continue to decline, the trading price of our
common shares may suffer.
Global sovereign debt issues could adversely impact our business.
Potential sovereign debt issues in Europe, emerging markets, and other regions and their impact on the balance sheets and lending
practices of global banks in particular could negatively impact our access to, and cost of, capital and therefore could have an adverse effect on
our business, financial condition, results of operations, and competitive position. It could also similarly affect our customers and therefore limit
the sales of our modules and demand for our systems. Sovereign debt problems may also cause governments to reduce, eliminate, or allow to
expire government subsidies and economic incentives for solar energy, which could limit our growth or cause our net sales to decline and
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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Table of Contents
We are subject to litigation risks, including securities class actions and stockholder derivative actions, which may be costly to defend
and the outcome of which is uncertain.
From time to time, we are subject to legal claims, with and without merit, that may be costly and which may divert the attention of our
management and our resources in general. In addition, our projects may be subject to litigation or other adverse proceedings that may adversely
impact our ability to proceed with construction or sell a given project, which would adversely affect our ability to recognize revenue with
respect to such project. The results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. Moreover, many of the complaints filed against us do
not specify the amount of damages that plaintiffs seek, and we therefore are unable to estimate the possible range of damages that might be
incurred should these lawsuits be resolved against us. Certain of these lawsuits assert types of claims that, if resolved against us, could give rise
to substantial damages, and an unfavorable outcome or settlement of one or more of these lawsuits, or any future lawsuits, may result in a
significant monetary judgment or award against us or a significant monetary payment by us, and could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, or results of operations. Even if these lawsuits, or any future lawsuits, are not resolved against us, the costs of
defending such lawsuits may be significant and may not be covered by our insurance policies. Because the price of our common stock has
been, and may continue to be, volatile, we can provide no assurance that additional securities or other litigation will not be filed against us in
the future. For more information on our legal proceedings, including our securities class action and derivative actions, see Note 16
Commitments and Contingencies under the heading Legal Proceedings of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our largest stockholder has significant influence over us and its interests may conflict with or differ from interests of other
stockholders.
Our largest stockholder, consisting collectively of JCL FSLR Holdings, LLC and its beneficiaries and JTW Trust No. 1 UAD 9/19/02 and
its beneficiaries, each affiliated in the past with the former Estate of John T. Walton (collectively, the Significant Stockholder), owned
approximately 26% of our outstanding common stock at December 31, 2015 . As a result, the Significant Stockholder has substantial influence
over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our directors and the approval of significant corporate transactions
such as mergers, tender offers, and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets. The interests of the Significant Stockholder could conflict
with or differ from interests of other stockholders. For example, the concentration of ownership held by the Significant Stockholder could
delay, defer or prevent a change of control of our company or impede a merger, takeover, or other business combination, which other
stockholders may view favorably.
If our goodwill and other intangible assets or project related assets become impaired, we may be required to record a significant
charge to earnings.
We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements should we determine that our goodwill, other
intangible assets, or project assets are impaired. Such a charge might have a significant impact on our financial position and results of
operations.
As required by accounting rules, we review our goodwill for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if facts
and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit that has goodwill is less than its carrying value.
Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill might not be recoverable include a
significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in projections of future cash flows, and lower future
growth rates in our industry.
We review project related assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. We consider a project commercially viable and recoverable if it is anticipated to be sellable for a profit once it is either fully
developed or constructed or if the expected operating cash flows from future power generation exceed the cost basis of the asset. If our projects
are not considered commercially viable, we would be required to impair the respective assets.
Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions, the adoption of a new tax legislation, or exposure to additional income tax liabilities
could affect our profitability.
We are subject to income taxes in the United States and the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. Our tax liabilities are affected by the
amounts we charge for inventory, services, licenses, funding, and other intercompany transactions. We are subject to potential tax examinations
in these various jurisdictions. Tax authorities may disagree with our intercompany charges, cross-jurisdictional transfer pricing or other tax
positions and assess additional taxes. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of these examinations in order to determine the appropriateness
of our tax provision. However, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcomes of these potential examinations, and the
amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of examinations
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Table of Contents
could be materially different from the amounts previously included in our income tax provision and, therefore, could have a material impact on
our results of operations and cash flows. In addition, our future effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes to our operating
structure, a loss of our Malaysian tax holiday, changes in the mix of earnings in countries with tax holidays or differing statutory tax rates,
changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws, and the discovery of new information in the course of our tax
return preparation process. A number of proposals for broad reform of the corporate tax system in the U.S. are under evaluation by various
legislative and administrative bodies, but it is not possible to accurately determine the overall impact of such proposals on our effective tax rate
at this time. Changes in tax laws or regulations, including multijurisdictional changes enacted in response to the guidelines provided by the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development to address base erosion and profit sharing, may increase tax uncertainty and
adversely affect our results of operations.
Cyber attacks or other breaches of our information systems, or those of third parties with which we do business, could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our operations rely on our computer systems, hardware, software, and networks, as well as those of the third parties with which we do
business, to securely process, store, and transmit proprietary, confidential, and other information, including intellectual property. Such
information systems may be compromised by cyber attacks, computer viruses, and other events that put the security of our information, and
that of the third parties with which we do business, at risk of misappropriation or destruction. In recent years, such cyber incidents have become
increasingly frequent and sophisticated, targeting or otherwise affecting a wide range of companies. While we have instituted security measures
to minimize the likelihood and impact of a cyber incident, there is no assurance that these measures, or those of the third parties with which we
do business, will be adequate in the future. If these measures fail, valuable information may be lost, our manufacturing, construction, O&M,
and other operations may be disrupted, and our reputation may suffer. We may also be subject to litigation, regulatory action, remedial
expenses, and financial losses beyond the scope or limits of our insurance coverage. These consequences of a failure of security measures
could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in, or any failure to comply with, privacy laws, regulations, and standards may adversely affect our business.
Personal privacy and data security have become significant issues in the United States, Europe, and in many other jurisdictions in which
we operate. The regulatory framework for privacy and security issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the
foreseeable future. For example, the Court of Justice of the European Union recently ruled that the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor framework, which
provided U.S. companies with a streamlined means of complying with the European Unions Data Protection Directive regarding the treatment
of customers and employees personal information and other privacy matters, and upon which we relied for the transfer of personal data from
the EU to the U.S., was invalid. Furthermore, federal, state, or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the
future adopt, laws and regulations affecting data privacy. Industry organizations also regularly adopt and advocate for new standards in this
area. In the United States, these include rules and regulations promulgated under the authority of federal agencies and state attorneys general
and legislatures and consumer protection agencies. Internationally, many jurisdictions in which we operate have established their own data
security and privacy legal framework with which we or our customers must comply, including but not limited to, the Data Protection Directive
established in the European Union and data protection legislation of the individual member states subject to such directive. The Data Protection
Directive may be replaced in time with the pending European General Data Protection Regulation, which may impose additional obligations
and risk upon our business. In many jurisdictions, enforcement actions and consequences for noncompliance are also rising. In addition to
government regulation, privacy advocates and industry groups may propose new and different self-regulatory standards that either legally or
contractually apply to us. Any inability or perceived inability to adequately address privacy and security concerns, even if unfounded, or
comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, regulations, and policies, could result in additional cost and liability to us, damage our
reputation, inhibit sales, and adversely affect our business.
Our credit agreements contain covenant restrictions that may limit our ability to operate our business.
We may be unable to respond to changes in business and economic conditions, engage in transactions that might otherwise be beneficial to
us, and obtain additional financing, if needed, because our Revolving Credit Facility, our Malaysian credit facility agreements, and certain of
our project financing arrangements contain, and other future debt agreements may contain, covenant restrictions that limit our ability to, among
other things:

incur additional debt, assume obligations in connection with letters of credit, or issue guarantees;

create liens;

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates;

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Table of Contents

sell certain assets; and

declare or pay dividends, make other distributions to stockholders, or make other restricted payments.

Under our Revolving Credit Facility, our Malaysian credit facility agreements, and certain of our project financing arrangements, we are
also subject to certain financial covenants. Our ability to comply with covenants under our credit agreements is dependent on our future
performance, which will be subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including prevailing economic conditions. In
addition, our failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under these agreements and any of our other future debt
agreements, which if not cured or waived, could permit the holders thereof to accelerate such debt and could cause cross-defaults under our
other facility agreements and the possible acceleration of debt under such other facility agreements, as well as cross-defaults under certain of
our key project and operational agreements and could also result in requirements to post additional security instruments to secure future
obligations. In addition, we cannot assure you that events that occur within the Company, or in the industry or the economy as a whole, will not
constitute material adverse effects under these agreements. If it is determined that a material adverse effect has occurred, the lenders can, under
certain circumstances, restrict future borrowings or accelerate the due date of outstanding loan balances. If any of our debt is accelerated, we
may in the future not have sufficient funds available to repay such debt, and we may experience cross-defaults under our other debt agreements
or project and key operational agreements, which could materially and negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of
operations.
Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2: Properties
As of December 31, 2015 , our principal properties consisted of the following:

Nature

Manufacturing Plant,
Research and Development
Facility, and Administrative
Offices
Manufacturing Plants and
Administrative Offices
Administrative Office
Manufacturing Plants (2)
Manufacturing Plant (3)
Corporate Headquarters
Administrative Office
Administrative Office,
Research and Development
Facility
Administrative Office
Research and Development
Facility
Administrative Office
Administrative Office
Administrative Office
Administrative Office
Administrative Office
Administrative Office
Administrative Office

Primary
Segment(s) Using
Property

Location

Components

Perrysburg, Ohio, United States

Components

Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia

Held

Major Encumbrances

Own

n/a

Lease Land/Own
Buildings
Lease

Malaysian Ringgit Facility

Agreement (1)
n/a
n/a
n/a

Components &
Systems
Components
Components

Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Components &
Systems
Components &
Systems
Systems

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Own
Lease Land/Own
Building
Lease

Houston, Texas, United States

Lease

n/a

Bridgewater, New Jersey, United States

Lease

n/a

Systems
Components &
Systems
Components &
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems

San Francisco, California, United States

Santa Clara, California, United States

Lease
Lease

n/a
n/a

Mainz, Germany

Lease

n/a

New Delhi, India

Sydney, Australia
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Santiago, Chile
Cape Town, South Africa
Tokyo, Japan

Lease
Lease
Lease
Lease
Lease
Lease

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Frankfurt/Oder, Germany
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

42

n/a

Table of Contents
(1) See Note 15 Debt to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K for additional information on property encumbrances.
(2) Manufacturing ceased in December 2012, and such property is being actively marketed for sale.
(3) We did not proceed with our previously announced four-line plant in Vietnam, and such property is being actively marketed for sale.
In addition, we lease small amounts of office and warehouse space in several other U.S. and international locations.
Item 3: Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations, and claims, including, but not limited to,
routine employment matters. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, and claims asserted
against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
See Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies under the heading Legal Proceedings of our consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding legal proceedings and related matters.
Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
PART II
Item 5: Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Price Range of Common Stock
Our common stock has been listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol FSLR since November 17, 2006. Prior to
this time, there was no public market for our common stock. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing prices per share as
reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market for the periods indicated.
High

Fiscal year 2015

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Fiscal year 2014
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter

Low

$
$
$
$

62.52
64.75
53.48
66.99

$
$
$
$

39.83
46.98
40.81
42.68

$
$
$
$

73.87
73.34
72.78
64.10

$
$
$
$

47.73
58.63
61.45
40.90

The closing price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market was $62.76 per share on February 19, 2016 . As of
February 19, 2016 , there were 51 record holders of our common stock. This figure does not reflect the beneficial ownership of shares held in
nominee names.

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Table of Contents
Dividend Policy
We have never paid, and it is our present intention for the foreseeable future not to pay, dividends on our common stock. Our Revolving
Credit Facility imposes restrictions on our ability to declare or pay dividends. The declaration and payment of dividends is subject to the
discretion of our board of directors and depends on various factors, including the continued applicability of the above-referenced restrictions
under our Revolving Credit Facility, our net income, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant
by our board of directors.
Stock Price Performance Graph
The following graph compares the 5-year cumulative total return on our common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the S&P
500 Index and the Guggenheim Solar ETF, which represents a peer group of solar companies. In the stock price performance graph included
below, an investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) is assumed to have been made in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and
the Guggenheim Solar ETF on December 31, 2010, and its relative performance is tracked through December 31, 2015 . No cash dividends
have been declared on shares of our common stock. This performance graph is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC, and
is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or the Exchange
Act, whether made before or after the date hereof, and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing. The stock price
performance shown on the graph represents past performance and should not be considered an indication of future price performance.

$100 invested on December 31, 2010 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Index calculated on a month-end
basis.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliate Purchases
None.

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Table of Contents
Item 6: Selected Financial Data
The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial data for the periods and at the dates indicated. The selected consolidated
financial data from the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015
, 2014 , and 2013 and the selected consolidated financial data from the consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and
2014 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected
consolidated financial data from the consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2013 , 2012, and 2011 and selected
consolidated financial data from the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 have been derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included in this Annual Report on Form 10K. We have revised our previously issued financial statements from 2011 to 2014 to properly record a liability associated with an uncertain tax
position related to income of a foreign subsidiary. Additional revisions have been made for previously identified errors that were corrected in a
period subsequent to the period in which the error originated. All financial information presented herein was revised to reflect the correction of
these errors. See Note 1. First Solar and Its Business Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements to our consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information. The information
presented below should also be read in conjunction with Item 7: Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto.
December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

Years Ended
December 31,
2013

December 31,
2012 (2)

December 31,
2011 (3)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income (loss)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic
Diluted
Cash dividends declared per common share
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities

3,578,995
919,267
516,664
546,421

$
$
$

5.42
5.37

(360,919)
(112,140)

3,391,187
824,941
421,999
395,964

$
$
$

3.96
3.90

680,989
(511,879)

137,103

3,309,616
864,632
370,407
350,718

$
$
$

3.74
3.67

7,359

December 31,
2015

856,126
(537,106)

3,354,920
847,820
(42,933)
(106,909)

2,779,832
976,966
(63,008)
(61,648)

$
$
$

(1.23)
(1.23)

$
$
$

(0.72)
(0.72)

762,209
(383,732)

(33,463)
(676,457)

101,164

December 31,
2014

(89,109)

December 31,
2013 (1)

571,218

December 31,
2012 (2)

December 31,
2011 (3)

(In thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities, current and noncurrent
Total assets
Total long-term debt
Total liabilities
Total stockholders equity

1,126,826
703,454
7,316,331
289,415
1,767,844
5,548,487

1,482,054
509,032
6,720,991
213,473
1,729,504
4,991,487

1,325,072
439,102
6,876,586
223,323
2,408,516
4,468,070

901,294
102,578
6,356,975
562,572
2,783,681
3,573,294

605,619
182,338
5,782,339
663,648
2,163,593
3,618,746

(1) Includes adjustments for the revisions described above, which decreased total assets by $6.9 million, increased total liabilities by
$28.1 million, and decreased total stockholders equity by $35.0 million.
(2) Includes adjustments for the revisions described above, which decreased net sales by $13.6 million, decreased gross profit by $4.9
million, increased operating loss by $5.4 million, increased net loss by $10.6 million, increased total assets by $8.3 million, increased
total liabilities by $40.5 million, and decreased total stockholders equity by $32.2 million.
(3) Includes adjustments for the revisions described above, which increased net sales by $13.6 million, increased gross profit by $5.2
million, decreased operating loss by $5.6 million, increased net loss by $22.2 million, increased total assets by $4.7 million, increased
total liabilities by $29.8 million, and decreased total stockholders equity by $25.1 million.
45

Item 7: Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our
consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless expressly stated or the
context otherwise requires, the terms we, our, us, and First Solar refer to First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries. In addition to historical
consolidated financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties,
and assumptions as described under the Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, that appears earlier in this Annual Report on Form 10K. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including
those discussed under Item 1A: Risk Factors, and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Executive Overview
We are a leading global provider of comprehensive PV solar energy solutions. We design, manufacture, and sell PV solar modules with an
advanced thin-film semiconductor technology and also develop, design, construct, and sell PV solar power systems that primarily use the
modules we manufacture. Additionally, we provide O&M services to system owners that use solar modules manufactured by us or by other
third-party manufacturers. We have substantial, ongoing research and development efforts focused on module and system level innovations. We
are the worlds largest thin-film PV solar module manufacturer and one of the worlds largest PV solar module manufacturers. Our mission is to
create enduring value by enabling a world powered by clean, affordable solar energy.
Certain highlights of our financial results and other key developments include the following:

Net sales for 2015 increased by 6% to $3.6 billion compared to $3.4 billion in 2014 . The increase in net sales was primarily
attributable to higher revenue from module plus transactions. Our net sales for 2015 also included the sale of majority interests in the
partially constructed Desert Stateline project and North Star project and higher revenue from our Silver State South, McCoy, and
Imperial Solar Energy Center West projects, which commenced construction in late 2014. These 2015 net sales were offset by lower
revenue from the completion, or substantial completion, of our Desert Sunlight, Solar Gen 2, Topaz, and Campo Verde projects in
2014.

Gross profit increased 1.4 percentage points to 25.7% during 2015 from 24.3% during 2014 , primarily due to a reduction in our
module collection and recycling obligation and improved utilization of our manufacturing facilities.

As of December 31, 2015 , we had 30 installed production lines with an annual global manufacturing capacity of approximately 2.8
GW at our manufacturing facilities in Perrysburg, Ohio and Kulim, Malaysia. We produced 2.5 GW of solar modules during 2015 ,
which represented a 39% increase from 2014 . The increase in production was primarily driven by the restart of various production
lines at our manufacturing facility in Malaysia, increased throughput, and higher module conversion efficiencies. We expect to
produce approximately 3.0 GW of solar modules during 2016 .

During 2015 , we ran our manufacturing facilities at approximately 92%

capacity utilization, which represented an 11.0 percentage point increase
from 2014 .

The average conversion efficiency of our modules produced in 2015 was 15.6% ,
which represented an improvement of 1.6 percentage points from our average
conversion efficiency of 14.0% in 2014 .

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Market Overview
The solar industry continues to be characterized by intense pricing competition, both at the module and system levels. In the aggregate, we
believe manufacturers of solar modules and cells have, relative to global demand, significant installed production capacity and the ability for
additional capacity expansion. We believe the solar industry may from time to time experience periods of structural imbalance between supply
and demand (i.e., where production capacity exceeds global demand), and that such periods will put pressure on pricing. Additionally, intense
competition at the system level can result in an environment in which pricing falls rapidly, thereby further increasing demand for solar energy
solutions but constraining the ability for project developers, EPC companies, and vertically-integrated solar companies such as First Solar to
sustain meaningful and consistent profitability. In light of such market realities, we are executing our Long Term Strategic Plan, Vision 2020
described below, under which we are focusing on our competitive strengths. Such strengths include our advanced module and system
technologies as well as our differentiated, vertically-integrated business model that enables us to provide utility-scale PV solar energy solutions
to key geographic markets with immediate electricity needs.
Worldwide solar markets continue to develop, in part aided by demand elasticity resulting from declining industry average selling prices,
both at the module and system level, which make solar power more affordable to new markets, and we have continued to develop our localized
presence and expertise in such markets. We are developing, constructing, or operating multiple solar projects around the world, many of which
are the largest or among the largest in their regions. In North America, we continue to execute on our advanced-stage utility-scale project
pipeline, which includes the construction of some of the worlds largest PV solar power systems. We expect a substantial portion of our
consolidated net sales, operating income, and cash flows through the end of 2016 to be derived from these projects. We continue to advance the
development and selling efforts for the other projects included in our advanced-stage utility-scale project pipeline and also continue to develop
our early-to-mid stage project pipeline and evaluate acquisitions of projects to continue to add to our advanced-stage utility-scale project
pipeline.
Lower industry module and system pricing, while currently challenging for certain solar manufacturers (particularly manufacturers with
high cost structures), is expected to continue to contribute to global market diversification and volume elasticity. Over time, declining average
selling prices are consistent with the erosion of one of the primary historical constraints to widespread solar market penetration, its
affordability. In the near term, however, declining average selling prices could adversely affect our results of operations. If competitors reduce
pricing to levels below their costs, bid aggressively low prices for PPAs and EPC agreements, or are able to operate at negative or minimal
operating margins for sustained periods of time, our results of operations could be further adversely affected. We continue to mitigate this
uncertainty in part by executing on and building our advanced-stage utility-scale systems pipeline, executing on our module efficiency
improvement and BoS cost reduction roadmaps, and continuing the development of key geographic markets.
We continue to face intense competition from manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules and other types of solar modules and PV
solar power systems. Solar module manufacturers compete with one another in several product performance attributes, including conversion
efficiency, energy density, reliability, and selling price per watt, and, with respect to PV solar power systems, net present value, return on
equity, and LCOE, meaning the net present value of total life cycle costs of the PV solar power system divided by the quantity of energy which
is expected to be produced over the systems life.
We believe we are among the lowest cost PV module manufacturers in the solar industry on a module cost per watt basis, based on
publicly available information. This cost competitiveness is reflected in the price at which we sell our modules and fully integrated PV solar
power systems and enables our systems to compete favorably. Our cost competitiveness is based in large part on our module conversion
efficiency, proprietary manufacturing technology (which enables us to produce a CdTe module in less than 2.5 hours using a continuous and
highly automated industrial manufacturing process, as opposed to a batch process), our scale, and our operational excellence. In addition, our
CdTe modules use approximately 1-2% of the amount of the semiconductor material that is used to manufacture traditional crystalline silicon
solar modules. The cost of polysilicon is a significant driver of the manufacturing cost of crystalline silicon solar modules, and the timing and
rate of change in the cost of silicon feedstock and polysilicon could lead to changes in solar module pricing levels. Polysilicon costs have had
periods of decline over the past several years, contributing to a decline in our relative manufacturing cost competitiveness over traditional
crystalline silicon module manufacturers. Given the smaller size (sometimes referred to as form factor) of our CdTe modules compared to
certain types of crystalline silicon modules, we may incur higher labor and BoS costs associated with systems using our modules. Thus, to
compete effectively on an LCOE basis, our modules may need to maintain a certain cost advantage per watt compared to crystalline siliconbased modules with larger form factors. BoS costs represent a significant portion of the costs associated with the construction of a typical
utility-scale PV solar power system.

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Table of Contents
In terms of energy density, in many climates, our CdTe modules provide a significant energy yield advantage over conventional crystalline
silicon solar modules of equivalent efficiency rating. For example, in humid climates, our CdTe modules provide a superior spectral response,
and in hot climates, our CdTe modules provide a superior temperature coefficient. As a result, at temperatures above 25C (standard test
conditions), our CdTe modules produce more energy than competing conventional crystalline silicon solar modules with an equivalent
efficiency rating. This advantage provides stronger system performance in high temperature climates, which is particularly advantageous as the
vast majority of a systems generation, on average (in typical high insolation climates), occurs when module temperatures are above 25C. As a
result, our PV solar power systems can produce more annual energy at a lower LCOE than competing systems with the same nameplate
capacity.
While our modules and PV solar power systems are generally competitive in cost, reliability, and performance attributes, there can be no
guarantee such competitiveness will continue to exist in the future to the same extent or at all. Any declines in the competitiveness of our
products could result in additional margin compression, further declines in the average selling prices of our modules and systems, erosion in
our market share for modules and systems, decreases in the rate of net sales growth, and/or declines in overall net sales. We continue to focus
on enhancing the competitiveness of our solar modules and PV solar power systems by accelerating progress along our module efficiency
improvement and BoS cost reduction roadmaps, continuing to make technological advances at the system level, leveraging volume
procurement around standardized hardware platforms, using innovative installation techniques and know-how, and accelerating installation
times to reduce labor costs.
As we continue to expand our systems business into key geographic markets, we can offer value beyond solar modules, reduce our
exposure to module-only competition, provide differentiated product offerings to minimize the impact of solar module commoditization, and
provide comprehensive utility-scale PV solar power system solutions that reduce solar electricity costs. Thus, our systems business allows us to
play a more active role than many of our competitors in managing the demand for our solar modules. Finally, we continue to form and develop
strong relationships with our customers and strategic partners around the world and continue to refine our product offerings, including EPC
capabilities and O&M services, in order to enhance the competitiveness of systems using our modules. For example, we have formed, and
expect in the future to form, joint ventures or other business arrangements with project developers in certain strategic markets in order to
provide our modules and utility-scale PV solar energy solutions to the projects developed by such ventures.
Certain Trends and Uncertainties
We believe that our operations may be favorably or unfavorably impacted by the following trends and uncertainties that may affect our
financial condition and results of operations. See Item 1A: Risk Factors and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion
of other risks that may affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Long Term Strategic Plan, Vision 2020
Our Long Term Strategic Plan, Vision 2020 is a long-term roadmap to achieve our growth objectives and our technology and cost
leadership goals. In executing our Long Term Strategic Plan, we are focusing on providing utility-scale PV solar energy solutions using our
modules to key geographic markets that we believe have a compelling need for mass-scale PV electricity, including markets throughout the
Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. As part of our Long Term Strategic Plan, we are focusing on opportunities in which our PV solar
energy solutions can compete directly with fossil fuel offerings on an LCOE or similar basis, or complement such fossil fuel electricity
offerings. Execution of the Long Term Strategic Plan entails a prioritization of market opportunities worldwide relative to our core strengths
and a corresponding allocation of resources around the globe. This prioritization involves a focus on our core utility-scale offerings and exists
within a current market environment that includes rooftop and distributed generation solar, particularly in the U.S. While it is unclear how
rooftop and distributed generation solar might impact our core utility-scale offerings in the next several years, we believe that utility-scale solar
will continue to be a compelling solar offering for companies with technology and cost leadership and will continue to represent an increasing
portion of the overall electricity generation mix.
We are closely evaluating and managing the appropriate level of resources required as we pursue the most advantageous and cost effective
projects and partnerships in our target markets. We have dedicated, and intend to continue to dedicate, significant capital and human resources
to reduce the total installed cost of PV solar energy, to optimize the design and logistics around our PV solar energy solutions, and to ensure
that our solutions integrate well into the overall electricity ecosystem of each specific market. We expect that, over time, an increasing portion
of our consolidated net sales, operating income, and cash flows may come from solar offerings in the key geographic markets described above
as we execute on our Long Term Strategic Plan. The timing, execution, and financial impacts of our Long Term Strategic Plan are subject to
risks and uncertainties, as described in Item 1A: Risk Factors, and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are focusing our
resources in those markets and energy applications in which solar power can be a least-cost, best-fit energy solution, particularly in regions
with high solar resources, significant current or projected electricity demand, and/or relatively high existing electricity prices. As part of these
efforts, we
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Table of Contents
continue to expand or reallocate resources globally, including business development, sales personnel, and other supporting professional staff in
target markets. Accordingly, we may shift current costs or incur additional costs over time as we establish a localized business presence in these
target markets.
Joint ventures or other strategic arrangements with partners are a key part of our Long Term Strategic Plan, and we generally use such
arrangements to expedite our penetration of various key markets and establish relationships with potential customers. We also enter into joint
ventures or strategic arrangements with customers or other entities to maximize the value of particular projects. Some of these arrangements
involve and are expected in the future to involve significant investments or other allocations of capital. We continue to develop relationships
with policymakers, regulators, and end customers in these strategic markets with a view to creating opportunities for utility-scale PV solar
power systems. We sell such systems directly to end customers, including utilities, independent power producers, commercial and industrial
companies, and other system owners. Depending on the market opportunity, our sales offerings may range from module-only sales, to module
sales with a range of development, EPC services, and other solutions, to full turn-key PV solar power system sales. We expect these offerings
to continue to evolve over time as we work with our customers to optimize how our PV solar energy solutions can best meet our customers
energy and economic needs.
In order to create or maintain a market position in certain strategically targeted markets, our offerings from time to time may need to be
competitively priced at levels associated with minimal gross profit margins, which may adversely affect our results of operations. We expect
the profitability associated with our various sales offerings to vary from one another over time, and possibly vary from our internal long-range
profitability expectations and targets, depending on the market opportunity and the relative competitiveness of our offerings compared with
other energy solutions, fossil fuel-based or otherwise, that are available to potential customers. In addition, as we execute on our Long Term
Strategic Plan, we will continue to monitor and adapt to any changing dynamics in the market set of potential buyers of solar project assets.
Market environments with few potential project buyers and a higher cost of capital would generally exert downward pressure on the potential
revenue from the uncontracted solar project assets we are developing, whereas, conversely, market environments with many potential project
buyers and a lower cost of capital would likely have a favorable impact on the potential revenue from such uncontracted solar project assets.
We expect to use our working capital, the availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, or project financing to finance the construction
of certain PV solar power systems for strategic purposes or to maximize the value of such systems at the time of sale. From time to time, we
may temporarily own and operate certain PV solar power systems, often with the intention to sell at a later date. We may also elect to construct
and temporarily retain ownership interests in systems for which there is no PPA with an off-taker, such as a utility, but rather an intent to sell
the electricity produced by the system on an open contract basis until the system is sold. We also continue to assess and pursue business
arrangements that provide access to a lower cost of capital and optimize the value of our projects. Business arrangements that provide a
competitive cost of capital and other benefits relating to the project sales process, such as our recently formed YieldCo (as described below and
under the heading 8point3 Energy Partners LP), have been used increasingly by renewable energy companies. Additionally, our joint ventures
and other business arrangements with strategic partners have and may in the future result in us temporarily retaining a noncontrolling
ownership interest in the underlying systems projects we develop, supply modules to, or construct potentially for a period of up to several
years. Such business arrangements could become increasingly important to our competitive profile in markets globally, including North
America. In each of the above mentioned examples, we may retain such ownership interests in a consolidated or unconsolidated separate entity.
8point3 Energy Partners LP
As previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2015, 8point3 Energy Partners LP (the
Partnership), a limited partnership formed by First Solar and SunPower (the Sponsors), completed its initial public offering (the IPO) in
June 2015. As part of the IPO, we contributed various projects to a subsidiary of the Partnership in exchange for a 31% interest in the entity. We
also received a distribution of $283.7 million following the IPO. The Partnership owns, operates, and is expected to acquire additional solar
energy generation projects from the Sponsors and is expected to provide a competitive cost of capital and greater optionality in the project sales
process. The Partnerships initial project portfolio includes interests in more than 0.4 GW of various solar energy generation projects, and the
Partnership also has rights of first offer on interests in over 1.1 GW of additional solar energy generation projects that are currently contracted
or are expected to be contracted prior to being sold by the Sponsors. Given the broader economic factors currently impacting the yieldco sector
in general, including yieldco equity valuations generally, the timing and execution of asset drop downs to the Partnership are subject to market
conditions. For additional information, see Item 1A: Risk Factors We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits
expected to result from the formation of 8point3 Energy Partners LP, on a timely basis or at all and Note 12. Investments in Unconsolidated
Affiliates and Joint Ventures 8point3 Energy Partners LP of our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form
10-K.

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Table of Contents
Construction of Some of the Worlds Largest PV Solar Power Systems
We continue to execute on our advanced-stage utility-scale project pipeline and expect a substantial portion of our consolidated net sales,
operating income, and cash flows through 2016 to be derived from several large projects in this pipeline, including the following contracted
projects which will be among the worlds largest PV solar power systems: the 300 MW Desert Stateline project, located in San Bernardino
County, California; the 250 MW McCoy Solar Energy Project, located in Riverside County, California; the 250 MW Silver State South project,
located in Clark County, Nevada; the 175 MW Astoria Project, located in Kern County, California; and the 150 MW Imperial Solar Energy
Center West project, located in Imperial County, California. Our advanced stage utility-scale project pipeline also includes the following
projects which are not yet sold or contracted: the 280 MW California Flats project, located in Monterey County, California; the 250 MW
Moapa project, located in Clark County, Nevada; the 150 MW Rosamond project located in Kern County, California; the 150 MW Sun Streams
project, located in Maricopa County, Arizona; and the 141 MW Luz del Norte project located near Copiap, Chile. Please see the tables under
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Systems Project Pipeline for additional
information about these and other projects within our systems business advanced-stage project pipeline. The construction progress of these
projects is subject to risks and delays as described in Item 1A: Risk Factors, and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Revenue
recognition for these and other system projects is in many cases not linear in nature due to the timing of when all revenue recognition criteria
are met, and consequently, period-over-period comparisons of results of operations may not be meaningful. Expected revenue from projects
without a PPA, for which electricity will be sold on an open contract basis, may be subject to greater variability and uncertainty based on
market factors compared to projects with a PPA.
Systems Project Pipeline
The following tables summarize, as of February 23, 2016 , our approximately 3.8 GW systems business advanced-stage project pipeline.
As of December 31, 2015 , for the Projects Sold/Under Contract in our advanced-stage project pipeline of approximately 1.6 GW , we have
recognized revenue with respect to the equivalent of approximately 0.9 GW . Such MW equivalent amount refers to the ratio of revenue
recognized for the Projects Sold/Under Contract compared to the total contracted revenue for such projects, multiplied by the total MW for
such projects. The remaining revenue to be recognized subsequent to December 31, 2015 for the Projects Sold/Under Contract is expected to be
approximately $1.7 billion . The majority of such amount is expected to be recognized as revenue through the later of the substantial
completion or closing dates of the projects. The remaining revenue to be recognized does not have a direct correlation to expected remaining
module shipments for such Projects Sold/Under Contract as expected module shipments do not represent total systems revenues and do not
consider the timing of when all revenue recognition criteria are met, including the timing of module installation. The actual volume of modules
installed in our Projects Sold/Under Contract will be greater than the project size in MW AC as module volumes required for a project are
based upon MW DC, which will be greater than the MW AC size pursuant to a DC-AC ratio typically ranging from 1.2 to 1.3 . Such ratio
varies across different projects due to various system design factors. Projects are removed from our advanced-stage project pipeline tables
below once we have substantially completed construction and after substantially all revenue has been recognized. Projects or portions of
projects may also be removed from the tables below in the event an EPC-contracted or partner-developed project does not get permitting or
financing or an unsold or uncontracted project does not get sold or contracted due to the changing economics of the project or other factors.
We continually seek to make additions to our advanced-stage project pipeline. We are actively developing our early to mid-stage project
pipeline in order to secure PPAs and are also pursuing opportunities to acquire advanced-stage projects, which already have PPAs in place.
New additions to our project pipeline during the period from February 25, 2015 to February 23, 2016 included 250 MW AC of solar power
projects in California, 279 MW AC of solar power projects in Nevada, a 150 MW AC solar power project in Arizona, a 119 MW AC solar
power project in Texas, a 103 MW AC solar power project in Georgia, 99 MW AC of solar power projects in Japan, 55 MW AC of solar power
projects in India, a 26 MW AC solar power project in Honduras, and an 18 MW AC solar power project in Turkey.

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Table of Contents
Projects Sold/Under Contract
(Includes uncompleted sold projects, projects under sales contracts subject to conditions precedent, and EPC agreements including partner
developed projects that we will be or are constructing.)

Project/Location

Stateline, California
McCoy, California
Silver State South, Nevada
Astoria, California
Imperial Solar Energy Center West,
California
Taylor, Georgia
Butler, Georgia
Decatur Parkway Solar, Georgia
Shams Maan, Jordan
Seville, California
Elm City, North Carolina
Portal Ridge, California
Total

Expected Year
Project Size in
EPC Contract/Partner Revenue Recognition
MW AC (1) PPA Contracted Partner Developed Project Will Be Completed By

300
250
250
175
150
147
103
83
53
52
40
31
1,634

As of December 31, 2015

Percentage of
Percentage
Revenue
Complete
Recognized

SCE
SCE
SCE
(3)

Southern Company
(2)
NextEra
NextEra
Recurrent

2016
2016
2016
2016

65%
76%
70%
28%

63%
76%
63%
24%

SDG&E
(4)
Georgia Power
Georgia Power
NEPCO (5)
Seville Solar
UOG (6)
PG&E/SCE (13)

Tenaska
Southern Company
Southern Company
Southern Company
(3)
Seville Solar
Duke
(7)

2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016

98%
4%
2%
97%
14%
97%
83%
(7)

98%
4%
%
97%
%
97%
83%
(7)

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Table of Contents
Projects with Executed PPA Not Sold/Not Contracted

Project/Location

Fully
Permitted

Project Size in MW
AC (1)

Tribal Solar
California Flats, California
Moapa, Nevada

No
No
Yes

310
280
250

India (Multiple Locations)

Rosamond, California
Sun Streams, Arizona
Luz del Norte, Chile
East Pecos Solar, Texas
Willow Springs, California
Sunshine Valley, Nevada
Switch Station 1, Nevada

No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No

190
150
150
141
119
100
100
100

Switch Station 2, Nevada

Japan

No
Yes

79
59

Miyagi, Japan
Cuyama, California

No
Yes

40
40

Kingbird, California
Turkey (Multiple Locations)
Total

Yes
No

40
31
2,179

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)

PPA Contracted Partner

SCE
PG&E/Apple Inc. (8)
LADWP
TSSPDCL /
APSPDCL (9)
SCE
SCE
(10)
Austin Energy
SCE
SCE
Nevada Power Company
Nevada Power Company /
Sierra Pacific Power
Company
(3)
Tohoku Electric Power
Company
PG&E
SCPPA /
City of Pasadena (11)
(12)

Expected or Actual
Substantial
Completion Year

Percentage Complete as of
December 31, 2015

2019
2018
2016

1%
11%
71%

2016
2019
2019
2016
2016
2019
2019
2017

20%
7%
2%
96%
2%
15%
1%
9%

2017
2017/2018

%
4%

2018
2017

7%
22%

2016
2018

91%
3%

The volume of modules installed in MW DC will be higher than the MW AC size pursuant to a DC-AC ratio typically ranging from 1.2
to 1.3 ; such ratio varies across different projects due to various system design factors
Controlling interest in the project sold to Southern Company in August
2015
Contracted but not specified
PPA contracted partners include Cobb Electric Membership Corporation, Flint Electric Membership Corporation, and Sawnee Electric
Membership Corporation
NEPCO is defined as National Electric Power Company, the country of Jordans regulatory authority for power generation and
distribution and a consortium of investors
UOG is defined as Utility Owned Generation
Project sold under a development agreement in February 2016
PG&E 150 MW AC and Apple Inc. 130 MW AC
TSSPDCL is defined as Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana State Ltd and consists of 110 MW AC of projects; and
APSPDCL is defined as Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd and consists of 80 MW AC of projects
No PPA Electricity to be sold on an open contract basis
SCPPA is defined as Southern California Public Power Authority; SCPPA 20 MW AC and City of Pasadena 20 MW AC
Electricity expected to be sold under feed-in-tariff structure for ten years, pending acquisition of certain licenses
PG&E 11 MW AC and SCE 20 MW AC

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Table of Contents
Results of Operations
During 2015, we revised our previously issued financial statements from 2011 to 2014 to properly record a liability associated with an
uncertain tax position related to income of a foreign subsidiary. Additional revisions were made for previously identified errors that were
corrected in a period subsequent to the period in which the error originated. All financial information presented herein was revised to reflect the
correction of these errors. See Note 1 First Solar and Its Business Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements to our consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the years ended December 31,
2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended December 31,
2015

Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Research and development
Selling, general and administrative
Production start-up
Restructuring and asset impairments
Operating income
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net
Interest income
Interest expense, net
Other expense, net
Income tax benefit (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax
Net income

2014

100.0 %
74.3 %
25.7 %
3.6 %
7.1 %
0.5 %
%
14.4 %
(0.2)%
0.6 %
(0.2)%
(0.2)%
0.2 %
0.6 %
15.3 %

2013

100.0 %
75.7 %
24.3 %
4.2 %
7.5 %
0.2 %
%
12.4 %
%
0.5 %
(0.1)%
(0.1)%
(0.9)%
(0.1)%
11.7 %

100.0 %
73.9 %
26.1 %
4.1 %
8.2 %
0.1 %
2.6 %
11.2 %
%
0.5 %
(0.1)%
(0.2)%
(0.9)%
%
10.6 %

Segment Overview
We operate our business in two segments. Our components segment involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules which
convert sunlight into electricity, and our systems segment includes the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of PV solar
power systems, which primarily use our solar modules.
See Note 23 Segment and Geographical Information to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See also Item 7: Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Systems Project Pipeline for a description of the system projects in our advanced-stage project pipeline.
Product Revenue
The following table sets forth the total amounts of solar module and solar power system net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015 ,
2014 , and 2013 . For the purpose of the following table, (i) solar module revenue is composed of total net sales from the sale of solar modules
to third parties, and (ii) solar power system revenue is composed of total net sales from the sale of PV solar power systems and related services
and solutions including the solar modules installed in the systems we develop and construct along with revenue generated from such systems
(in thousands):
2015

Solar module revenue

Solar power system revenue
Net sales

$
$

53

227,461
3,351,534
3,578,995

2014

$
$

228,319
3,162,868
3,391,187

2013

$
$

380,869
2,928,747
3,309,616

Table of Contents
Solar module revenue to third parties decreased by $0.9 million during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a 10% decrease in the
average selling price per watt, partially offset by an 11% increase in the volume of watts sold.
Solar power system revenue increased by $188.7 million during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to higher revenue from module plus
transactions. Our net sales for 2015 also included the sale of majority interests in the partially constructed Desert Stateline project and North
Star project and higher revenue from our Silver State South, McCoy, and Imperial Energy Center West projects, which commenced
construction in late 2014. These 2015 net sales were offset by lower revenue from the completion, or substantial completion, of our Desert
Sunlight, Solar Gen 2, Topaz, and Campo Verde projects in 2014.
Solar module revenue to third parties decreased by $152.6 million during 2014 compared to 2013 primarily as a result of a 26% decrease
in the volume of watts sold and a 19% decrease in the average selling price per watt.
Solar power system revenue increased by $234.1 million during 2014 compared to 2013 primarily as a result of the number and size of
projects under construction between these periods as well as the timing of when all the revenue recognition criteria was met. Specifically, the
increase was attributable to higher revenue from the partial sale of our Solar Gen 2 project, the sale of our Campo Verde and Macho Springs
projects, and the commencement of construction and related revenue recognition on multiple projects in California and our AGL Nyngan
project in Australia. These increases were partially offset by decreases in systems business project revenue from our Desert Sunlight project as
it neared substantial completion, our completed first phase of the Imperial Solar Energy Center South project and our completed Amherstburg,
Belmont, Walpole, and Agua Caliente projects.
Net sales
Components Business
We generally price and sell our solar modules per watt of nameplate power. During 2015 , a significant portion of net sales for the
components business related to modules included in our PV solar power systems described below under Net Sales Systems Business. Other
than the modules included in our systems, we sold the majority of our solar modules to integrators and operators of systems in India and Great
Britain .
From time to time we enter into module sales agreements with customers worldwide for specific projects or volumes of modules. Such
agreements are generally short-term in nature. During 2015 , 11% and 8% of our components business net sales, excluding modules installed in
our PV solar power systems, were denominated in British pounds and Euros, respectively, and were subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate
between such currencies and the U.S. dollar.
Under our standard sales contracts for solar modules, we transfer title and risk of loss to the customer and recognize revenue upon
shipment. Pricing is typically fixed or determinable at the time of shipment, and our customers generally do not have extended payment terms
or rights of return under these contracts. Our revenue recognition policies for the components business are described further in Note 2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
During 2015 , Southern Power Company ; Strata Solar, LLC ; and NextEra Energy, Inc. each accounted for more than 10% of our
components business net sales, which includes the solar modules used in our systems projects.
Systems Business
Through our fully integrated systems business, we provide complete turn-key PV solar power systems, or solar solutions, which may
include project development, EPC services, and/or O&M services. Additionally, we may temporarily own and operate certain of our PV solar
power systems, which are also included within our systems business. We typically use the percentage-of-completion method using actual costs
incurred over total estimated costs to construct a project (including module costs) as our standard accounting policy and apply this method after
all revenue recognition criteria have been met. There are also instances in which we recognize revenue after a project has been completed,
primarily due to a project not being sold prior to completion or because all revenue recognition criteria are not met until the project is
completed. Our revenue recognition policies for the systems business are described in further detail in Note 2 Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form
10-K.
During 2015 , the majority of our systems business net sales were generated in North America, and the principal customers of our systems
business were NextEra Energy, Inc. and Southern Power Company , each of which accounted for more than 10% of the segments net sales.

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The following table shows net sales by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Components

2015

1,389,579

3,578,995

Systems
Net sales

Change

2014

1,102,674

3,391,187

2,189,416

2013

1,173,947

3,309,616

2,288,513

2015 over 2014

2014 over 2013

286,905

26 %

(99,097)

(4)%

187,808

2,135,669

6%

$
$

(71,273)

(6)%

152,844

7%

81,571

2%

Net sales from our components segment, which includes solar modules used in our systems projects, increased by $286.9 million in 2015
primarily due to a 33% increase in the volume of watts sold, partially offset by a 5% decrease in the average selling price per watt. Net sales
from our systems segment, which excludes solar modules used in our systems projects, decreased by $99.1 million in 2015 primarily as a result
of lower revenue from the completion, or substantial completion, of our Desert Sunlight, Solar Gen 2, Topaz, and Campo Verde projects in
2014. These decreases were partially offset by the sale of majority interests in the partially constructed Desert Stateline project and North Star
project, and higher revenue from our Silver State South, McCoy, and Imperial Solar Energy Center West projects, which commenced
construction in late 2014.
Net sales from our components segment, which includes solar modules used in our systems projects, decreased by $71.3 million in 2014
primarily due to a 12% decrease in the average selling price per watt, partially offset by a 7% increase in the volume of watts sold. Net sales
from our systems segment, which excludes solar modules used in our systems projects, increased by $152.8 million in 2014 primarily as a
result of the number and size of projects under construction between these periods as well as the timing of when all the revenue recognition
criteria have been met. Specifically, the increase was attributable to higher revenue from the partial sale of our Solar Gen 2 project, the sale of
our Campo Verde and Macho Springs projects, and the commencement of construction and related revenue recognition on multiple projects in
California and our AGL Nyngan project in Australia. These increases were partially offset by decreases in systems business project revenue
from our Desert Sunlight project as it neared substantial completion, our completed first phase of the Imperial Solar Energy Center South
project and our completed Amherstburg, Belmont, Walpole, and Agua Caliente projects.
Cost of sales
Components Business
Our cost of sales includes the cost of raw materials and components for manufacturing solar modules, such as glass, transparent conductive
coatings, cadmium telluride and other thin-film semiconductors, laminate materials, connector assemblies, edge seal materials, and other
materials and components. In addition, our cost of sales includes direct labor for the manufacturing of solar modules and manufacturing
overhead such as engineering, equipment maintenance, environmental health and safety, quality and production control, information
technology, and procurement costs. Our cost of sales also includes depreciation of manufacturing plant and equipment, facility-related
expenses, and costs associated with shipping, warranties, and our solar module collection and recycling obligation (excluding accretion).
As further described in Note 23 Segment and Geographical Information to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2015 included within this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we include the sale of our solar modules manufactured by our
components business and used by our systems business within net sales of our components business. Therefore, the related cost of sales is also
included within our components business.
Systems Business
For our systems business, project-related costs include standard EPC costs (consisting primarily of BoS costs for inverters, electrical and
mounting hardware, project management and engineering costs, and construction labor costs), site specific costs, and development costs
(including nonrefundable transmission upgrade costs, interconnection fees, and permitting costs).

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The following table shows cost of sales by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Components

2015

1,041,726

2,659,728

Systems

% of net sales

2013

1,009,164

2,566,246

1,618,002

Cost of sales

Change

2014

1,085,441

2,444,984

1,557,082

74.3%

2015 over 2014

32,562
60,920

4%

93,482

4%

1,359,543

75.7%

2014 over 2013

3%

(76,277)

(7)%

197,539

15 %

121,262

5%

73.9%

Our cost of sales increased $93.5 million , or 4% , and decreased 1.4 percentage points as a percentage of net sales when comparing 2015
with 2014 . The increase in cost of sales was driven by a $60.9 million increase in our systems segment cost of sales primarily due to a mix of
lower gross profit system projects sold or under construction during the period. Our components segment cost of sales increased by a $32.6
million primarily as a result of the following:

Higher costs of $309.4 million associated with the increased volume of modules sold as part of our systems business projects;
partially offset by
Continued manufacturing cost reductions of $135.1 million;
A reduction in our module collection and recycling obligation of $69.6 million resulting from the implementation of advanced
recycling technologies, which significantly increased the throughput of modules able to be recycled at a point in time, along with
other material and labor cost reductions; and
Lower underutilization penalties of $55.0 million due to the improved capacity utilization of our manufacturing facilities. During
2015 , we ran our factories at approximately 92% capacity utilization, which represented an 11.0 percentage point increase from
2014 .

Our costs of sales increased $121.3 million , or 5% , and increased 1.8 percentage points as a percentage of net sales when comparing 2014
with 2013 . The increase in cost of sales was primarily due to a $197.5 million increase in our systems segment cost of sales primarily for BoS
components and other construction and development costs related to the number of projects and the timing of when all revenue recognition
criteria were met along with a mix of higher cost projects. These increases were partially offset by a $76.3 million reduction in cost of sales for
our components segment primarily due to the following:

Continued manufacturing cost reductions of $164.9 million and

Lower inventory write-off and asset impairment charges of $16.8 million; partially offset by
Higher costs of $67.9 million associated with increased solar module sales volumes and
A reduction in our module collection and recycling obligation of $43.3 million recorded during 2013.
Gross profit
Gross profit is affected by numerous factors, including the selling prices of our modules and systems, our manufacturing costs, BoS costs,
project development costs, the capacity utilization of our manufacturing facilities, and foreign exchange rates. Gross profit is also affected by
the mix of net sales generated by our components and systems businesses. Gross profit for our systems business excludes the net sales and cost
of sales for solar modules used in our systems projects as these amounts are included in the gross profit of our components business.
The following table shows gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Gross profit
% of net sales

2015

Change

2014

919,267
25.7%

2013

824,941

2015 over 2014

864,632

24.3%

94,326

2014 over 2013

11%

(39,691)

(5)%

26.1%

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased by 1.4 percentage points during 2015 compared with 2014 primarily due to a reduction
in our module collection and recycling obligation and improved utilization of our manufacturing facilities. Gross profit as a percentage of net
sales decreased by 1.8 percentage point during 2014 compared with 2013 primarily due to a mix of lower gross profit projects sold and under
construction in 2014 and an adjustment for lower estimated recycling costs recorded in 2013. These decreases in gross profit were partially
offset by favorable changes in estimated costs on systems projects accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, a lower volume
of third-party module net sales, which generally have margins less than systems business projects, and improved utilization of our
manufacturing facilities.

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Research and development
Research and development expense consists primarily of salaries and personnel-related costs, the cost of products, materials, and outside
services used in our process and product research and development activities for both the components and systems businesses, and depreciation
and amortization expense associated with research and development specific facilities and equipment. The majority of our research and
development expense is attributable to our components segment. We maintain a number of programs and activities to improve our technology
and processes in order to enhance the performance and reduce the costs of our solar modules and PV solar power systems using our modules.
The following table shows research and development expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Research and development

2015

130,593

% of net sales

Change

2014

2013

143,969

3.6%

2015 over 2014

134,300

4.2%

(13,376)

2014 over 2013

(9)%

9,669

7%

4.1%

The decrease in our research and development expense during 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to reduced material and module
testing costs associated with the development of next-generation CdTe solar modules and lower costs for outside services, partially offset by
higher employee compensation expense. During 2015 , the average conversion efficiency of our CdTe solar modules produced was 15.6%
compared to 14.0% in 2014 .
The increase in our research and development expense during 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily attributable to additional costs related
to the development of our next-generation CdTe solar modules, our joint collaboration agreement with GE to further advance our CdTe solar
technology, and higher employee compensation costs. During 2014 , the average conversion efficiency of our CdTe solar modules was 14.0%
compared to 13.2% in 2013 .
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expense consists primarily of salaries and other personnel-related costs, professional fees, insurance
costs, travel expenses, and other business development and selling expenses. Our components and systems businesses each have their own
dedicated administrative key functions, such as accounting, legal, finance, project finance, human resources, procurement, and marketing.
Costs for these functions are recorded and included within selling, general and administrative expense of the respective segment. Our key
corporate support functions consist primarily of company-wide tax, treasury, accounting, legal, finance, investor relations, information
technology, communications, government relations, and executive management. These corporate functions and the assets supporting such
functions benefit both the components and systems segments. We allocate corporate costs to the components and systems segments as part of
selling, general and administrative costs based upon the estimated benefits provided to each segment from these corporate functions. We
determine the estimated benefits provided to each segment for these corporate costs based upon a combination of the estimated time spent by
corporate employees supporting each segment and the average relative selling, general and administrative costs incurred by each segment
before such corporate allocations.
The following table shows selling, general and administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Selling, general and

administrative
% of net sales

2015

Change

2014

255,192
7.1%

2013

253,827

2015 over 2014

270,261

7.5%

1,365

2014 over 2013

1%

(16,434)

(6)%

8.2%

Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.4 million , or 1% , and were 7.1% and 7.5% as a percentage of net sales,
when comparing 2015 with 2014 , respectively. The increase was mainly attributable to higher employee compensation expense and higher
professional fees associated with the initial public offering of 8point3 Energy Partners LP, partially offset by lower project development
expense and lower accretion expense associated with the reduction in our module collection and recycling obligation.

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Our selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $16.4 million , or 6% , and were 7.5% and 8.2% as a percentage of net sales,
when comparing 2014 with 2013 , respectively. The most significant items affecting our selling, general and administrative costs during 2014
and 2013 are as follows:

Lower depreciation and amortization expense of $14.4 million primarily due to accelerated depreciation for certain leasehold
improvements and the sale of our Mesa facility in 2013 and
Lower employee compensation and benefits expense of $5.4 million primarily as a result of lower incentive and share-based
compensation; partially offset by
Higher business development expense of $4.0 million driven by our expansion into certain key geographic markets.

Production start-up
Production start-up expense consists primarily of employee compensation and other costs associated with operating a production line
before it has been qualified for full production, including the cost of raw materials for solar modules run through the production line during the
qualification phase. Costs related to equipment upgrades and implementation of manufacturing process improvements are also included in
production start-up expense as well as costs related to the selection of a new site, including related legal and regulatory costs, and costs to
maintain our plant replication program, to the extent we cannot capitalize these expenditures. In general, we expect production start-up expense
per production line to be higher when we build an entirely new manufacturing facility compared with the addition of new production lines at an
existing manufacturing facility, primarily due to the additional infrastructure investment required when building an entirely new facility.
Production start-up expense is attributable to our components segment.
The following table shows production start-up expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Production start-up

2015

16,818

% of net sales

Change

2014

2013

5,146

0.5%

2015 over 2014

2,768

0.2%

11,672

2014 over 2013

227%

2,378

86%

0.1%

During 2015 and 2014 , our production start-up expense related to the commencement of our TetraSun operations at our manufacturing
facility in Kulim, Malaysia. Our TetraSun operations involve the manufacturing of crystalline silicon solar modules with proprietary highpower density, mono-crystalline technology. These production start-up activities commenced during the third quarter of 2014 . During 2015 ,
we also incurred start-up expenses related to a manufacturing line at our facility in Perrysburg, Ohio. Production start-up expense for 2013 was
primarily for global manufacturing personnel dedicated to plant expansion, new equipment installations, equipment upgrades, and process
improvements for both new and existing plants.
Restructuring and asset impairments
Restructuring and asset impairment expense includes those expenses incurred related to material restructuring initiatives and includes
severance and employee termination costs that are directly related to such restructuring initiatives, costs associated with contract terminations,
and other restructuring related costs. These restructuring initiatives are intended to align the organization with current business conditions and
to reduce costs.
The following table shows restructuring and asset impairment expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Restructuring and asset

impairments
% of net sales

2015

Change

2014

2013

2015 over 2014

86,896

2.6%

58

2014 over 2013

(86,896)

(100)%

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During 2013 , our restructuring and asset impairment expense included $5.2 million related to restructuring initiatives associated with the
closure of our German manufacturing plants and our decision not to move forward with our previously planned four-line manufacturing plant
in Vietnam. Additionally, during 2013 we recorded an asset impairment charge of $56.5 million related to the agreement to sell our Mesa,
Arizona facility and an additional $25.2 million impairment charge to adjust the carrying value of our plant in Vietnam. The effect of these
asset impairments reduced the book values of both our Mesa, Arizona facility and Vietnam plant to their respective fair values, less costs to sell.
See Note 4 Asset Impairments to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K for additional information.
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net consists of the net effect of gains and losses resulting from holding assets and liabilities and conducting
transactions denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries functional currencies.
The following table shows foreign currency (loss) gain, net for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Foreign currency (loss) gain,

net

2015

(6,868)

Change

2014

(1,461)

2013

2015 over 2014

893

(5,407)

2014 over 2013

370%

(2,354)

(264)%

Foreign currency loss increased during 2015 compared with 2014 . The increase was primarily due to differences between our economic
hedge positions and the underlying exposures along with changes in foreign currency rates, which included the strengthening of the U.S. dollar
relative to certain foreign currencies. Foreign currency loss increased during 2014 compared with 2013 , primarily due to differences between
our economic hedge positions and the underlying exposure along with changes in foreign currency rates.
Interest income
Interest income is earned on our cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, and restricted cash and investments. Interest income also
includes interest earned from notes receivable and late customer payments.
The following table shows interest income for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Interest income

2015

22,516

Change

2014

18,030

2013

16,752

2015 over 2014

4,486

2014 over 2013

25%

1,278

8%

Interest income during 2015 increased compared to 2014 primarily as a result of higher average balances of notes receivable due from
affiliates. Interest income during 2014 was consistent with 2013 .
Interest expense, net
Interest expense is incurred on various debt financings. We capitalize interest expense into our project assets or property, plant and
equipment when such costs qualify for interest capitalization, which reduces the amount of net interest expense reported in any given period.
The following table shows interest expense, net for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Interest expense, net

2015

(6,975)

Change

2014

(1,982)

2013

(1,884)

2015 over 2014

(4,993)

2014 over 2013

252%

(98)

5%

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized increased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily as a result of higher levels of project specific
debt financings. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized during 2014 was consistent with 2013 .

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Other expense, net
Other expense, net is primarily comprised of miscellaneous items, amounts excluded from hedge effectiveness, and realized gains and
losses on the sale of marketable securities.
The following table shows other expense, net for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Other expense, net

2015

Change

2014

(5,502)

2013

(4,485)

2015 over 2014

(5,189)

(1,017)

2014 over 2013

23%

704

(14)%

Other expense, net in 2015 was consistent with other expense, net in 2014 and 2013 .
Income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
The following table shows income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2015 ,
2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Components

2015

Total income before taxes

2014

171,817

519,835

Systems

Change
2013

(105,531)

432,101

348,018

2015 over 2014

(221,230)

537,632

602,209
$

380,979

2014 over 2013

277,348

(263)%

(189,614)

(35)%

87,734

20 %

$
$

115,699

(52)%

(64,577)

(11)%

51,122

13 %

Components segment income before taxes increased by $277.3 million during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to the increase in net
sales resulting from higher volumes of module sold as part of systems projects, the reduction in our module collection and recycling obligation,
improved utilization of our manufacturing assets, and lower selling, general and administrative expense. Systems segment income before
income taxes decreased by $189.6 million during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily as a result of the decrease in net sales, a mix of lower gross
profit systems projects sold or under construction during the period, and higher selling, general and administrative expense.
Components segment loss before income taxes decreased by $115.7 million during 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to lower
restructuring and asset impairment charges related to the sale of our facility in Mesa, Arizona and a decrease in selling, general and
administrative expense mainly driven by less depreciation and amortization expense for certain leasehold improvements and our Mesa facility.
These reductions were partially offset by a reduction in our module collection and recycling obligation recorded during 2013. Systems segment
income before income taxes decreased $64.6 million during 2014 compared to 2013 primarily as a result of a mix of lower gross profit systems
projects sold and under construction in 2014 and higher selling, general and administrative expense. These items were partially offset by
favorable changes in estimated costs on systems projects accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method.
Income tax benefit (expense)
Income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect our best assessment of estimated
current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions in which we
operate; principally Australia, Germany, and Malaysia. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining our consolidated
income tax expense. In Malaysia, we have been granted a long-term tax holiday, scheduled to expire in 2027 , pursuant to which substantially
all of our income earned in Malaysia is exempt from income tax.
The following table shows income tax benefit (expense) for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Income tax benefit (expense)

Effective tax rate

2015

6,156
(1.2)%

Change

2014

2013

(31,188)

2015 over 2014

(30,098)

7.2%

7.9%

60

37,344

2014 over 2013

(120)%

(1,090)

4%

Table of Contents
Income tax expense decreased by $37.3 million during 2015 compared to 2014 . The decrease in income tax expense was primarily the
result of a $41.7 million discrete tax benefit associated with the receipt of a private letter ruling during the period. See Note 20 Income Taxes
to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional
information.
Income tax expense increased by $1.1 million during 2014 compared with 2013 . The increase in income tax expense was primarily
attributable to an increase in pretax book income earned in higher tax jurisdictions in 2014, partially offset by a discrete tax benefit due to the
expiration of the statute of limitations for various uncertain tax positions. See Note 20 Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax represents our proportionate share of the earnings and losses of unconsolidated
affiliates with whom we have made equity method investments.
The following table shows equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and
2013 :
Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)

Equity in earnings, net of tax

2015

20,430

2014

(4,949)

Change
2013

(163)

2015 over 2014

25,379

2014 over 2013

(513)%

(4,786)

(100)%

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax increased during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily as a result of our investment
in 8point3 Operating Company, LLC, a subsidiary of 8point3 Energy Partners LP, along with the impairments of certain investments during
2014 . Losses from unconsolidated affiliates increased during 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the impairments of certain investments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2015 , we believe that our cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, cash flows from operating activities including
the contracted portion of our advanced-stage project pipeline, availability under our Revolving Credit Facility considering minimum liquidity
covenant requirements, and access to the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our working capital, systems project investment, and capital
expenditure needs for at least the next 12 months. We monitor our working capital to ensure we have adequate liquidity, both domestically and
internationally. Additionally, we have an active shelf registration statement filed with the SEC for the issuance of debt or equity securities if
needed.
We intend to maintain appropriate debt levels based upon cash flow expectations, our overall cost of capital, and expected cash
requirements for operations, capital expenditures, and discretionary strategic spending. In the future, we may also engage in additional debt or
equity financings, including project specific debt financings. We believe that when necessary, we will have adequate access to the capital
markets, although our ability to raise capital on terms commercially acceptable to us could be constrained if there is insufficient lender or
investor interest due to industry-wide or company-specific concerns. Such financings could result in increased debt service expenses or dilution
to our existing stockholders.
As of December 31, 2015 , we had $1.8 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities compared with $2.0 billion as of
December 31, 2014 . Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of December 31, 2015 decreased primarily as the result of financing
the construction of certain solar power projects. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion , respectively, of our cash,
cash equivalents, and marketable securities were held by foreign subsidiaries and were generally based in U.S. dollar and Euro denominated
holdings. We utilize a variety of tax planning and financing strategies in an effort to ensure that our worldwide cash is available in the locations
in which it is needed.
Our expanding systems business requires liquidity and is expected to continue to have significant liquidity requirements in the future. The
net amount of our project assets, deferred project costs, billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, and payments and billings for
deferred project costs, which approximates our net capital investment in the development and construction of systems projects as of
December 31, 2015 was $1.2 billion . Solar power project development and construction cycles, which span the time between the identification
of a site location and the commercial operation of a system, vary substantially and can take many years to mature. As a result of these long
project cycles and strategic decisions to finance the construction of certain projects, we may need to make significant up-front investments of
resources in advance of the receipt of any cash from the sale
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Table of Contents
of such projects. These up-front investments may include using our working capital, the availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, or
entering into project financing arrangements to finance the construction of our systems projects. For example, we may have to complete, or
substantially complete, the construction of a systems project before such project is sold. Delays in construction progress or in completing the
sale of our systems projects that we are self-financing may also impact our liquidity. We have historically financed these up-front systems
project investments primarily using working capital. In certain circumstances, we may need to finance construction costs exclusively using
working capital, if project financing becomes unavailable due to market-wide, regional, or other concerns.
We are partnering with local developers on project development in markets around the world where we may take an equity stake in a
project for a number of years. We are also self-developing projects in such markets where we may hold all or a significant portion of the equity
in the projects for several years. Given the duration of these investments and the currency risk relative to the U.S. dollar in some of these new
markets, we continue to explore local financing alternatives. Should these financing alternatives be unavailable or too cost prohibitive, we
could be exposed to significant currency risk and our liquidity could be adversely impacted.
Additionally, we may elect to retain an ownership interest in certain systems projects after they become operational if we determine it
would be of economic and strategic benefit to do so. If, for example, we cannot sell a systems project at economics that are attractive to us or
potential customers are unwilling to assume the risks and rewards typical of PV solar power system ownership, we may instead elect to
temporarily own and operate such systems until we can sell the systems on economically attractive terms. As with traditional electricity
generating assets, the selling price of a PV solar power system could be higher at or post-completion to reflect the elimination of construction
and performance risks and other uncertainties. The decision to retain ownership of a system impacts liquidity depending upon the size and cost
of the project. As of December 31, 2015 , we had $93.7 million of PV solar power systems that have been placed in service. We may elect to
enter into temporary or long-term project financing to reduce the impact on our liquidity and working capital. We also formed a limited
partnership YieldCo vehicle described under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain Trends and Uncertainties 8point3 Energy Partners LP and may consider entering into tax equity or other arrangements with respect
to ownership interests in certain of our projects, which could cause a portion of the economics of such projects to be recognized over time.
The following additional considerations have impacted or may impact our liquidity in 2016 and beyond:

The amount of accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage as of December 31, 2015 was $59.2 million , which included $40.2 million
of unbilled amounts. These unbilled accounts receivable represent revenue that has been recognized in advance of billing the
customer under the terms of the underlying construction contracts. Such construction costs have been funded with working capital,
and the unbilled amounts are expected to be billed and collected from customers during the next 12 months. Once we meet the billing
criteria under a construction contract, we bill our customers accordingly and reclassify the accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage
to accounts receivable trade, net . The amount of accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage as of December 31, 2015 also included
$19.0 million of retainage, which represents the portion of a systems project contract price earned by us for work performed, but held
for payment by our customer as a form of security until we reach certain construction milestones. Such retainage amounts relate to
construction costs incurred and construction work already performed.

The amount of solar module inventory and BoS parts as of December 31, 2015 was $446.3 million . As we continue with the
construction of our advanced-stage project pipeline, we must produce solar modules and procure BoS parts in the required volumes to
support our planned construction schedules. As part of this construction cycle, we typically must manufacture modules or acquire the
necessary BoS parts for construction activities in advance of receiving payment for such materials, which may temporarily reduce our
liquidity. Once solar modules and BoS parts are installed in a project, such installed amounts are classified as either project assets,
deferred project costs, PV solar power systems, or cost of sales depending upon whether the project is subject to a definitive sales
contract and whether all revenue recognition criteria have been met. As of December 31, 2015 , $237.5 million , or 77% , of our solar
module inventory was either on-site or in-transit to our systems projects. All BoS parts are for our systems business projects.

We may commit working capital during 2016 and beyond to acquire solar power projects in various stages of development, including
advanced-stage projects with PPAs, and to continue developing those projects as necessary. Depending upon the size and stage of
development, costs to acquire such solar power projects could be significant. When evaluating project acquisition opportunities, we
consider both the strategic and financial benefits of any such acquisitions.

Joint ventures or other strategic arrangements with partners are a key part of our strategy. We have initiatives in several markets to
expedite our penetration of those markets and establish relationships with potential customers. Some of these arrangements involve
and are expected to involve significant investments or other allocations of capital that could reduce
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our liquidity or require us to pursue additional sources of financing, assuming such sources are available to us. Additionally, we have
elected and may in the future elect or be required to temporarily retain a noncontrolling ownership interest in certain underlying
systems projects we develop, supply modules to, or construct. Any such retained ownership interest is expected to impact our liquidity
to the extent we do not obtain new sources of capital to fund such investments.

During 2016 , we expect to spend $300 million to $400 million for capital expenditures, including expenditures for upgrades to our
existing machinery and equipment, which we believe will further increase our solar module conversion efficiencies.

Under sales agreements for certain of our solar power projects, we may be required to repurchase such projects if certain events occur,
such as not achieving commercial operation of the project within a certain time frame. Although we consider the possibility that we
would be required to repurchase any of our solar power projects to be remote, our current working capital and other available sources
of liquidity may not be sufficient to make any required repurchase. If we are required to repurchase a solar power project, we would
have the ability to market and sell such project at then current market pricing, which could be at a lower than expected price to the
extent the event requiring the repurchase impacts the projects marketability. Our liquidity may also be impacted as the time between
the repurchase of a project and the potential sale of such repurchased project could take several months.

Global sovereign debt problems and their impact on the balance sheets and lending practices of global banks, such as the disruption in the
credit markets during and after the 2008 financial crisis, could negatively impact our access to and cost of capital and therefore could have an
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and competitive position. Such problems could also similarly affect
our customers and therefore limit the demand for our systems projects or solar modules. As of December 31, 2015 , our liquidity, marketable
securities, and restricted investments have not been materially adversely impacted by the current credit environment, and we believe that they
will not be materially adversely impacted in the near future. We will continue to closely monitor our liquidity and the credit markets. However,
we cannot predict with any certainty the impact to us of any further disruption in the current credit environment.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flow activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands):
Years Ended
2015

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(360,919)
(112,140)
137,103
(19,272)
(355,228)

2014

680,989
(511,879)
7,359
(19,487)
156,982

2013

856,126
(537,106)
101,164
3,594
423,778

Operating Activities
The decrease in cash provided by operating activities during 2015 was primarily driven by the increase in project assets and deferred
project costs resulting from our financing the construction of certain projects with our working capital and increases in our trade accounts
receivable. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities during 2014 was primarily attributable to the timing of cash received from
customers for the sale of certain systems projects.
Investing Activities
The decrease in cash used in investing activities during 2015 was driven by the receipt of $239.0 million from the initial public offering of
8point3 Energy Partners LP, changes in our restricted cash balance, and lower purchases of property, plant and equipment. The effects of these
items were partially offset by net purchases of marketable securities of $203.1 million during 2015 compared to $77.5 million during 2014. The
decrease in cash used in investing activities during 2014 was primarily due to changes in our restricted cash balance, lower proceeds from sales
of property, plant and equipment, and certain investments in affiliate notes receivable. The effects of these items were partially offset by net
purchases of marketable securities of $77.5 million during 2014 compared to $341.0 million during 2013.

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Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities during 2015 resulted primarily from $146.0 million of proceeds from borrowings under our project
construction credit facilities in Chile, Japan, and India and $44.7 million of proceeds from the leaseback financing associated with the
Maryland Solar project, partially offset by $47.1 million of payments on long-term debt. Cash provided by financing activities during 2014
resulted primarily from $65.6 million of proceeds from borrowings under our project construction credit facilities in Chile, partially offset by
$60.1 million of payments on long-term debt. Cash provided by financing activities during 2013 was primarily driven by proceeds from our
June 2013 equity offering of $428.2 million , partially offset by net payments on our revolving credit facility of $270.0 million and $65.0
million of payments on long-term debt.
Contractual Obligations
The following table presents our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands), which consists of legal commitments
requiring us to make fixed or determinable cash payments. We purchase raw materials for inventory, construction materials, various services,
and manufacturing equipment from a variety of vendors. During the normal course of business, in order to manage manufacturing and
construction lead times and help assure an adequate supply of certain items, we enter into agreements with suppliers that either allow us to
procure goods and services when we choose or that establish purchase requirements over the term of the agreement.

Total

Long-term debt obligations

Interest payments (1)
Capital lease obligations
Operating lease obligations
Sale-leaseback payments (2)
Purchase obligations (3)
Recycling obligations
Contingent consideration (4)
Other obligations (5)
Total

Payments Due by Year

1-3
3-5
Years
Years

Less Than
1 Year

299,327
104,591
1,122
164,970
19,611
789,723
163,407
17,988
56,069
1,616,808

38,331
16,531
540
16,824
5,277
736,026

9,232
7,912
830,673

97,111
23,371
517
27,403
10,380
18,689

8,756
16,839
203,066

17,715
20,339
65
15,883
3,954
11,238

17,075
86,269

More Than
5 Years

146,170
44,350

104,860

23,770
163,407

14,243
496,800

(1) Includes estimated cash interest to be paid over the remaining terms of the underlying debt. Interest payments are based on fixed and
floating rates in effect at December 31, 2015 and include the effect of interest rate and cross currency swap agreements.
(2) Sale-leaseback payments represent the fixed rent payments associated with our leaseback of the Maryland Solar project from a
subsidiary of 8point3 Energy Partners LP. See Note 12 Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures to our
consolidated financial statements for further information.
(3) Purchase obligations are agreements to purchase goods or services that are noncancelable, enforceable, and legally binding and that
specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum, or variable price provisions;
and the approximate timing of the transactions.
(4) In connection with project acquisitions, we may agree to pay additional amounts to project sellers upon achievement of project-related
milestones such as obtaining a PPA, obtaining financing, and selling to a new owner. We recognize a contingent liability when we
determine that such liability is both probable and reasonably estimable. See Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies to our
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further
information about our contingent consideration.
(5) Includes expected letter of credit fees and unused revolver fees.
In addition to the amounts shown in the table above, we have recorded $141.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits as liabilities in
accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes , and we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be
settled.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet debt or similar obligations, other than financial assurance related instruments and operating leases, that are
not classified as debt. We do not guarantee any third-party debt. See Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies, to our consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information about our financial
assurance related instruments.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 3 Recent Accounting Pronouncements to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a summary of recent accounting pronouncements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
In preparing our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, we make estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts of reported assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent liabilities
in our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto. Some of our accounting policies require the application of significant
judgment by management in the selection of the appropriate assumptions for making these estimates. By their nature, these judgments are
subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. We base our judgments and estimates on our historical experience, our forecasts, and other
available information, as appropriate. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our
critical accounting estimates, which require the most significant management estimates and judgment in determining the amounts reported in
our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are as follows:
Revenue Recognition Systems Business . We recognize revenue for arrangements entered into by our systems business generally using
two revenue recognition models, following the guidance in either ASC 605-35, Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts , or ASC
360-20, Real Estate Sales, for arrangements which include land or land rights.
Systems business sales arrangements in which we construct a PV solar power system for a specific customer on land that is controlled by
the customer, and has not been previously controlled by First Solar, are accounted for under ASC 605-35. For such sales arrangements, we use
the percentage-of-completion method, as described further below, using actual costs incurred over total estimated costs to develop and
construct the system (including module costs) as our standard accounting policy.
Systems business sales arrangements in which we convey control of land or land rights as part of the transaction are accounted for under
ASC 360-20. Accordingly, we use one of the following revenue recognition methods, based upon an evaluation of the substance and form of
the terms and conditions of such real estate sales:
(i) We apply the percentage-of-completion method, as further described below, to certain real estate sales arrangements in which we
convey control of land or land rights, when a sale has been consummated, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of
ownership to the buyer, the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met, we have the ability to estimate our costs and
progress toward completion, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. When evaluating whether the usual risks and
rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer, we consider whether we have or may be contingently required to have any
prohibited forms of continuing involvement with the project pursuant to ASC 360-20. The initial and continuing investment
requirements, which demonstrate a buyers commitment to honor its obligations for the sales arrangement, can typically be met
through the receipt of cash or an irrevocable letter of credit from a highly creditworthy lending institution.
(ii)

Depending on whether the initial and continuing investment requirements have been met and whether collectability from the buyer is
reasonably assured, we may align our revenue recognition and release of project assets or deferred project costs to cost of sales with
the receipt of payment from the buyer if the sale has been consummated and we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of
ownership to the buyer.

For any systems business sales arrangements containing multiple deliverables (including our solar modules) not required to be accounted
for under ASC 605-35 (long-term construction contracts) or ASC 360-20 (real estate), we analyze each activity within the sales arrangement to
adhere to the separation guidelines of ASC 605-25 for multiple-element arrangements. We allocate revenue for any transactions involving
multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on its relative selling price and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when all
revenue recognition criteria for a unit of accounting have been met.

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Our system business sales arrangements within the scope of ASC 360-20 involve a range of standard product warranties, which include
limited solar module warranties, limited BoS warranties, and system energy performance testing. Each standard product warranty program
represents a risk of the module manufacturer or system EPC contractor, and is not an obligation or risk of a system owner. These programs do
not represent any guarantee of energy output and relate to the underlying performance of the system assets. Consequently, our product warranty
programs do not represent any guarantees of cash flows related to the systems, and we have not assumed any of the risks and rewards of
ownership with respect to such programs. Separately, our systems customers may also engage us to provide O&M services, which would
typically include an effective availability guarantee. Our availability guarantees are an incremental offering within separate arrangements for
O&M services. Availability guarantees are guarantees of our own service performance and do not represent guarantees of a systems output or
cash flows. Accordingly, our product warranties and market based service contracts are not forms of continuing involvement that would
indicate that substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership have not been transferred to the system owner.
Revenue Recognition Percentage-of-Completion. In applying the percentage-of-completion method, we use the actual costs incurred
relative to the total estimated costs (including module costs) in order to determine the progress towards completion and calculate the
corresponding amount of revenue and profit to recognize. Costs incurred include direct materials, solar modules, labor, subcontractor costs, and
those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor and supplies. We recognize direct material and solar module costs as
incurred when the direct materials and solar modules have been installed in the project. When contracts specify that title to direct materials and
solar modules transfers to the customer before installation has been performed, we will not recognize revenue or the associated costs until those
materials are installed and have met all other revenue recognition requirements. We consider direct materials and solar modules to be installed
when they are permanently placed or affixed to a PV solar power system as required by engineering designs. Solar modules manufactured and
owned by us that will be used in our systems remain within inventory until such modules are installed in a system.
The percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition requires us to make estimates of net contract revenues and costs to complete
our projects. In making such estimates, management judgments are required to evaluate significant assumptions including the amount of net
contract revenues, the cost of materials and labor, expected labor productivity, the impact of potential variances in schedule completion, and the
impact of any penalties, claims, change orders, or performance incentives.
If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the net contract revenues, we recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the
loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of the revisions to estimates related to net contract revenues and costs to complete contracts,
including penalties, claims, change orders, performance incentives, anticipated losses, and others are recorded in the period in which the
revisions to estimates are identified and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the changes on future periods are recognized as
if the revised estimates had been used since revenue was initially recognized under the contract. Such revisions could occur in any reporting
period, and the effects may be material depending on the size of the contracts or the changes in estimates.
Accrued Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability. At the time of sale, we record our collection and recycling obligation based on
the estimated cost to collect and recycle the covered solar modules. We estimate the cost of our collection and recycling obligations based on
the present value of the expected probability weighted future cost of collecting and recycling the solar modules, which includes estimates for
the cost of packaging materials, the cost of freight from the solar module installation sites to a recycling center, the material, labor, capital
costs, and scale of recycling centers, and an estimated third-party profit margin and return on risk for collection and recycling services. We base
these estimates on (i) our experience collecting and recycling our solar modules, (ii) the expected timing of when our solar modules will be
returned for recycling, and (iii) expected economic conditions at the time the solar modules will be collected and recycled. In the periods
between the time of sale and the related settlement of the collection and recycling obligation, we accrete the carrying amount of the associated
liability by applying the discount rate used for its initial measurement. We periodically review our estimates of expected future recycling costs
and may adjust our liability accordingly.
During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we completed our annual cost study of obligations under our module collection and recycling
program based on newly implemented recycling technologies at our manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio and reduced our associated
liability by $80.0 million . The new recycling technology represents a significant improvement over previous technologies and contains a
continuous flow recycling process, which increases the throughput of modules able to be recycled at a point in time. Such process
improvements also result in corresponding reductions in capital, chemical, labor, maintenance, and other general recycling costs, which further
contribute to the reduction in the recycling rate per module and corresponding change in the liability. At December 31, 2015 , our estimated
liability for collecting and recycling solar modules covered by our collection and recycling program was $163.4 million . A 1% increase in the
annualized inflation rate used in our estimated future collection and recycling cost per module would increase our liability by $36.7 million ,
and a 1% decrease in that rate would decrease our liability by $30.7 million .

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Product Warranties and Accrued Expense in Excess of Product Warranties. We provide a limited PV solar module warranty covering
defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service conditions for 10 years following the transfer of title to our modules. We
also typically warrant that modules installed in accordance with agreed-upon specifications will produce at least 97% of their labeled power
output rating during the first year, with the warranty coverage reducing by 0.7% every year thereafter throughout the 25-year performance
warranty period. Prior to 2014, we warranted that modules installed in accordance with agreed-upon specifications would produce at least 90%
of their labeled power output rating during the first 10 years following installation and at least 80% of their labeled power output rating during
the following 15 years. In resolving claims under both the defect and power output warranties, we have the option of either repairing or
replacing the covered modules or, under the power output warranty, providing additional modules to remedy the power shortfall. We also have
the option to make a payment for the then current market price of modules to resolve the claims. Such limited module warranties are standard
for module sales and are automatically transferred from the original purchasers of the solar modules to subsequent purchasers upon resale.
As an alternative form of our standard limited module power output warranty, we also offer an aggregated or system level limited module
performance warranty. This system level limited module performance warranty is designed for utility-scale systems and provides 25 -year
system level energy degradation protection. In addition, this warranty represents a practical expedient to address the challenge of identifying,
from the potential millions of modules installed in a utility-scale system, individual modules that may be performing below warranty thresholds
by focusing on the aggregate energy generated by the system rather than the power output of individual modules. The system level module
performance warranty typically is calculated as a percentage of a systems expected energy production, adjusted for certain actual site
conditions, with the warranted level of performance declining each year in a linear fashion, but never falling below 80% during the term of the
warranty. In resolving claims under the system level limited module performance warranty to restore the system to warranted performance
levels, we first must validate that the root cause of the issue is due to module performance; we then have the option of either repairing or
replacing the covered modules, providing supplemental modules, or making a cash payment. Consistent with our limited module power output
warranty, when we elect to satisfy a warranty claim by providing replacement or supplemental modules under the system level module
performance warranty, we do not have any obligation to pay for the labor to remove or install modules.
In addition to our limited solar module warranty described above, for PV solar power systems built by us, we typically provide a limited
product warranty on BoS parts for defects in engineering design, installation, and workmanship for a period of one to two years following the
substantial completion of a system. In resolving claims under such BoS warranties, we have the option of remedying the defect through repair
or replacement.
When we recognize revenue for module or systems sales, we accrue liabilities for the estimated future costs of meeting our limited
warranty obligations. We make and revise these estimates based primarily on the number of our solar modules under warranty installed at
customer locations, our historical experience with warranty claims, our monitoring of field installation sites, our internal testing of and the
expected future performance of our solar modules and BoS components, and our estimated per-module replacement costs.
We may also accrue expenses for the cost of any voluntary remediation programs beyond our normal product warranty. Our estimates for
such remediation programs are based on an evaluation of available information including the estimated number of potentially affected solar
modules, historical experience related to our remediation efforts, customer-provided data related to potentially affected systems, estimated costs
for performing removal, replacement, and logistical services, and any post-sale expenses covered under our voluntary remediation program. If
any of our estimates prove incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses.
At December 31, 2015 , our accrued liabilities for product warranties and accrued expense in excess of product warranties were $231.8
million and $24.6 million , respectively. We have historically estimated our product warranty liability for power output and defects in materials
and workmanship under normal use and service conditions to have an estimated warranty return rate of approximately 3% of modules covered
under warranty. A 1% change in the estimated warranty return rate would change our estimated product warranty liability by $71.5 million ,
and a 1% change in the estimated warranty return rate for BoS components would not have a material impact on the associated warranty
liability.

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Performance Guarantees. For systems sales arrangements, we also conduct performance testing of a system prior to substantial completion
to confirm the system meets its operational and capacity expectations noted in the EPC agreement. In addition, we may provide an energy
performance test during the first year of a systems operation to demonstrate that the actual energy generation for the first year meets or
exceeds the modeled energy expectation, after certain adjustments. These tests are based on meteorological, energy, and equipment
performance data measured at the systems location as well as certain projections of such data over the remaining measurement period. If there
is an underperformance event with regards to these tests, we may incur liquidated damages as a percentage of the EPC contract price. If
necessary, we accrue estimates for liquidated damages at the end of each reporting period based on our performance testing. In certain
instances, a bonus payment may be received at the end of the first year if the system performs above a specified level.
As part of our O&M service offerings, we typically offer an effective availability guarantee, which stipulates that a system will be
available to generate a certain percentage of total possible energy during a specific period after adjusting for factors outside of our control as
the service provider, such as weather, curtailment, outages, force majeure, and other conditions that may affect system availability. Effective
availability guarantees are only offered as part of our O&M services and terminate at the end of an O&M arrangement. These guarantees are
based on meteorological, energy, and equipment performance data measured at the systems location as well as certain projections of such data
over the remaining measurement period. If we fail to meet the contractual threshold for these guarantees, we may incur liquidated damages for
certain lost energy under the PPA. If necessary, we accrue estimates for liquidated damages at the end of each reporting period based on our
effective availability calculations. Conversely, many of our O&M agreements contain provisions whereby we may receive a bonus payment if
system availability exceeds a separate threshold.
Accounting for Income Taxes. We are subject to the income tax laws of the United States, and its states and municipalities, and those of the
foreign jurisdictions in which we have significant business operations. These tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by
the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. We must make judgments and interpretations about the application of these
inherently complex tax laws when determining our provision for income taxes and must also make estimates about when in the future certain
items affect taxable income in the various tax jurisdictions. Disputes over interpretations of the tax laws may be settled with the taxing
authority upon examination or audit. We regularly evaluate the likelihood of assessments in each of the taxing jurisdictions resulting from
current and future examinations, and we record tax liabilities as appropriate.
We establish liabilities for potential additional taxes based on our assessment of the outcome of our tax positions. Once established, we
adjust the liabilities when additional information becomes available or when an event occurs requiring an adjustment. Significant judgment is
required in making these estimates and the actual cost of a tax assessment, fine, or penalty may ultimately be materially different from our
recorded liabilities, if any.
In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we calculate our income tax expense based on our interpretation of the tax laws and
regulations in the various jurisdictions where we conduct business. This requires us to estimate our current tax obligations, assess uncertain tax
positions, and assess temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. These
temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
We must also assess the likelihood that each of our deferred tax assets will be realized. To the extent we believe that realization of any of
our deferred tax assets is not more likely than not, we establish a valuation allowance. When we establish a valuation allowance or increase this
allowance in a reporting period, we generally record a corresponding tax expense in our consolidated statement of operations. Conversely, to
the extent circumstances indicate that a valuation allowance is no longer necessary, that portion of the valuation allowance is reversed, which
generally reduces our overall income tax expense.
We also consider the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and determine whether such amounts are indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, no
additional U.S. or non-U.S. taxes have been accrued that may be incurred if such amounts were repatriated to the United States. We have
concluded that, except for the earnings of our Canadian subsidiary and with respect to previously taxed income, all such accumulated earnings
are currently indefinitely reinvested or that if upon repatriation no additional U.S. or non-U.S. tax would be due. If our intention to indefinitely
reinvest the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries changes, additional U.S. and non-U.S. taxes may be required to be accrued. See Note 20
Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
for additional information.

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We continually explore initiatives to better align our tax and legal entity structure with the footprint of our non-U.S. operations and
recognize the tax impact of these initiatives, including changes in the assessment of uncertain tax positions, indefinite reinvestment exception
assertions, and the realizability of deferred tax assets, in the period when we believe all necessary internal and external approvals associated
with such initiatives have been obtained, or when the initiatives are materially complete. It is possible that the completion of one or more of
these initiatives may occur within the next 12 months.
Long-Lived Asset Impairment. We are required to assess the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets including property,
plant and equipment, PV solar power systems, and project assets when an indicator of impairment has been identified. We review our longlived assets each reporting period to assess whether impairment indicators are present, and we must exercise judgment in assessing whether an
event indicating potential impairment has occurred. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset is
grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other
assets and liabilities, and we must exercise judgment in assessing such groupings and levels.
For long-lived assets, when impairment indicators are present, we compare undiscounted future cash flows, including the eventual
disposition of the asset group at market value, to the asset groups carrying value to determine if the asset group is recoverable. This assessment
requires the exercise of judgment in assessing the future use of and projected value to be derived from the assets to be held and used.
Assessments also consider changes in asset group utilization, including the temporary idling of capacity and the expected timing of placing the
capacity back into production.
For an asset group that fails the test of recoverability described above, the estimated fair value of long-lived assets may be determined
using an income approach, market approach, cost approach, or a combination of one or more of these approaches as appropriate for the
particular asset group being reviewed. All of these approaches start with the forecast of expected future net cash flows including the eventual
disposition at market value of the long-lived assets. We also utilize third-party valuations and information available regarding the current
market for similar assets. If there is an impairment, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the asset groups fair value and carrying
value prior to impairment. This may require judgment in estimating future cash flows, relevant discount rates, and residual values applied in the
income approach used in estimating the current fair value of the impaired assets to be held and used.
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value assigned to the
individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We do not amortize goodwill, but instead are required to test goodwill for impairment at least
annually. We perform impairment tests between scheduled annual tests in the fourth quarter if facts and circumstances indicate that it is more
likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit that has goodwill is less than its carrying value.
We may first make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting units fair value is less than its carrying
value to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The qualitative impairment test considers various
factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, the overall financial performance of a reporting
unit, and any other relevant events affecting the entity or its reporting units. If we determine through the qualitative assessment that a reporting
units fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the two-step impairment test is not required. If the qualitative assessment
indicates it is more likely than not that a reporting units fair value is less than its carrying value, we must perform the two-step impairment test.
We may also elect to proceed directly to the two-step impairment test without considering such qualitative factors.
The first step in a two-step impairment test is the comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including
goodwill. Our reporting units consist of our fully integrated systems business, CdTe module manufacturing business, and our crystalline silicon
module manufacturing business from our TetraSun acquisition in 2013. In accordance with the authoritative guidance over fair value
measurements, we define the fair value of a reporting unit as the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We primarily use the income approach methodology of valuation, which
includes the discounted cash flow method, to estimate the fair values of our reporting units.
Significant management judgment is required when estimating the fair value of our reporting units including the forecasting of future
operating results and the selection of discount and expected future growth rates that we use in determining the projected cash flows. If the
estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further analysis is required.

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If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value in the first step, then we are required to perform the second step of
the impairment test. In this step, we assign the fair value of the reporting unit calculated in step one to all of the assets and liabilities of the
reporting unit, as if a market participant just acquired the reporting unit in a business combination. The excess of the fair value of the reporting
unit determined in the first step of the impairment test over the total amount assigned to the assets and liabilities in the second step of the
impairment test represents the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting units goodwill exceeds the implied fair value
of goodwill, we would record an impairment loss equal to the difference. If there is no such excess, then all goodwill for a reporting unit is
considered impaired.
Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Our primary foreign currency exposures are cash flow exposure, transaction exposure, and earnings translation exposure.
Cash Flow Exposure. We expect many of our subsidiaries to have material future cash flows that will be denominated in currencies other
than the subsidiaries functional currencies. Changes in the exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the other
currencies in which they transact will cause fluctuations in the cash flows we expect to receive or pay when these cash flows are realized or
settled. Accordingly, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge a portion of these forecasted cash flows. These foreign
exchange forward contracts qualify for accounting as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated them as such. We
initially report the effective portion of a derivatives unrealized gain or loss in Accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently
reclassify amounts into earnings when the hedged transaction occurs and impacts earnings.
Our operations in Malaysia pay a portion of their operating expenses, such as associate wages and utilities, in Malaysian ringgit, exposing
us to foreign currency exchange risk for those Malaysian ringgit expenses. As we expand into new markets worldwide, particularly emerging
markets, our total foreign currency exchange risk, in terms of both size and exchange rate volatility, and the number of foreign currencies we
are exposed to could increase significantly.
For additional details on our derivative hedging instruments and activities, refer to Note 10 Derivative Financial Instruments to our
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our international customers accounted for 13% of our net sales during the year ended December 31, 2015 , of which 40% of these
international net sales were denominated in Australian dollars. Our international customers accounted for 10% and 14% of our net sales during
the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, of which 25% and 38% of these international net sales, respectively, were
denominated in Euro. As a result, we have exposure to foreign currency exchange risk with respect to our net sales. Fluctuations in exchange
rates, particularly in the U.S. dollar to Australian dollar, U.S. dollar to Euro, and U.S. dollar to Malaysian ringgit, affect our gross profit and
could result in foreign exchange and operating losses. In the past, most of our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk has related to
currency gains and losses between the time we sign and settle our sales contracts denominated in Australian dollars and Euros. For the year
ended December 31, 2015 , a 10% change in the U.S. dollar to Australian dollar exchange rate would have impacted our net sales by $18.6
million , excluding the effect of our hedging activities. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , a 10% change in the U.S. dollar
to Euro exchange rate would have impacted our net sales by $8.8 million and $18.3 million , respectively, excluding the effect of our hedging
activities.
Transaction Exposure. Many of our subsidiaries have assets and liabilities (primarily cash, receivables, marketable securities, payables,
debt, and solar module collection and recycling liabilities) that are denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries functional currencies.
Changes in the exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the other currencies in which these assets and liabilities
are denominated will create fluctuations in our reported consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. We may enter into foreign
exchange forward contracts or other financial instruments to economically hedge assets and liabilities against the effects of currency exchange
rate fluctuations. The gains and losses on such foreign exchange forward contracts will economically offset all or part of the transaction gains
and losses that we recognize in earnings on the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
For additional details on our economic hedging instruments and activities, refer to Note 10 Derivative Financial Instruments to our
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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If the U.S. dollar weakened by 10% against the Chinese yuan, Singapore dollar, and Vietnamese dong, we would have incurred an
additional $4.5 million in foreign currency losses for the year ended December 31, 2015 .
Earnings Translation Exposure. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates create volatility in our reported results of operations
because we are required to translate the financial statements of our subsidiaries that do not have a U.S. dollar functional currency. We do not
hedge translation exposure at this time, but may, in the future, decide to purchase forward exchange contracts or other instruments to offset this
impact from currency fluctuations.
In the past, currency exchange rate fluctuations have had an impact on our business and results of operations. For example, currency
exchange rate fluctuations impacted our cash flows by $19.3 million (unfavorable), $19.5 million (unfavorable), and $3.6 million (favorable)
for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Although we cannot predict the impact of future currency exchange
rate fluctuations on our business or results of operations, we believe that we will continue to have risk associated with currency exchange rate
fluctuations in the future.
Interest Rate Risk
Our primary interest rate risks relate to our outstanding variable rate debt, our system sales prices from the effect of interest rates on our
customers financing of such systems, and our investments in marketable securities and restricted investments.
Variable Rate Debt Exposure. We are exposed to interest rate risk because our Revolving Credit Facility, Malaysian Ringgit Facility
Agreement, Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, the floating rate portion of our Malaysian Facility Agreement, and various project construction
credit facilities have variable interest rates, exposing us to variability in interest expense and cash flows. We use interest rate and cross-currency
swap contracts to mitigate our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with a portion of our variable rate debt instruments. We have
interest rate swap contracts in place to mitigate the interest rate risk for the floating rate portion of our Malaysian Facility Agreement. We also
have a cross-currency swap contract in place to mitigate the interest rate risk of our Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement. For additional
details on our derivative hedging instruments and activities, refer to Note 10 Derivative Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
An increase in the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) would impact our cost of borrowing under our Malaysian euro facility
agreement , an increase in the prime rate or London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) would impact our cost of borrowing under our
Revolving credit facility , and an increase in Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate (TIBOR) or equivalent variable rates would impact our cost of
borrowings under our project construction credit facilities. If these variable rates changed by 100 basis points, our interest cost for the year
ended December 31, 2015 would have changed by $0.3 million , including the effect of our hedging activities.
Effect of Interest Rates on our Customers Financing of Systems. We are exposed to interest rate risk because many of our systems
business customers depend on debt financing to purchase a PV solar power system from us. Although the useful life of a PV solar power
system is considered to be approximately 25 years, owners of our systems must pay the entire cost of the system by the time such system is
completed. As a result, many of our customers rely on debt financing to fund their up-front capital expenditures. An increase in interest rates
available to finance such purchases could make it difficult for our customers to secure the financing and underlying interest rate necessary to
purchase a system. Such factors could lower demand or the price we can charge for our systems and reduce our net sales and gross profit. In
addition, we believe that a significant percentage of our customers purchase systems as an investment, funding the initial capital expenditure
through a combination of equity and debt. An increase in interest rates could lower an investors return on investment in a system or make
alternative investments more attractive relative to solar power systems, which, in each case, could cause these end-users to seek alternative
investments that promise higher returns.
Investments in Marketable Securities and Restricted Investments Exposure. We invest in various debt securities, which exposes us to
interest rate risk. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal and provide liquidity, while at the same time
maximizing the income we receive from our investments without significantly increasing risk. Some of the securities in which we invest may
be subject to market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates may cause the market value of the investment to fluctuate. For
example, if we hold a security that was issued with an interest rate fixed at the then-prevailing rate and the prevailing interest rate later rises,
the market value of our investment may decline.
To provide a meaningful assessment of the interest rate risk associated with our investments in marketable securities and restricted
investments, we performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the impact a change in interest rates would have on the value of our investments
assuming a 100 basis point change in interest rates. During 2015 , our marketable securities earned a pre-tax yield of less than 1% and had a
weighted average maturity of 17 months as of December 31, 2015 . Based on our investment
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positions as of December 31, 2015 , a hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in a $9.1 million change in the market
value of our investment portfolio. As of December 31, 2014 , a similar 100 basis point change in interest rates would have resulted in a $3.7
million change in the market value of our investment portfolio. As of December 31, 2015 , our marketable securities were comprised of foreign
debt and time deposits .
During 2015 , our restricted investments earned a pre-tax yield of 2% and had a weighted average maturity of approximately 19 years as of
December 31, 2015 . Based on our investment positions as of December 31, 2015 , a hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would
result in a $60.9 million change in the market value of our restricted investment portfolio. As of December 31, 2014 , a similar 100 basis point
change in interest rates would have resulted in a $74.4 million change in the market value of our restricted investment portfolio. As of
December 31, 2015 , all of our restricted investments were in foreign and U.S. government obligations.
Commodity and Component Risk
We are exposed to price risks for the raw materials, components, and energy costs used in the manufacturing and transportation of our
solar modules and BoS parts used in PV solar power systems. Also, some of our raw materials and components are sourced from a limited
number of suppliers or a single supplier. We endeavor to qualify multiple suppliers using a robust qualification process. In some cases, we also
enter into long-term supply contracts for raw materials and components. As a result, we remain exposed to price changes in the raw materials
and components used in our solar modules. In addition, the failure of a key supplier could disrupt our supply chain, which could result in higher
prices and/or a disruption in our manufacturing or construction processes. We may be unable to pass along changes in the cost of the raw
materials and components for our products and systems to our customers and may be in default of our delivery obligations if we experience a
manufacturing or construction disruption.
Credit Risk
We have certain financial and derivative instruments that subject us to credit risk. These consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents,
marketable securities, restricted cash and investments, trade accounts receivable, notes receivable, interest rate swap and cross-currency swap
contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our
financial and derivative instruments. We place cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, restricted cash and investments, interest rate swap
and cross-currency swap contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts with various high-quality financial institutions and limit the amount
of credit risk from any one counterparty. We continuously evaluate the credit standing of our counterparty financial institutions. Our net sales
are primarily concentrated among a limited number of customers. We monitor the financial condition of our customers and perform credit
evaluations whenever considered necessary. Depending upon the sales arrangement, we may require some form of payment security from our
customers, including bank guarantees or commercial letters of credit.

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Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Financial Statements
Our consolidated financial statements as required by this item are included in Item 15: Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Consolidated Financial Statements. See Item 15(a)(1) for a list of our consolidated financial statements.
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following selected quarterly financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, the related notes
thereto and Item 7: Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. This information has been
derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements that, in our opinion, reflect all recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present
this information when read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto appearing in the section
entitled Consolidated Financial Statements. We have revised our unaudited consolidated financial statements from March 31, 2014 through
June 30, 2015 to properly record a liability associated with an uncertain tax position related to income of a foreign subsidiary. Additional
revisions have been made for previously identified errors that were corrected in a period subsequent to the period in which the error originated.
All selected quarterly financial data presented herein was revised to reflect the correction of these errors. See Note 1. First Solar and Its
Business Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information. The results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative
of the results to be expected for any future period.
Sep 30,
2015

Dec 31, 2015

Quarters Ended
Mar 31,
2015
Dec 31, 2014

Jun 30,
2015

Sep 30,
2014

Jun 30,
2014

Mar 31,
2014

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales

942,324

1,271,245

896,217

Gross profit

231,438

484,365

164,483

Operating income (loss)

131,823

397,821

Net income (loss)

164,135

349,318

469,209

1,007,993

890,288

38,981

308,382

189,402

57,133

(70,113)

199,221

93,885

(60,917)

193,318

546,283

946,623

94,828

232,329

83,875

4,011

134,892

89,833

5,079

107,734

Net income per share:

Basic

1.62

3.46

0.93

(0.61 )

1.93

0.90

0.05

1.08

Diluted

1.60

3.41

0.92

(0.61 )

1.90

0.89

0.05

1.06

Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A: Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that
are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded,
processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and
communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that disclosure
controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of
the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management was required to
apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure
controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that
any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

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(b) Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Based on the results of our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of
December 31, 2015 .
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which appears herein.
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, of our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) to
determine whether any changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the year ended December 31, 2015 that
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to material affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Based on that evaluation, there have been no such changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter
ended December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
(d) Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls or our
internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. Control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control systems objectives are being met. Further, the design of any control system
must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of all controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the
inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of
fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be
faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of error or mistake. Control systems can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some
persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is also based in
part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its
stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration
in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
Item 9B: Other Information
Majority Voting Standard for Uncontested Director Elections
On February 18, 2016, our Board of Directors approved an amendment and restatement of the Company's bylaws (the Amended and
Restated Bylaws) and Corporate Governance Guidelines (the Amended and Restated Corporate Governance Guidelines), effective February
18, 2016. The Companys prior majority voting policy for uncontested director elections, previously appearing in the Corporate Governance
Guidelines, was replaced with a majority voting standard for uncontested director elections directly in the bylaws. The Amended and Restated
Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Corporate Governance Guidelines are filed as Exhibits 3.2 and 10.17 hereto, respectively, and are
incorporated herein by reference.

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PART III
Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
Information concerning our board of directors and audit committee will appear in our 2016 Proxy Statement, under the sections entitled
Directors and Corporate Governance. The information in that portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K by reference.
For information with respect to our executive officers, see Item 1: Business Executive Officers of the Registrant.
Information concerning Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance will appear in our 2016 Proxy Statement under the
section entitled Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance. The information in that portion of the Proxy Statement is
incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors, officers, and associates of First Solar. Information
concerning this code will appear in our 2016 Proxy Statement under the section entitled Corporate Governance. The information in that
portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
Item 11: Executive Compensation
Information concerning executive compensation and related information will appear in our 2016 Proxy Statement under the section
entitled Executive Compensation, and information concerning the Compensation Committee will appear under Corporate Governance and
Compensation Committee Report. The information in that portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10K by reference.
Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters, including
certain information regarding our equity compensation plans, will appear in our 2016 Proxy Statement under the section entitled Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. The information in that portion of the Proxy
Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2015 concerning securities authorized for issuance under our equity
compensation plans:

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans approved by our stockholders

Equity compensation plans not approved by our stockholders
Total

Number of Securities to
be Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options
and Rights (a)(1)

2,974,493

2,974,493

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

of Outstanding Options and Rights
(b)(2)

$
$

Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in
Column (a))(c)(3)

6,128,406

6,128,406

(1) Includes 2,974,493 shares issuable upon vesting of restricted stock units (RSUs) granted under our 2010 and 2015 Omnibus
Incentive Compensation Plans.
(2) The weighted average exercise price does not take into account the shares issuable upon vesting of outstanding RSUs, which have no
exercise price.
(3) Includes 952,270 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our stock purchase plan for employees.
See Note 18 Share-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on our equity compensation plans.

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Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information concerning certain relationships and related party transactions will appear in our 2016 Proxy Statement under the section
entitled Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions. The information in that portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference. Information concerning director independence will appear in our 2016 Proxy Statement under the
section entitled Corporate Governance. The information in that portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form
10-K by reference.
Item 14: Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information concerning principal accountant fees and services and the audit committees pre-approval policies and procedures will appear
in our 2016 Proxy Statement under the section entitled Principal Accountant Fees and Services. The information in that portion of the Proxy
Statement is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
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PART IV
Item 15: Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
(1)

Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)

Financial Statement Schedule:

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
SCHEDULE II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013
Balance at
Beginning
of Year

Description

Additions

Balance
at End of
Year

Deductions

(In thousands)

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

Year ended December 31, 2013
Year ended December 31, 2014
Year ended December 31, 2015
(3)

14,503
12,310
7,108

2,489
24
11

(4,682)
(5,226)
(7,117)

12,310
7,108
2

Exhibits: See Item 15(b) below.

(b) Exhibits: The exhibits listed on the accompanying Index to Exhibits on this Annual Report on Form 10-K are filed, or incorporated
into this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
(c) Financial Statement Schedule: See Item 15(a)(1) above.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused
this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on February 24, 2016 .
FIRST SOLAR, INC.
By: /s/ BRYAN SCHUMAKER
Bryan Schumaker
Chief Accounting Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf
of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature

Title

Date

/s/ JAMES A. HUGHES

James A. Hughes

Chief Executive Officer and Director

February 24, 2016

/s/ MARK R. WIDMAR

Mark R. Widmar

Chief Financial Officer

February 24, 2016

Director

February 24, 2016

/s/ RICHARD D. CHAPMAN

Richard D. Chapman

Director

February 24, 2016

/s/ GEORGE A. HAMBRO

George A. Hambro

Director

February 24, 2016

/s/ CRAIG KENNEDY

Craig Kennedy

Director

February 24, 2016

/s/ JAMES F. NOLAN

James F. Nolan

Director

February 24, 2016

/s/ J. THOMAS PRESBY

J. Thomas Presby

Director

February 24, 2016

/s/ PAUL H. STEBBINS

Paul H. Stebbins

Director

February 24, 2016

/s/ MICHAEL SWEENEY

Michael Sweeney

Director

February 24, 2016

Additional Directors:
/s/ SHARON L. ALLEN
Sharon L. Allen

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of First Solar, Inc.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2)
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial
statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial
statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting, included in Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A(b).
Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal
control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A
companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in
reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance
that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and
directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or
that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
February 24, 2016

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
December 31,
2015

2014

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

1,126,826

1,482,054

Marketable securities

703,454

509,032

Accounts receivable trade, net

500,629

135,434

Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage

59,171

76,971

Inventories

380,424

505,088

Balance of systems parts

136,889

125,083

Deferred project costs

187,940

29,354

Notes receivable, affiliate

1,276

12,487

248,977

202,151

Total current assets

3,345,586

3,077,654

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,284,136

1,419,988

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

PV solar power systems, net

93,741

46,393

1,111,137

810,348

Deferred tax assets, net

357,693

313,891

Restricted cash and investments

333,878

407,053

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures

399,805

255,029

Project assets and deferred project costs

Goodwill

84,985

84,985

Other intangibles, net

110,002

119,236

Inventories

107,759

115,617

17,887

9,127

Notes receivable, affiliates

Other assets

69,722

Total assets

61,670

7,316,331

6,720,991

337,668

214,656

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Income taxes payable
Accrued expenses

1,330

1,727

409,452

388,156

Current portion of long-term debt

38,090

51,399

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

87,942

195,346

Payments and billings for deferred project costs

28,580

60,591

Other current liabilities

57,738

88,664

960,800

1,000,539

Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability

163,407

246,307

Long-term debt

251,325

162,074

Total current liabilities

Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 101,766,797 and 100,288,942 shares
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively

392,312

320,584

1,767,844

1,729,504

102

100

Additional paid-in capital

2,742,795

2,697,558

Accumulated earnings

2,790,110

2,243,689

15,480

50,140

5,548,487

4,991,487

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total stockholders equity

Total liabilities and stockholders equity

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.

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7,316,331

6,720,991

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
2015

Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses:
Research and development
Selling, general and administrative
Production start-up
Restructuring and asset impairments
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net
Interest income
Interest expense, net
Other expense, net
Income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
Income tax benefit (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax
Net income
Net income per share:
Basic
Diluted
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculations:
Basic
Diluted

3,578,995
2,659,728
919,267
130,593
255,192
16,818

402,603
516,664
(6,868)
22,516
(6,975)
(5,502)
519,835
6,156
20,430
546,421

3,391,187
2,566,246
824,941
143,969
253,827
5,146

402,942
421,999
(1,461)
18,030
(1,982)
(4,485)
432,101
(31,188)
(4,949)
395,964

2013

3,309,616
2,444,984
864,632
134,300
270,261
2,768
86,896
494,225
370,407
893
16,752
(1,884)
(5,189)
380,979
(30,098)
(163)
350,718

5.42

3.96

3.74

5.37

3.90

3.67

100,886

100,048

93,697

101,815

101,643

95,468

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.

81

2014

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
2015

Net income
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Comprehensive income

546,421

(16,432)
(15,415)
(2,813)
(34,660)
511,761

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.

82

2014

395,964

(19,147)
90,741
4,322
75,916
471,880

2013

350,718

4,295
(39,685)
(565)
(35,955)
314,763

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In thousands)
Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Common Stock
Shares

Balance, December 31, 2012

87,145

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Accumulated
Earnings

Total
Equity

Amount

87

2,066,021

1,497,007

10,179

Net income

350,718

Other comprehensive loss

Common stock issued for sharebased compensation
Share-based compensation tax
benefits
Tax withholding related to vesting
of restricted stock
Share-based compensation
expense
Common stock issued for
acquisition
Common stock issued for public
offering

1,244

5,346

5,347

21,017

21,017

(380)

(11,979)

(11,979)

53,684

53,684

1,750

83,753

83,755

9,747

10

428,180

428,190

Balance, December 31, 2013

3,573,294
350,718

(35,955)

(35,955)

99,506

100

2,646,022

1,847,725

Net income

395,964

(25,776)

4,468,071
395,964

Other comprehensive income

Common stock issued for sharebased compensation
Share-based compensation tax
benefits
Tax withholding related to vesting
of restricted stock
Share-based compensation
expense

75,916

75,916

1,126

4,950

4,950

24,505

24,505

(344)

(23,100)

(23,100)

45,181

45,181

100,288

100

2,697,558

2,243,689

50,140

4,991,487

Net income

546,421

546,421

Other comprehensive loss

Common stock issued for sharebased compensation
Share-based compensation tax
benefits
Tax withholding related to vesting
of restricted stock
Share-based compensation
expense

1,782

5,886

5,888

14,567

14,567

(303)

(18,189)

(18,189)

42,973

42,973

Balance, December 31, 2014

Balance, December 31, 2015

101,767

102

2,742,795

2,790,110

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.

83

(34,660)

15,480

(34,660)

5,548,487

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
2015

2014

2013

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Impairment and net loss on disposal of long-lived assets
Share-based compensation
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax
Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
Other, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade, unbilled and retainage

546,421

395,964

350,718

257,825

245,798

234,370

14,593

5,228

97,132
54,585

44,899

43,810

(20,430)

4,949

(4,043)

7,216

(16,261)

(17,534)
(17,707)

14,068
(31,166)

(20,878)
(35,076)

520

163

1,780

870

(340,292)

462,630

570,731

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(38,635)

(36,805)

119,241

Inventories and balance of systems parts

113,537

(99,870)

15,394

Project assets and deferred project costs

Other assets

(857,529)
(8,484)

143,047
(5,371)

(316,705)
(1,684)

Accounts payable

143,872

(53,057)

(92,828)

Income taxes payable

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

(13,281)
(85,425)

(1,131)
(442,153)

36,392
(150,686)

Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability

(79,226)

26,052

10,648

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

(360,919)

680,989

856,126

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(166,438)

(257,549)

(282,576)

77
(556,479)

1,532
(305,396)

116,403
(435,015)

Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities

Purchases of equity and cost method investments

353,359
(27,475)

227,900
(24,967)

93,984
(17,905)

Distributions received from equity method investments

238,980

Investments in notes receivable, affiliates

(55,163)

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

Purchases of marketable securities

(72,692)

Payments received on notes receivable, affiliate

57,866

49,517

Change in restricted cash

44,037

(124,061)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Other investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities

17,108
5,173

(904)

(4,306)
(1,857)

(30,745)
(3,533)

(112,140)

(511,879)

(537,106)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Repayment of borrowings under revolving credit facility

(605,000)

Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility

Repayment of long-term debt

(47,078)

(60,063)

335,000
(64,954)

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance costs

146,027

65,563

Repayment of sale-leaseback financing

(3,702)

Proceeds from sale-leaseback financing

44,718

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements

17,707

31,166

35,076

Proceeds from equity offering, net of issuance costs

Contingent consideration payments and other financing activities

(20,569)

(29,307)

428,190
(27,148)

137,103

7,359

101,164

Net cash provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

(19,272)

(19,487)

(355,228)

156,982

423,778

1,325,072

901,294

1,482,054

3,594

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

1,126,826

1,482,054

1,325,072

Equity interests retained from the partial sale of project assets

324,430

220,679

Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities

17,749

61,130

60,677

Acquisitions currently or previously funded by liabilities and contingent consideration

17,988

53,894

97,885

Shares issued for acquisition

83,755

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. First Solar and Its Business
We are a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions. We design, manufacture, and sell PV solar
modules with an advanced thin-film semiconductor technology and also develop, design, construct, and sell PV solar power systems that
primarily use the modules we manufacture. Additionally, we provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services to system owners that use
solar modules manufactured by us or by other third-party manufacturers. We have substantial, ongoing research and development efforts
focused on module and systems level innovations. We are the worlds largest thin-film PV solar module manufacturer and one of the worlds
largest PV solar module manufacturers. Our mission is to create enduring value by enabling a world powered by clean, affordable solar energy.
First Solar Holdings, LLC was formed as a Delaware limited liability company in May 2003 to act as the holding company for First Solar,
LLC, which was formed in 1999 and renamed First Solar US Manufacturing, LLC in the second quarter of 2006, and other subsidiaries formed
during 2003 and later. On February 22, 2006, First Solar Holdings, LLC was incorporated in Delaware as First Solar Holdings, Inc. and, also
during the first quarter of 2006, was renamed First Solar, Inc.
Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we revised our previously issued financial statements from 2011 to 2014 to properly
record a liability associated with an uncertain tax position, including penalties, related to income of a foreign subsidiary along with
corresponding adjustments in each successive period for the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates associated with the liability.
The prior periods also include revisions for previously disclosed errors from 2012 primarily related to cut-off of our inventories and balance
of systems (BoS) parts and foreign tax credits. Additional revisions were made for previously identified errors related to sales taxes, use
taxes, share-based compensation, and miscellaneous items that were corrected in a period subsequent to the period in which the error
originated. As several of these errors affected the estimated costs for systems business sales arrangements accounted for under the percentageof-completion method , we also recorded adjustments to revenue for the changes in the percentage completion of the affected projects.
We evaluated the aggregate effects of the errors to our previously issued financial statements in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting
Bulletins No. 99 and No. 108 and, based upon quantitative and qualitative factors, determined that the errors were not material to our
previously issued financial statements. As part of this evaluation, we considered a number of qualitative factors, including, among others, that
the errors did not change a net loss into net income or vice versa, did not have an impact on our long-term debt covenant compliance, and did
not mask a change in earnings or other trends when considering the overall competitive and economic environment within the industry during
the periods. However, the cumulative effect of the errors, including the uncertain tax position matter identified during the three months ended
September 30, 2015, was significant to our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015. Accordingly, we revised our historical
financial statements, which resulted in decreases to our accumulated earnings of $36.0 million , $35.0 million , and $32.7 million as of
December 31, 2014 , 2013 , and 2012 , respectively.
All financial information presented in the accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements was revised to reflect the
correction of these errors. Periods not presented herein will be revised, as applicable, as they are included in future filings.
The following table presents the effect of the aforementioned revisions on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 (in
thousands):
December 31, 2014
As Reported

Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Accumulated earnings
Total stockholders equity

85

284,584
1,693,504
2,279,689
5,027,487

Adjustment

36,000
36,000
(36,000)
(36,000)

As Revised

320,584
1,729,504
2,243,689
4,991,487

Table of Contents
The following tables present the effect of the aforementioned revisions on our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Year Ended December 31, 2014
As Reported

Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating income
Foreign currency loss, net
Other expense, net
Income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
Income tax expense
Net income
Comprehensive income

Basic net income per share

Diluted net income per share

$
$

Adjustment

3,391,814
2,564,709
827,105
424,163
(3,017)
(5,203)
431,991
(30,124)
396,918
472,834
3.97
3.91

As Revised

(627)
1,537
(2,164)
(2,164)
1,556
718
110
(1,064)
(954)
(954)

$
$

(0.01)
(0.01)

$
$

3,391,187
2,566,246
824,941
421,999
(1,461)
(4,485)
432,101
(31,188)
395,964
471,880
3.96
3.90

Year Ended December 31, 2013

As Reported

Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating income
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net
Other expense, net
Income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
Income tax expense
Net income
Comprehensive income

Basic net income per share

Diluted net income per share

$
$

3,308,989
2,446,235
862,754
368,529
(259)
(4,758)
378,380
(25,179)
353,038
317,083
3.77
3.70

Adjustment

As Revised

627
(1,251)
1,878
1,878
1,152
(431)
2,599
(4,919)
(2,320)
(2,320)

$
$

(0.03)
(0.03)

$
$

3,309,616
2,444,984
864,632
370,407
893
(5,189)
380,979
(30,098)
350,718
314,763
3.74
3.67

The following tables present the effect of the aforementioned revisions on our consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2014
As Reported

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade, unbilled and retainage
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Project assets and deferred project costs
Accounts payable
Income taxes payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
86

396,918
8,772
453,826
(19,947)
141,908
(52,339)
(989)
(452,438)
680,989

Adjustment

(954)
(1,556)
8,804
(16,858)
1,139
(718)
(142)
10,285

As Revised

395,964
7,216
462,630
(36,805)
143,047
(53,057)
(1,131)
(442,153)
680,989

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Year Ended December 31, 2013
As Reported

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation
Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade, unbilled and retainage
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Project assets and deferred project costs
Accounts payable
Income taxes payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities

353,038

Adjustment

(2,320)

As Revised

350,718

55,079
(15,109)

(494)
(1,152)

54,585
(16,261)

564,964
109,126
(316,022)
(93,259)
36,307
(138,937)
856,126

5,767
10,115
(683)
431
85
(11,749)

570,731
119,241
(316,705)
(92,828)
36,392
(150,686)
856,126

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Solar, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries and are
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). We eliminated all
intercompany transactions and balances during consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates in which we have less than a controlling
interest are accounted for using the cost or equity method of accounting. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the
current year presentation. Such reclassifications did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In addition, the method
of reporting the consolidated statements of cash flows was changed from the direct to the indirect method.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we
evaluate our estimates, including those related to percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, inventory valuation, recoverability of project
assets and photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems, estimates of future cash flows from and the economic useful lives of long-lived assets,
asset retirement obligations, certain accrued liabilities, income taxes and tax valuation allowances, reportable segment allocations, product
warranties and manufacturing excursions, solar module collection and recycling liabilities, and applying the acquisition method of accounting
for business combinations and goodwill. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and reasonable assumptions, actual results could
differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.
Fair Value Measurements. We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. As of December 31, 2015 , our financial assets
and liabilities consisted principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable
and retainage, notes receivable, restricted cash and investments, derivative contracts, accounts payable, income taxes payable, accrued
expenses, and debt. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., an exit
price) on the measurement date in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset
or liability. Accounting standards include disclosure requirements around fair values used for certain financial instruments and establish a fair
value hierarchy. The hierarchy prioritizes valuation inputs into three levels based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are
observable in the market. Each fair value measurement is reported in one of three levels:

Level 1 Valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are unadjusted quoted prices from active markets for assets or liabilities
that are identical to the assets or liabilities being measured.

Level 2 Valuation techniques in which significant inputs include quoted prices from active markets for assets or liabilities that are
similar to the assets or liabilities being measured and/or quoted prices for assets or liabilities that are identical or similar to the assets
or liabilities being measured from markets that are not active. Also, model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and value
drivers are observable in active markets are Level 2 valuation techniques.

Level 3 Valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable. Unobservable inputs are
valuation technique inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use to price an asset
or liability.
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When available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of an asset or liability. If quoted market prices are not available,
we measure fair value using valuation techniques that use, when possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters,
such as interest rates and currency rates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the time of purchase to
be cash equivalents.
Marketable Securities Current and Noncurrent and Restricted Investments. We determine the classification of our marketable securities
and restricted investments at the time of purchase and reevaluate such designation at each balance sheet date. We have classified our
marketable securities and restricted investments as available-for-sale. These marketable securities and restricted investments are recorded at fair
value and unrealized gains and losses are recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses on
sales of these marketable securities and restricted investments are reported in earnings, computed using the specific identification method.
We may sell marketable securities prior to their stated maturities after consideration of our liquidity requirements. We view unrestricted
securities with maturities beyond 12 months as available to support current operations and, accordingly, classify all such securities as current
assets under the caption marketable securities in the consolidated balance sheets. Restricted investments consist of long-term duration
marketable securities that we hold through a custodial account to fund the estimated future costs of our solar module collection and recycling
obligations. Accordingly, we classify all restricted investments as noncurrent assets under the caption Restricted cash and investments in the
consolidated balance sheets.
All of our available-for-sale marketable securities and restricted investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. We consider a
marketable security or restricted investment to be impaired when its fair value is less than its carrying cost, in which case we would further
review the marketable security or restricted investment to determine if it is other-than-temporarily impaired. When we evaluate a marketable
security or restricted investment for other-than-temporary impairment, we review factors such as the length of time and the extent to which its
fair value has been below its cost basis, the financial conditions of the issuer and any changes thereto, our intent to sell, and whether it is more
likely than not that we will be required to sell the marketable security or restricted investment before we have recovered its cost basis. If a
marketable security or restricted investment were other-than-temporarily impaired, we would write it down through Other expense, net to its
impaired value and establish that value as a new cost basis for the marketable security or restricted investment.
Derivative Instruments. We recognize derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets at their fair value. On the date that we
enter into a derivative contract, we designate the derivative instrument as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, a hedge of a net investment in a
foreign operation, or a derivative instrument that will not be accounted for using hedge accounting methods. As of December 31, 2015 and
2014 , all of our derivative instruments were designated either as cash flow hedges or as derivative instruments not accounted for using hedge
accounting methods.
We record changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow
hedge in Other comprehensive income, net of tax until our earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the underlying hedge. We
record any hedge ineffectiveness and amounts excluded from effectiveness testing in current period earnings within Other expense, net . We
report changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not designated or do not qualify for hedge accounting in current period
earnings. We classify cash flows from derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same category as the item
being hedged or on a basis consistent with the nature of the instrument.
We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and the underlying hedged items, as well as our risk-management
objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions, at the inception of the hedge. We support all of our derivatives with
documentation specifying the underlying exposure being hedged. We also formally assess (both at the hedges inception and on an ongoing
basis) whether the derivative instruments that we use in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value
or cash flows of the underlying hedged items and whether those derivatives are expected to remain highly effective in future periods. When we
determine that a derivative instrument is not highly effective as a hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. In all situations in
which we discontinue hedge accounting and the derivative instrument remains outstanding, we will carry the derivative instrument at its fair
value on our consolidated balance sheets and recognize subsequent changes in its fair value in our current period earnings.

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Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts . The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts,
represents their estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends, the age of
outstanding receivables, and existing economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may
be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances, and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable
balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful.
Retainage. Certain of our engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts for solar power plants we build contain retainage
provisions. Retainage refers to the portion of the contract price earned by us for work performed, but held for payment by our customer as a
form of security until we reach certain construction milestones. We consider whether collectability of such retainage is reasonably assured in
connection with our overall assessment of the collectability of amounts due or that will become due under our EPC contracts. Retainage
expected to be collected within 12 months is classified within Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage on the consolidated balance
sheets. Retainage expected to be collected after 12 months is classified within Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. After we
have met the EPC contract requirements to bill for retainage, we will reclassify such amounts to Accounts receivable trade, net .
Inventories Current and Noncurrent. We report our inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine cost on a firstin, first-out basis and include both the costs of acquisition and the costs of manufacturing in our inventory costs. These costs include direct
material, direct labor, and indirect manufacturing costs, including depreciation and amortization. Our capitalization of costs into inventory is
based on the normal utilization of our plants. If our plant utilization is abnormally low, the portion of our indirect manufacturing costs related to
the abnormal utilization level is expensed as incurred. Finished goods inventory is comprised exclusively of solar modules that have not yet
been installed in a solar power plant under construction or sold to a third-party customer.
We regularly review the cost of inventories, including noncurrent inventories, against their estimated net realizable value and record writedowns if any inventories have costs in excess of their net realizable values. We also regularly evaluate the quantities and values of our
inventories, including noncurrent inventories, in light of current market conditions and market trends, among other factors, and record writedowns for any quantities in excess of demand and for any new obsolescence. This evaluation considers the use of modules in our systems
business, historical usage, expected demand, anticipated sales prices, desired strategic raw material requirements, new product development
schedules, the effect new products might have on the sale of existing products, product obsolescence, customer concentrations, product
merchantability, and other factors. Market conditions are subject to change, and actual consumption of our inventory could differ from
forecasted demand.
We purchase a critical raw material that is used in our core production process in quantities that exceed anticipated consumption within our
normal operating cycle (which is 12 months). We classify such raw materials that we do not expect to be consumed within our operating cycle
as noncurrent.
Balance of Systems Parts. BoS parts represent mounting, electrical, and other construction parts purchased for PV solar power systems to
be constructed or currently under construction, which we hold title to and are not yet installed in a system. Such construction parts include
items such as posts, tilt brackets, tables, harnesses, combiner boxes, inverters, cables, tracker equipment, and other parts we may purchase or
assemble for the systems we construct. We carry these parts at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with such value being based primarily
on recoverability through installation in a solar power system or recoverability through a sales agreement. BoS parts do not include any solar
modules that we manufacture.
Asset Impairments. We assess long-lived assets classified as held and used, including our property, plant and equipment, project assets,
and PV solar power systems for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances arise that may indicate that the carrying
amount of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable. These events and changes can include significant current period operating losses or
negative cash flows associated with the use of a long-lived asset, or group of assets, combined with a history of such factors, significant
changes in the manner of use of the assets, and current expectations that it is more likely than not that a long-lived asset will be sold or
otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an
impairment loss, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely
independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. When impairment indicators are present, we compare undiscounted future cash
flows, including the eventual disposition of the asset group at market value, to the asset groups carrying value to determine if the asset group is
recoverable. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair
value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted
projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group, (ii) actual third-party valuations, and/or (iii) information available regarding the current
market for similar assets. If the fair value of an asset or asset group is determined to be less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group,
an impairment in the amount of the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator
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occurs and is included in Restructuring and asset impairments in our consolidated statement of operations. Estimating future cash flows
requires significant judgment, and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately
assess whether an asset has been impaired.
We consider a long-lived asset to be abandoned after we have ceased use of such asset and we have no intent to use or re-purpose the asset
in the future.
We classify each long-lived tangible asset we plan to sell, excluding PV solar power systems, as an asset held for sale on our consolidated
balance sheets only after certain criteria have been met including: (i) management has the authority and commits to a plan to sell the asset; (ii)
the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition; (iii) there is an active program to locate a buyer, and the plan to sell the asset
has been initiated; (iv) the sale of the asset is probable within 12 months; (v) the asset is being actively marketed at a reasonable sales price
relative to its current fair value; and (vi) it is unlikely that the plan to sell will be withdrawn or that significant changes to the plan will be made.
We record assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. If, due to unanticipated circumstances, such
assets are not sold in the 12 months after being classified as held for sale, then held for sale classification will continue as long as the above
criteria are still met and the asset is being actively marketed at a reasonable sales price relative to its then current fair value.
We assess held for sale long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances arise that may indicate that the carrying
amount of our held for sale long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Depreciation and amortization expense is not recorded on assets once
they are classified as assets held for sale.
Property, Plant and Equipment. We report our property, plant and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes the
price paid to acquire or construct the assets, required installation costs, interest capitalized during the construction period, and any expenditure
that substantially adds to the value of or substantially extends the useful life of an existing asset. We expense repair and maintenance costs at
the time we incur them.
We begin depreciation for such assets when they are placed into service. We consider an asset to be placed into service when the asset is
both in the location and condition for its intended use.
We compute depreciation expense using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets, as presented in the table below.
We depreciate leasehold improvements over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease. The estimated useful
life of an asset is reassessed whenever applicable facts and circumstances indicate a change in the estimated useful life of such asset has
occurred.
Useful Lives
in Years

Buildings and building improvements

Manufacturing machinery and equipment
Furniture, fixtures, computer hardware, and computer software
Leasehold improvements

25 40
57
37
up to 15

Idle Property, Plant and Equipment. For property, plant and equipment that has been placed into service, but is subsequently idled
temporarily, we continue to record depreciation expense during the idle period. We adjust the estimated useful lives of the idled assets if the
estimated useful lives have changed. At December 31, 2015 , the current net book value of our temporarily idled equipment was $4.0 million .
PV Solar Power Systems. PV solar power systems represent solar systems that we may temporarily own and operate after being placed into
service. We report our PV solar power systems at cost, less accumulated depreciation. When we are entitled to incentive tax credits for our
systems, we reduce the related carrying value of the assets by the amount of the tax credits, which reduces future depreciation. Any energy
generated by the systems prior to being placed into service is accounted for as a reduction in the related carrying value of the assets. We begin
depreciation for PV solar power systems when they are placed into service. We compute depreciation expense for the systems using the
straight-line method over the shortest of the term of the related power purchase agreement (PPA), the lease on the land, or 25 years. Our
current PV solar power systems have estimated useful lives ranging from 15 to 25 years.

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We sell energy generated by our PV solar power systems under PPAs or on an open contract basis. We recognize revenue from such sales
at the time the energy is delivered to our customers or the grid (in the case of merchant power). For the year ended December 31, 2015 , we
recognized revenue from our PV solar power systems of $9.8 million .
Asset Retirement Obligations. We develop, construct, and operate certain project assets and PV solar power systems under power purchase
or other agreements that include a requirement for the removal of the assets at the end of the term of the agreement. We recognize asset
retirement obligations (AROs) at fair value in the period in which they are incurred, and the carrying amounts of the related project assets or
PV solar power systems are correspondingly increased. AROs represent the present value of the expected costs and timing of the related
decommissioning activities. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our AROs totaled $15.9 million and $6.7 million , respectively.
Internal-Use Software Costs. We capitalize the costs related to computer software obtained or developed for internal use. Software
obtained for internal use has generally been enterprise-level business and finance software that we customize to meet our specific operational
requirements. The capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, ranging from 3 to 7
years.
Interest Capitalization . We capitalize interest as part of the historical cost of acquiring or constructing certain assets during the period of
time required to place the assets into service or sell the assets to customers. These assets include property, plant and equipment and PV solar
power system development and construction costs that we have capitalized as project assets. Interest capitalized for property, plant and
equipment is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the related assets when they are placed into service. We charge interest capitalized for
project assets to cost of sales when such assets are sold and we have met all revenue recognition criteria. We capitalize interest to the extent that
expenditures to acquire, construct, or develop an asset have occurred and interest cost has been incurred. We cease capitalization of interest for
projects in development or under construction if the projects are substantially complete or if we receive any payment for or have sold such
projects.
Project Assets. Project assets primarily consist of costs relating to solar power projects in various stages of development that are
capitalized prior to entering into a definitive sales agreement for the projects, including projects that have begun commercial operation under
PPAs and are actively marketed and intended to be sold. These project related costs include costs for land, development, and construction of a
PV solar power system. Development costs may include legal, consulting, permitting, interconnection, and other similar costs. Once we enter
into a definitive sales agreement, we reclassify project assets to deferred project costs on our consolidated balance sheets until the sale is
completed and we have met all of the criteria to recognize the sale as revenue, which is typically subject to real estate revenue recognition
requirements. We expense project assets and deferred project costs to cost of sales after each respective project is sold to a customer and all
revenue recognition criteria have been met (matching the expensing of costs to the underlying revenue recognition method). In addition, we
present all expenditures related to the development and construction of project assets or deferred project costs, whether fully or partially owned,
as a component of cash flows from operating activities. We classify project assets as noncurrent due to the nature of solar power projects (longlived assets) and the time required to complete all activities to develop, construct, and sell projects, which is typically longer than 12 months.
We review project assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. We consider a project commercially viable or recoverable if it is anticipated to be sold for a profit once it is either fully developed
or fully constructed. We consider a partially developed or partially constructed project commercially viable or recoverable if the anticipated
selling price is higher than the carrying value of the related project assets. We examine a number of factors to determine if the project will be
recoverable, the most notable of which include whether there are any changes in environmental, ecological, permitting, market pricing, or
regulatory conditions that impact the project. Such changes could cause the costs of the project to increase or the selling price of the project to
decrease. If a project is not considered recoverable, we impair the respective project assets and adjust the carrying value to the estimated
recoverable amount, with the resulting impairment recorded within operating expenses.
Deferred Project Costs. Deferred project costs represent (i) costs that we capitalize as project assets for arrangements that we account for
as real estate transactions after we have entered into a definitive sales arrangement, but before the sale is completed or before we have met all
criteria to recognize the sale as revenue, (ii) recoverable pre-contract costs that we capitalize for arrangements accounted for as long-term
construction contracts prior to entering into a definitive sales agreement, or (iii) costs that we capitalize for arrangements accounted for as longterm construction contracts after we have signed a definitive sales agreement, but before all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We
classify deferred project costs as current if completion of the sale and the meeting of all revenue recognition criteria are expected within the
next 12 months.

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If a project is completed and begins commercial operation prior to entering into or the closing of a sales arrangement, the completed
project will remain in project assets or deferred project costs until the earliest of the closing of the sale of such project or our decision to
temporarily hold such project. Any income generated by a project while it remains within project assets or deferred project costs is accounted
for as a reduction to our basis in the project, which at the time of sale and meeting all revenue recognition criteria will be recorded within cost
of sales.
The following table summarizes the balance sheet classification of project assets and deferred project costs:
Milestone

Execution of a definitive sales arrangement, but all revenue

recognition criteria are not yet met
Pre-execution of a definitive sales arrangement

Arrangements Accounted for under ASC

360-20 (Real Estate Sales)

Arrangements Accounted for under ASC

605-35 (Long-Term Construction Contracts)

Deferred project costs

Deferred project costs

Project asset

Deferred project costs (recoverable

pre-contract costs)

Accounts Receivable, Unbilled . Accounts receivable, unbilled represents revenue that has been recognized in advance of billing the
customer, which is common for long-term construction contracts. For example, we recognize revenue from contracts for the construction and
sale of PV solar power systems, which include the sale of such assets over the construction period using applicable accounting methods. One
such method is the percentage-of-completion method, which recognizes revenue and gross profit as work is performed based on the
relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for the contract. Under this accounting method, revenue could
be recognized under applicable revenue recognition criteria in advance of billing the customer, resulting in an amount recorded to Accounts
receivable, unbilled and retainage . Once we meet the billing criteria under a construction contract, we bill our customer accordingly and
reclassify the Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage to Accounts receivable trade, net . Billing requirements vary by contract but
are generally structured around completion of certain construction milestones.
Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings. The liability Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represents billings
made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Typically,
billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement, and the timing of
revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer.
Payments and Billings for Deferred Project Costs. The liability Payments and billings for deferred project costs represents customer
payments received or customer billings made under the terms of solar power project related sales contracts for which all revenue recognition
criteria for real estate transactions have not yet been met. The associated solar power project costs are included within deferred project costs.
We classify such amounts as current or noncurrent depending on when all revenue recognition criteria are expected to be met, consistent with
the classification of the associated deferred project costs.
Deferred Revenue. Deferred revenue consists of payments received in advance of meeting all revenue recognition criteria (with the
exception of payments and billings for deferred project costs) for the sale of solar modules or services performed under our O&M agreements.
We recognize deferred revenue as net sales after all revenue recognition criteria are met.
Business Combinations. We account for business acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting and record intangible assets
separate from goodwill. Intangible assets are recorded at fair value based on estimates as of the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded as the
residual amount of the purchase price consideration less the fair value assigned to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of
the date of acquisition. We charge acquisition related costs that are not part of the purchase price consideration to general and administrative
expense as they are incurred. These costs typically include transaction and integration costs, such as legal, accounting, and other professional
fees. Contingent consideration, which represents an obligation of the acquirer to transfer additional assets or equity interests to the former
owner as part of the exchange if specified future events occur or conditions are met, is accounted for at fair value either as a liability or as
equity depending on the terms of the acquisition agreement.
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value assigned to the
individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We do not amortize goodwill, but instead are required to test goodwill for impairment at least
annually. If necessary, we would record any impairment in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 350, Intangibles
Goodwill and Other. We perform impairment tests between scheduled annual tests in the fourth quarter if facts and circumstances indicate that
it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit that has goodwill is less than its carrying value.

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We may first make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting units fair value is less than its carrying
value to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The qualitative impairment test considers various
factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, the overall financial performance of a reporting
unit, and any other relevant events affecting the entity or its reporting units. If we determine through the qualitative assessment that a reporting
units fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the two-step impairment test is not required. If the qualitative assessment
indicates it is more likely than not that a reporting units fair value is less than its carrying value, we must perform the two-step impairment test.
We may also elect to proceed directly to the two-step impairment test without considering such qualitative factors.
The first step in a two-step impairment test is the comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including
goodwill. Our reporting units consist of our fully integrated systems business, cadmium telluride (CdTe) module manufacturing business, and
our crystalline silicon module manufacturing business from our TetraSun acquisition in 2013. In accordance with the authoritative guidance
over fair value measurements, we define the fair value of a reporting unit as the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We primarily use the income approach methodology of valuation,
which includes the discounted cash flow method, to estimate the fair values of our reporting units.
Significant management judgment is required when estimating the fair value of our reporting units including the forecasting of future
operating results and the selection of discount and expected future growth rates that we use in determining the projected cash flows. If the
estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further analysis is required.
If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value in the first step, then we are required to perform the second step of
the impairment test. In this step, we assign the fair value of the reporting unit calculated in step one to all of the assets and liabilities of the
reporting unit, as if a market participant just acquired the reporting unit in a business combination. The excess of the fair value of the reporting
unit determined in the first step of the impairment test over the total amount assigned to the assets and liabilities in the second step of the
impairment test represents the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting units goodwill exceeds the implied fair value
of goodwill, we would record an impairment loss equal to the difference. If there is no such excess, then all goodwill for a reporting unit is
considered impaired.
See Note 6 Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional information on our goodwill impairment tests.
In-Process Research and Development. In-process research and development (IPR&D) is initially capitalized at fair value as an
intangible asset with an indefinite life and assessed for impairment thereafter. When the IPR&D project is complete, it is reclassified as a
definite-lived intangible asset and amortized over its estimated useful life. If an IPR&D project is abandoned, we will record a charge for the
value of the related intangible asset to our consolidated statement of operations in the period it is abandoned.
Product Warranties. We provide a limited PV solar module warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and
service conditions for 10 years following the transfer of title to our modules. We also typically warrant that modules installed in accordance
with agreed-upon specifications will produce at least 97% of their labeled power output rating during the first year, with the warranty coverage
reducing by 0.7% every year thereafter throughout the 25 -year performance warranty period. Prior to 2014, we warranted that modules
installed in accordance with agreed-upon specifications would produce at least 90% of their labeled power output rating during the first 10
years following installation and at least 80% of their labeled power output rating during the following 15 years. In resolving claims under both
the defect and power output warranties, we have the option of either repairing or replacing the covered modules or, under the power output
warranty, providing additional modules to remedy the power shortfall. We also have the option to make a payment for the then current market
price of modules to resolve the claims. Such limited module warranties are standard for module sales and are automatically transferred from the
original purchasers of the solar modules to subsequent purchasers upon resale.
As an alternative form of our standard limited module power output warranty, we also offer an aggregated or system level limited module
performance warranty. This system level limited module performance warranty is designed for utility-scale systems and provides 25 -year
system level energy degradation protection. In addition, this warranty represents a practical expedient to address the challenge of identifying,
from the potential millions of modules installed in a utility-scale system, individual modules that may be performing below warranty thresholds
by focusing on the aggregate energy generated by the system rather than the power output of individual modules. The system level module
performance warranty typically is calculated as a percentage of a systems expected energy production, adjusted for certain actual site
conditions, with the warranted level of performance declining each year in a linear fashion, but never falling below 80% during the term of the
warranty. In resolving claims under the system level limited module performance warranty to restore the system to warranted performance
levels, we first must validate that the
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root cause of the issue is due to module performance; we then have the option of either repairing or replacing the covered modules, providing
supplemental modules, or making a cash payment. Consistent with our limited module power output warranty, when we elect to satisfy a
warranty claim by providing replacement or supplemental modules under the system level module performance warranty, we do not have any
obligation to pay for the labor to remove or install modules.
In addition to our limited solar module warranty described above, for PV solar power systems built by us, we typically provide a limited
product warranty on BoS parts for defects in engineering design, installation, and workmanship for a period of one to two years following the
substantial completion of a system. In resolving claims under such BoS warranties, we have the option of remedying the defect through repair
or replacement.
When we recognize revenue for module or systems sales, we accrue liabilities for the estimated future costs of meeting our limited
warranty obligations. We make and revise these estimates based primarily on the number of our solar modules under warranty installed at
customer locations, our historical experience with warranty claims, our monitoring of field installation sites, our internal testing of and the
expected future performance of our solar modules and BoS components, and our estimated per-module replacement costs.
From time to time, we have taken remediation actions with respect to affected modules beyond our limited warranties, and we may elect to
do so in the future, in which case we would incur additional expenses. Such potential voluntary future remediation actions beyond our limited
warranty obligations could be material to our consolidated statement of operations if we commit to any such remediation actions.
Accrued Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability. We recognize expense at the time of sale for the estimated cost of our future
obligations for collecting and recycling solar modules covered by our collection and recycling program. See Note 14 Solar Module Collection
and Recycling Liability for further information.
Income Taxes. We use the asset and liability method to account for income taxes whereby we calculate the deferred tax asset or liability
account balances using tax laws and rates in effect at that time. We establish valuation allowances, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax
assets to the extent it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized. We do not provide deferred taxes related to the
U.S. GAAP basis in excess of the outside tax basis in the investment in our foreign subsidiaries to the extent such amounts relate to indefinitely
reinvested earnings and profits of such foreign subsidiaries.
Income tax expense includes (i) deferred tax expense, which generally represents the net change in the deferred tax asset or liability
balance during the year plus any change in valuation allowances, and (ii) current tax expense, which represents the amount of tax currently
payable to or receivable from taxing authorities. We only recognize tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions that are more likely than not
of being sustained upon examination. For those positions that satisfy such recognition criteria, the amount of tax benefit that we recognize is
the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not of being sustained on ultimate settlement of the uncertain tax position.
Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currencies of certain of our international subsidiaries are their local currencies. Accordingly,
we apply the period-end exchange rates to translate their assets and liabilities, and the daily transaction exchange rates are used to translate
their revenues, expenses, gains, and losses into U.S. dollars. We include the translation adjustments as a separate component of Accumulated
other comprehensive income within stockholders equity. The functional currency of our subsidiaries in Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and
Chile is the U.S. dollar; therefore, we do not translate their financial statements. Gains and losses arising from the remeasurement of monetary
assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than a subsidiarys functional currency are included in Foreign currency (loss) gain, net
in the period in which they occur.
Comprehensive Income. Our comprehensive income consists of our net income, the effects on our consolidated financial statements of
translating the financial statements of our subsidiaries that operate in foreign currencies, the unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale
marketable securities and restricted investments, and the unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments that qualify for and have been
designated as cash flow hedges. We present our comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Our
Accumulated other comprehensive income is presented as a component of stockholders equity in our consolidated balance sheets.
Per Share Data. Basic net income per share is based on the weighted effect of all common shares outstanding and is calculated by dividing
net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is based on the
weighted effect of all common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding and is calculated by dividing net income by the
weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

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Revenue Recognition Systems Business . We recognize revenue for arrangements entered into by our systems business generally using
two revenue recognition models, following the guidance in either ASC 605-35, Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts , or ASC
360-20, Real Estate Sales, for arrangements which include land or land rights.
Systems business sales arrangements in which we construct a PV solar power system for a specific customer on land that is controlled by
the customer, and has not been previously controlled by First Solar, are accounted for under ASC 605-35. For such sales arrangements, we use
the percentage-of-completion method, as described further below, using actual costs incurred over total estimated costs to develop and
construct the system (including module costs) as our standard accounting policy.
Systems business sales arrangements in which we convey control of land or land rights as part of the transaction are accounted for under
ASC 360-20. Accordingly, we use one of the following revenue recognition methods, based upon an evaluation of the substance and form of
the terms and conditions of such real estate sales:
(i) We apply the percentage-of-completion method, as further described below, to certain real estate sales arrangements in which we
convey control of land or land rights, when a sale has been consummated, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of
ownership to the buyer, the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met, we have the ability to estimate our costs and
progress toward completion, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. When evaluating whether the usual risks and
rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer, we consider whether we have or may be contingently required to have any
prohibited forms of continuing involvement with the project pursuant to ASC 360-20. The initial and continuing investment
requirements, which demonstrate a buyers commitment to honor its obligations for the sales arrangement, can typically be met
through the receipt of cash or an irrevocable letter of credit from a highly creditworthy lending institution.
(ii)

Depending on whether the initial and continuing investment requirements have been met and whether collectability from the buyer is
reasonably assured, we may align our revenue recognition and release of project assets or deferred project costs to cost of sales with
the receipt of payment from the buyer if the sale has been consummated and we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of
ownership to the buyer.

For any systems business sales arrangements containing multiple deliverables (including our solar modules) not required to be accounted
for under ASC 605-35 (long-term construction contracts) or ASC 360-20 (real estate), we analyze each activity within the sales arrangement to
adhere to the separation guidelines of ASC 605-25 for multiple-element arrangements. We allocate revenue for any transactions involving
multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on its relative selling price and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when all
revenue recognition criteria for a unit of accounting have been met.
Revenue Recognition Percentage-of-Completion. In applying the percentage-of-completion method, we use the actual costs incurred
relative to the total estimated costs (including module costs) in order to determine the progress towards completion and calculate the
corresponding amount of revenue and profit to recognize. Costs incurred include direct materials, solar modules, labor, subcontractor costs, and
those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor and supplies. We recognize direct material and solar module costs as
incurred when the direct materials and solar modules have been installed in the project. When contracts specify that title to direct materials and
solar modules transfers to the customer before installation has been performed, we will not recognize revenue or the associated costs until those
materials are installed and have met all other revenue recognition requirements. We consider direct materials and solar modules to be installed
when they are permanently placed or affixed to a PV solar power system as required by engineering designs. Solar modules manufactured and
owned by us that will be used in our systems remain within inventory until such modules are installed in a system.
The percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition requires us to make estimates of net contract revenues and costs to complete
our projects. In making such estimates, management judgments are required to evaluate significant assumptions including the amount of net
contract revenues, the cost of materials and labor, expected labor productivity, the impact of potential variances in schedule completion, and the
impact of any penalties, claims, change orders, or performance incentives.
If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the net contract revenues, we recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the
loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of the revisions to estimates related to net contract revenues and costs to complete contracts,
including penalties, claims, change orders, performance incentives, anticipated losses, and others are recorded in the period in which the
revisions to estimates are identified and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the changes on future periods are recognized as
if the revised estimates had been used since revenue was initially recognized under the contract. Such revisions could occur in any reporting
period, and the effects may be material depending on the size of the contracts or the changes in estimates.

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Revenue Recognition Operations and Maintenance. Our O&M revenue is billed and recognized as services are performed. Costs of these
revenues are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Revenue Recognition Components Business. Our components business sells solar modules directly to third-party solar power system
integrators and operators. We recognize revenue for module sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the modules
has occurred and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and the collectability of the resulting
receivable is reasonably assured. Under this policy, we record a trade receivable for the selling price of our module and reduce inventory for the
cost of goods sold when delivery occurs in accordance with the terms of the sales contract. Our customers typically do not have extended
payment terms or rights of return for our products.
Research and Development Expense. We incur research and development costs during the process of researching and developing new
products and enhancing our existing products, technologies, and manufacturing processes. Our research and development costs consist
primarily of employee compensation, materials, outside services, and depreciation. We expense these costs as incurred until the resulting
product has been completed, tested, and made ready for commercial manufacturing.
Restructuring and Exit Activities. We record costs associated with exit activities such as employee termination benefits that represent a
one-time benefit when management approves and commits to a plan of termination, or over the future service period, if any. Other costs
associated with exit activities may include contract termination costs, including costs related to leased facilities to be abandoned or subleased,
and facility and employee relocation costs.
Production Start-Up. Production start-up expense consists primarily of employee compensation and other costs associated with operating a
production line before it has been qualified for full production, including the cost of raw materials for solar modules run through the production
line during the qualification phase. Costs related to equipment upgrades and implementation of manufacturing process improvements are also
included in production start-up expense as well as costs related to the selection of a new site, including related legal and regulatory costs, and
costs to maintain our plant replication program, to the extent we cannot capitalize these expenditures.
Share-Based Compensation. We recognize share-based compensation expense on the estimated grant-date fair value of equity instruments
issued as compensation to employees over the requisite service period, which is generally four years. The share-based compensation expense
that we recognize is based on the number of awards expected to ultimately vest; therefore, the amounts used to determine share-based
compensation expense have been reduced for estimated forfeitures. We estimate the number of awards that we expect to vest at the time the
awards are granted and revise those estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods. We also estimate the number of awards that we expect to
vest based on our historical experience with forfeitures, giving consideration to whether future forfeiture behavior might be expected to differ
from past behavior. We recognize compensation expense for awards with graded vesting schedules on a straight-line basis over the requisite
service periods for each separately vesting portion of the awards as if each award was in substance multiple awards.
Our forfeiture rate assumptions, including estimates as to which share-based awards will ultimately vest, require judgment, and to the
extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the
period of change and could be materially different from share-based compensation expense recorded in prior periods. Additionally, when an
associates employment is terminated, all previously unvested awards granted to such associate are forfeited, which results in a benefit to sharebased compensation expense in the period of such associates termination equal to the cumulative expense recorded through the termination
date for such forfeited unvested awards.
Shipping and Handling Costs. We classify shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales. We record customer payments of
shipping and handling costs as a component of net sales.
Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities. We do not include tax amounts collected from customers in
sales transactions as a component of net sales.
Self-Insurance. We are self-insured for certain healthcare benefits provided to our U.S. employees. The liability for the self-insured
benefits is limited by the purchase of stop-loss insurance. The stop-loss coverage provides payment for claims exceeding $0.2 million per
covered person for any given year. Accruals for losses are made based on our claim experience and estimates based on historical data. Actual
losses may differ from accrued amounts. Should actual losses exceed the amounts expected and, as a result, the recorded liabilities are
determined to be insufficient, an additional expense will be recorded.

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Ventures and Variable Interest Entities. In the normal course of business we establish wholly owned project companies which may be
considered variable interest entities (VIEs). We consolidate wholly owned variable interest entities when we are considered the primary
beneficiary of such entities. Additionally, we have, and may in the future form, joint venture type arrangements, including partnerships and
partially owned limited liability companies or similar legal structures, with one or more third parties primarily to develop, construct, own,
and/or sell solar power projects. These types of ventures are core to our business and long-term strategy related to providing PV solar
generation solutions using our modules to key geographic markets. We analyze all of our ventures and classify them into two groups: (i)
ventures that must be consolidated because they are either not VIEs and we hold a majority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are
the primary beneficiary and (ii) ventures that do not need to be consolidated and are accounted for under either the cost or equity method of
accounting because they are either not VIEs and we hold a minority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are not the primary
beneficiary.
Ventures are considered VIEs if (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without
additional subordinated financial support; (ii) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the ability to make certain decisions,
the obligation to absorb expected losses, or the right to receive expected residual returns; or (iii) an equity investor has voting rights that are
disproportionate to its economic interest and substantially all of the entitys activities are conducted on behalf of that investor. Our venture
agreements typically require us to fund some form of capital for the development and construction of a project, depending upon the opportunity
and the market in which our ventures are located.
We are considered the primary beneficiary of and are required to consolidate a VIE if we have the power to direct the activities that most
significantly impact the VIEs economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could
potentially be significant to the entity. If we determine that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the
entity, then we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIE.
Cost and Equity Method Investments. We account for our unconsolidated ventures using either the cost or equity method of accounting
depending upon whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the venture. As part of this evaluation, we consider our
participating and protective rights in the venture as well as its legal form. We record our cost method investments at their historical cost and
subsequently record any dividends received from the net accumulated earnings of the investee as income. Dividends received in excess of
earnings are considered a return of investment and are recorded as reductions in the cost of the investment. We use the equity method of
accounting for our investments when we have the ability to significantly influence the operations or financial activities of the investee. We
record our equity method investments at cost and subsequently adjust their carrying amount each period for our share of the earnings or losses
of the investee and other adjustments required by the equity method of accounting. Dividends received from our equity method investments are
recorded as reductions in the cost of such investments. We monitor our investments, which are included in Investments in unconsolidated
affiliates and joint ventures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, for impairment and record reductions in their carrying values if
the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value. An impairment charge is recorded when such impairment is deemed to be otherthan-temporary. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider our ability and intent to hold the investment until
the carrying amount is fully recovered. Circumstances that indicate an other-than-temporary impairment may have occurred include factors
such as decreases in quoted market prices or declines in the operations of the investee. The evaluation of an investment for potential
impairment requires us to exercise significant judgment and to make certain assumptions. The use of different judgments and assumptions
could result in different conclusions. No impairment losses were recorded related to our cost and equity method investments during the year
ended December 31, 2015 . We recorded impairment losses related to our cost and equity method investments of $7.1 million and $0.2 million
during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , to clarify the principles of recognizing
revenue and create common revenue recognition guidance between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. An entity has
the option to apply the provisions of ASU 2014-09 either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the
cumulative effect of initially applying this standard recognized at the date of initial application. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years and
interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted for periods beginning after December
15, 2016. We are currently evaluating our method of adoption and the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements
and associated disclosures.

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In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis . ASU 2015-02
modifies existing consolidation guidance related to (i) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (ii) the evaluation of variable interests for
fees paid to decision makers or service providers, (iii) the effect of fee arrangements and related parties on the primary beneficiary
determination, and (iv) certain investment funds. These changes are expected to limit the number of consolidation models and place more
emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within
those years beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-02 to have a significant impact on our
consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt
Issuance Costs . ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring such costs to be presented in the balance sheet as
a reduction to the carrying amount of the corresponding debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, rather than as a deferred charge. The
adoption of ASU 2015-03 in the second quarter of 2015 resulted in reclassifications of $0.5 million in unamortized debt issuance costs from
Prepaid expenses and other current assets to Current portion of long-term debt and $2.9 million in unamortized debt issuance costs from
Other assets to Long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. ASU 2015-11 simplifies
the subsequent measurement of inventory by replacing the current lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost or net realizable value test.
The adoption of ASU 2015-11 in the fourth quarter of 2015 did not have a significant impact on the subsequent measurement of inventory
included in our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . ASU
2015-17 simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes by requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent. The
adoption of ASU 2015-17 in the fourth quarter of 2015 resulted in reclassifications of $77.9 million and $91.6 million from current Deferred
tax assets, net to noncurrent Deferred tax assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments Overall (Subtopic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 changes how entities measure certain equity investments and present changes in the
fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option that are attributable to their own credit. The guidance also changes certain
disclosure requirements and other aspects of current U.S. GAAP. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those
years beginning after December 15, 2017, and certain provisions of the guidance may be early adopted. We are currently evaluating the impact
ASU 2016-01 will have on our consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.
4. Asset Impairments
In October 2013, we entered into an agreement to sell our facility in Mesa, Arizona. The facility consisted of land, a building, and certain
fixtures and improvements. The facility housed our O&M capabilities as well as certain equipment and inventory. The facility was originally
designed to house CdTe PV module manufacturing lines; however, we never commissioned manufacturing at the facility. As a result of the
sales agreement, we recognized a $56.5 million asset impairment charge, which lowered the carrying value of the facility to its fair value, less
costs to sell. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we received cash proceeds, net of costs to sell, of $115.0 million in connection with the Mesa
sales agreement. The transaction was completed during the first quarter of 2014.
As a result of our February 2012 manufacturing restructuring, our Vietnam facility was made available for sale, and during 2013, we
expanded our marketing strategy for the facility to include potential strategic and financial buyers. As a result of this change, we determined
that the estimated fair value of our Vietnam facility, including the related equipment, was less than its carrying value and recorded an asset
impairment charge of $25.2 million to lower the carrying value of the facility to its estimated fair value, less costs to sell. We continue to
actively market the facility at a price that is at or above the current carrying value of the assets. Impairment charges recognized for our Mesa
and Vietnam facilities are presented in Restructuring and asset impairments on the consolidated statements of operations.

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5. Business Acquisitions
General Electric
In August 2013, we acquired all of the CdTe PV specific intellectual property assets and CdTe solar manufacturing processes (GE
Intellectual Property) of General Electric Company (GE) pursuant to a Master Transaction Agreement and an Intellectual Property Purchase
Agreement (the Agreements), by and between First Solar and GE and certain of their subsidiaries. Pursuant to the Agreements, First Solar
received the GE Intellectual Property and GE received 1,750,000 shares of First Solar common stock, which had a market value of $83.8
million on August 5, 2013 . The GE Intellectual Property included trade secrets, technology, business and technical information and know-how,
databases, and other confidential and proprietary information as well as solar manufacturing processes and protocols. The combination of the
GE Intellectual Property and our existing manufacturing capacity is expected to further advance CdTe technology and achieve a more rapid
increase in module efficiency.
In connection with applying the acquisition method of accounting, $73.7 million of the purchase price consideration was assigned to an
IPR&D intangible asset to be amortized over its useful life upon successful completion of the project, and $10.1 million was assigned to
goodwill. The underlying technology and IPR&D acquired from GE focuses on increasing the efficiency of CdTe solar modules while at the
same time lowering production and installation costs. We valued the acquired IPR&D using the reproduction cost method and the income
approach, as appropriate. The income approach reflected the present value of forecasted cash flows derived from the incremental module
efficiency benefits. We integrated the acquired technology into our manufacturing process during 2015 as part of our efforts to increase the
efficiency of our solar modules.
The pro forma effect of this all-stock acquisition was not material to our historical consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, or
cash flows. Substantially all of the goodwill and intangible assets recorded for this acquisition are deductible for tax purposes.
TetraSun
In April 2013, we acquired 100% of the stock not previously owned by us of TetraSun, Inc. (TetraSun), a development stage company
with high-efficiency crystalline silicon technology that is expected to provide improvements in performance relative to conventional crystalline
silicon solar modules. This all-cash acquisition was not material to our historical consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, or cash
flows. We have included the financial results of TetraSun in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
In connection with applying the acquisition method of accounting, $39.1 million of the purchase price consideration was assigned to an
IPR&D intangible asset to be amortized over its useful life upon successful completion of the project, and $6.1 million was assigned to
goodwill. The acquired IPR&D involves a project to develop a lower cost and higher efficiency crystalline silicon cell. We valued the IPR&D
using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach. The method reflected the present value of the projected cash flows
that are expected to be generated by the IPR&D less charges representing the contribution of other assets to those cash flows. During 2015, we
fully integrated the acquired technology into our manufacturing processes and began selling crystalline silicon modules with proprietary highpower density, mono-crystalline technology.
Solar Chile
In January 2013, we acquired a 100% ownership interest in Solar Chile S.A. (Solar Chile), a Chilean-based solar project development
company with substantially all of its assets being a portfolio of early to mid-stage utility-scale PV solar power projects in northern Chile, in an
all-cash transaction, which was not material to our historical consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, or cash flows. We have included
the financial results of Solar Chile in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. In connection with applying the
acquisition method of accounting, $3.4 million was assigned to goodwill.
In connection with the TetraSun and Solar Chile acquisitions, we agreed to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement
by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted project and module shipment volume milestones. We recognized $2.5
million and $4.9 million of current liabilities and $4.9 million and $14.7 million of long-term liabilities for these contingent obligations based
on their estimated fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. During 2015 , we made $2.5 million of payments for contingent
consideration related to these acquisitions and recorded an additional adjustment to reduce the associated liabilities by $10.0 million .

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6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
Balance at
December 31,
2014

Reporting Unit

CdTe components
Crystalline silicon components
Systems
Accumulated impairment losses
Total

403,420
6,097
68,833
(393,365)
84,985

Acquisitions

Balance at
December 31,
2013

Reporting Unit

CdTe components
Crystalline silicon components
Systems
Accumulated impairment losses
Total

403,420
6,097
68,833
(393,365)
84,985

Balance at
December 31,
2015

Balance at
December 31,
2014

Acquisitions

403,420
6,097
68,833
(393,365)
84,985

403,420
6,097
68,833
(393,365)
84,985

At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , accumulated impairment losses related entirely to the CdTe components reporting unit.
2015 Goodwill Impairment Testing
We performed our annual impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of 2015. ASC 350-20 provides that prior to performing the traditional
two-step goodwill impairment test, companies are permitted to perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a
reporting units fair value is less than its carrying value to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.
The qualitative impairment test considers various factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost
factors, the overall financial performance of a reporting unit, and any other relevant events affecting the entity or its reporting units. We
performed a qualitative assessment for each of our reporting units and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of each
reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. Accordingly, the two-step goodwill impairment test for our reporting units was not considered
necessary.
2014 and 2013 Goodwill Impairment Testing
We performed our annual impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of 2014 and 2013 and determined that the carrying amount of goodwill
for our CdTe components, crystalline silicon components, and systems reporting units to be recoverable because the results of the impairment
tests indicated that the fair values of the reporting units significantly exceeded their carrying values. The underlying assumptions used in the
first step of our 2014 and 2013 impairment tests considered our market capitalization as of October 1, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as well as
the solar industry and market conditions when determining the fair value of our reporting units.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets primarily include those assets acquired as part of our GE and TetraSun acquisitions described in Note 5 Business
Acquisitions and our internally-generated intangible assets, which represent patents on technologies related to our products and production
processes. We record an asset for patents, after the patent has been issued, based on the legal, filing, and other costs incurred to secure them. We
amortize intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives once the intangible assets meet the criteria to be amortized.
During 2015, $73.7 million of IPR&D from the GE acquisition was reclassified to developed technology and began amortizing over its useful
life of 10 years , and $39.1 million of IPR&D from the TetraSun acquisition was also reclassified to developed technology and began
amortizing over its useful life of 12 years .

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The following table summarizes our intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

Gross Amount

Patents
Developed technology
Total

$
$

6,070
114,565
120,635

Gross Amount

Patents
Developed technology
In-process research and development
Total

5,347
2,757
112,800
120,904

December 31, 2015

Accumulated
Amortization

$
$

(1,824)
(8,809)
(10,633)

Net Amount

$
$

December 31, 2014

Accumulated
Amortization

Net Amount

(1,208)
(460)

(1,668)

4,246
105,756
110,002

4,139
2,297
112,800
119,236

Amortization expense for our intangible assets was $9.2 million , $1.2 million , and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 ,
2014 , and 2013 , respectively.
Estimated future amortization expense for our intangible assets was as follows at December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
Amortization
Expense

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total amortization expense

11,787
11,403
11,161
11,161
11,161
53,329
110,002

7. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds
Total cash and cash equivalents
Marketable securities:
Foreign debt
Time deposits
U.S. debt
U.S. government obligations
Total marketable securities
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities

1,126,496

2014

1,480,452

330
1,126,826

1,602
1,482,054

663,454
40,000

703,454
1,830,280

462,731
40,000
2,800
3,501
509,032
1,991,086

We classify our marketable securities as available-for-sale. Accordingly, we record them at fair value and account for the net unrealized
gains and losses as part of Accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. We record realized gains and losses on the sale or
maturity of our marketable securities in Other expense, net computed using the specific identification method.

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During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , we realized gains on the sale or maturity of our marketable securities of
less than $0.1 million , $0.2 million , and less than $0.1 million , respectively. See Note 11 Fair Value Measurements to our consolidated
financial statements for information about the fair value of our marketable securities.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we identified two investments totaling $31.5 million and $41.1 million , respectively, that had been in
a loss position for a period of time greater than 12 months with unrealized losses of less than $0.1 million . The unrealized losses were
primarily due to increases in interest rates relative to rates at the time of purchase. Based on the underlying credit quality of the investments, we
do not intend to sell these securities prior to the recovery of our cost basis. Therefore, we did not consider these securities to be other-thantemporarily impaired. All of our available-for-sale marketable securities are subject to a periodic impairment review. We did not identify any of
our marketable securities as other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our available-for-sale marketable securities, by major security
type, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2015
Gross
Gross
Unrealized
Unrealized
Gains
Losses

Amortized
Cost

Foreign debt
Time deposits
Total

665,900
40,000
705,900

$
$

463,466
40,000
2,800
3,500
509,766

$
$

2,455

2,455

$
$

As of December 31, 2014

Gross
Gross
Unrealized
Unrealized
Gains
Losses

Amortized
Cost

Foreign debt
Time deposits
U.S. debt
U.S. government obligations
Total

Estimated
Fair
Value

18

1
19

753

753

663,454
40,000
703,454

Estimated
Fair
Value

462,731
40,000
2,800
3,501
509,032

The contractual maturities of our marketable securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2015
Gross
Gross
Unrealized
Unrealized
Gains
Losses

Amortized
Cost

One year or less

One year to two years
Two years to three years
Total

290,377
228,492
187,031
705,900

329,974
125,892
53,900
509,766

406
1,183
866
2,455

As of December 31, 2014

Gross
Gross
Unrealized
Unrealized
Gains
Losses

Amortized
Cost

One year or less

One year to two years
Two years to three years
Total

Estimated
Fair
Value

14
5

19

174
380
199
753

289,980
227,309
186,165
703,454

Estimated
Fair
Value

329,814
125,517
53,701
509,032

The net unrealized losses of $2.4 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, on our marketable securities
were primarily the result of increases in interest rates relative to rates at the time of purchase. Our investment policy requires marketable
securities to be highly rated and limits the security types, issuer concentration, and duration to maturity of our marketable securities portfolio.

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The following tables show gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values for those marketable securities that were in an unrealized loss
position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , aggregated by major security type and the length of time the marketable securities have been in a
continuous loss position (in thousands):

Security Type

Foreign debt
Total

$
$

629,033
629,033

$
$

2,386
2,386

$
$

$
$

391,840
391,840

$
$

740
740

31,491
31,491

$
$

Total
Estimated
Fair
Value

69
69

$
$

As of December 31, 2014

In Loss Position for
12 Months or Greater
Estimated
Gross
Fair
Unrealized
Value
Losses

In Loss Position for

Less Than 12 Months
Estimated
Gross
Fair
Unrealized
Value
Losses

Security Type

Foreign debt
Total

As of December 31, 2015

In Loss Position for
12 Months or Greater
Estimated
Gross
Fair
Unrealized
Value
Losses

In Loss Position for

Less Than 12 Months
Estimated
Gross
Fair
Unrealized
Value
Losses

$
$

41,060
41,060

$
$

13
13

660,524
660,524

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

$
$

2,455
2,455

Total
Estimated
Fair
Value

$
$

432,900
432,900

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

$
$

753
753

8. Restricted Cash and Investments

Restricted cash and investments consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Restricted cash
Restricted investments
Total restricted cash and investments (1)

$
$

7,764
326,114
333,878

2014

$
$

49,818
357,235
407,053

(1) There was an additional $72.5 million and $74.7 million of restricted cash included within prepaid expenses
and other current assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our restricted cash consisted of deposits held by various banks to secure certain of our letters of credit
and deposits designated for the construction of systems projects and payment of amounts related to project construction credit facilities.
Restricted cash for our letters of credit is classified as current or noncurrent based on the maturity date of the corresponding letter of credit. See
Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion relating to letters of credit.
Restricted cash for project construction and financing is classified as current or noncurrent based on the projected use of the restricted funds.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our restricted investments consisted of long-term marketable securities that were held in custodial
accounts to fund the estimated future costs of collecting and recycling modules covered under our solar module collection and recycling
program. We classify our restricted investments as available-for-sale. Accordingly, we record them at fair value and account for the net
unrealized gains and losses as a part of Accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. We record realized gains and losses on the
sale or maturity of our restricted investments in Other expense, net computed using the specific identification method. Restricted
investments are classified as noncurrent as the underlying accrued solar module collection and recycling liability is also noncurrent in nature.
As necessary, we fund any incremental amounts for our estimated collection and recycling obligations within 90 days of the end of each
year. We determine the funding requirement, if any, based on estimated costs of collecting and recycling covered modules, estimated rates of
return on our restricted investments, and an estimated solar module life of 25 years less amounts already funded in prior years. To ensure that
these funds will be available in the future regardless of any potential adverse changes in our financial condition (even in the case of our own
insolvency), we have established a trust under which estimated funds are put into custodial accounts with an established and reputable bank, for
which First Solar, Inc. (FSI), First Solar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (FS Malaysia), and First Solar Manufacturing GmbH are grantors. Only the
trustee can distribute funds from the custodial accounts, and these funds cannot be accessed for any purpose other than to cover qualified costs
of module collection and recycling, either by us or a third party performing the required collection and recycling services. Investments in these
custodial accounts must meet certain investment quality criteria comparable to highly rated government or agency bonds. We closely monitor
our
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exposure to European markets and maintain holdings primarily consisting of German and French sovereign debt securities that are not currently
at risk of default. As of December 31, 2015 , we do not expect to fund any incremental amounts during the first quarter of 2016 for our module
collection and recycling program.
The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our restricted investments, by major security type, as of
December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2015
Gross
Gross
Unrealized
Unrealized
Gains
Losses

Amortized
Cost

Foreign government obligations

U.S. government obligations
Total

177,507
61,228
238,735

$
$

$
$

189,455
58,510
247,965

$
$

As of December 31, 2014

Gross
Gross
Unrealized
Unrealized
Gains
Losses

Amortized
Cost

Foreign government obligations

U.S. government obligations
Total

75,670
11,709
87,379

Estimated
Fair
Value

$
$

93,280
15,990
109,270

253,177
72,937
326,114

Estimated
Fair
Value

$
$

282,735
74,500
357,235

As of December 31, 2015 , the contractual maturities of these restricted investments were between 12 years and 21 years . As of
December 31, 2014 , the contractual maturities of these restricted investments were between 13 years and 22 years .
9. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details
Accounts receivable trade, net
Accounts receivable trade, net consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Accounts receivable trade, gross

Allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable trade, net

$
$

500,631
(2)
500,629

2014

$
$

142,542
(7,108)
135,434

At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , $21.5 million and $21.4 million , respectively, of our accounts receivable trade, net were secured by
letters of credit, bank guarantees, or other forms of financial security issued by creditworthy financial institutions.
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Accounts receivable, unbilled

Retainage
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage

$
$

40,205
18,966
59,171

2014

$
$

41,868
35,103
76,971

The current portion of retainage is included within accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage . Retainage refers to the portion of the
contract price earned by us for work performed, but held for payment by our customer as a form of security until we reach certain construction
milestones. Retainage included within accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage is expected to be billed and collected within the next 12
months.

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Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Raw materials
Work in process
Finished goods
Inventories

Inventories current
Inventories noncurrent

2014

159,078
19,736
309,369
488,183

157,468
20,829
442,408
620,705

$
$

380,424
107,759

$
$

505,088
115,617

Balance of systems parts

Balance of systems parts were $136.9 million and $125.1 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and represented
mounting, electrical, and other construction parts purchased for PV solar power systems to be constructed or currently under construction,
which we held title to and were not yet installed in a system. Such construction parts included items such as posts, tilt brackets, tables,
harnesses, combiner boxes, inverters, cables, tracker equipment, and other parts we may purchase or assemble for the systems we construct. We
carry these parts at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with such value being based primarily on recoverability through installation in a
solar power system or recoverability through a sales agreement. Balance of systems parts do not include any solar modules that we
manufacture.
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Prepaid expenses
Derivative instruments
Restricted cash
Other current assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

74,990
2,691
72,526
98,770
248,977

2014

42,193
9,791
74,695
75,472
202,151

Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Land
Buildings and improvements (1)
Machinery and equipment (1)
Office equipment and furniture
Leasehold improvements
Construction in progress
Stored assets (2)
Property, plant and equipment, gross
Less: accumulated depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, net

12,063
410,898
1,824,717
144,773
50,546
37,734
138,954
2,619,685
(1,335,549)
$ 1,284,136

2014

12,378
397,087
1,649,363
134,268
50,096
154,497
155,389
2,553,078
(1,133,090)
1,419,988

(1) In 2015, we reclassified $15.2 million and $2.5 million from Assets held for sale to Building and improvements and Machinery
and equipment, respectively, as these assets no longer met the criteria to be classified as held for sale.
(2) Consists of machinery and equipment (stored assets) that were originally purchased for installation in our previously planned
manufacturing capacity expansions. We intend to install and place the stored assets into service when such assets are required or
beneficial to our existing installed manufacturing capacity or when market demand supports additional

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or market-specific manufacturing capacity. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we transferred $16.4 million of stored assets to
our manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio for use in the production of solar modules. As the remaining stored assets are neither in
the condition nor location to produce modules as intended, we will not begin depreciation until such assets are placed into service. The
stored assets are evaluated for impairment under a held and used impairment model whenever events or changes in business
circumstances arise, including consideration of technological obsolescence, that may indicate that the carrying amount of our longlived assets may not be recoverable. We ceased the capitalization of interest on our stored assets once they were physically received
from the related machinery and equipment vendors.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment was $245.7 million , $245.0 million , and $237.9 million for the years ended December 31,
2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.
PV solar power systems, net
PV solar power systems, net consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

PV solar power systems, gross

Accumulated depreciation
PV solar power systems, net

$
$

97,991
(4,250)
93,741

2014

$
$

47,727
(1,334)
46,393

During 2015, we placed $52.2 million of projects into service, net of investment tax credits, including our 30 MW AC Barilla Solar project
in Pecos County, Texas and various other projects in India and Australia. Depreciation of PV solar power systems was $2.9 million , $1.4
million , and zero for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.
Capitalized interest
The cost of constructing facilities, equipment, and project assets includes interest costs incurred during the assets construction period. The
components of interest expense and capitalized interest were as follows during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in
thousands):
2015

Interest cost incurred

Interest cost capitalized property, plant and equipment
Interest cost capitalized project assets
Interest expense, net

(19,367)
1,335
11,057
(6,975)

2014

(10,828)
2,324
6,522
(1,982)

2013

(11,703)
2,608
7,211
(1,884)

Project assets and deferred project costs

Project assets and deferred project costs consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Project assets development costs, including project acquisition and land costs
Project assets construction costs
Project assets
Deferred project costs current
Deferred project costs noncurrent
Deferred project costs
Total project assets and deferred project costs

106

436,375
674,762
1,111,137
187,940

187,940
1,299,077

2014

379,373
408,402
787,775
29,354
22,573
51,927
839,702

Table of Contents
Other assets
Other assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Notes receivable (1)

Income taxes receivable
Deferred rent
Other
Other assets

12,648
4,071
23,317
29,686
69,722

2014

12,096
4,850
23,823
20,901

61,670

(1) On April 8, 2009 , we entered into a credit facility agreement with a solar power project entity of one of our customers for an available
amount of 17.5 million to provide financing for a PV solar power system. The credit facility replaced a bridge loan that we had
made to this entity. The credit facility bears interest at 8.0% per annum payable quarterly with the full amount due on
December 31, 2026. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the balance on the credit facility was 7.0 million ( $7.6 million and
$8.5 million , respectively, at the balance sheet dates). On February 7, 2014 , we entered into a convertible loan agreement with a
strategic entity for an available amount of up to $5.0 million . The loan bears interest at 8.0% per annum. As of December 31,
2015 and 2014 , the balance outstanding on the convertible loan was $5.0 million and $3.5 million respectively.
Accrued expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Accrued compensation and benefits

Accrued property, plant and equipment
Accrued inventory and balance of systems parts
Accrued project assets and deferred project costs
Product warranty liability (1)
Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses (1)
Other
Accrued expenses

63,699
7,808
53,542
145,695
38,468
5,040
95,200
409,452

2014

43,072
30,723
36,233
113,012
69,656
7,800
87,660
388,156

(1) See Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of Product warranty
liability and Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses.
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings was $87.9 million and $195.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and
represented billings made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion
method. Typically, billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement, and
the timing of revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer.
Payments and billings for deferred project costs
Payments and billings for deferred project costs was $28.6 million and $60.6 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively,
customer payments received or customer billings made under the terms of solar power project related sales contracts for which all revenue
recognition criteria for real estate transactions have not yet been met. The associated solar power project costs are included within deferred
project costs. We classify such amounts as current or noncurrent depending on when all revenue recognition criteria are expected to be met,
consistent with the classification of the associated deferred project costs.

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Other current liabilities
Other current liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Deferred revenue
Derivative instruments
Contingent consideration (1)
Financing liability (2)
Other
Other current liabilities

17,957
16,450
9,233
5,277
8,821
57,738

2014

21,879
7,657
36,817

22,311
88,664

(1) See Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements
for further discussion.
(2) See Note 12 Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures to our consolidated financial statements for further
discussion of the financing liabilities associated with our leaseback of the Maryland Solar project.
Other liabilities
Other liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Product warranty liability (1)

Other taxes payable
Contingent consideration (1)
Liability in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses (1)
Financing liability (2)
Other
Other liabilities

193,283
66,549
8,756
19,565
36,706
67,453
392,312

2014

153,401
82,555
17,077
23,139

44,412
320,584

(1) See Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on Product warranty
liability, Contingent consideration, and Liability in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses.
(2) See Note 12 Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures to our consolidated financial statements for further
discussion of the financing liabilities associated with our leaseback of the Maryland Solar project.
10. Derivative Financial Instruments
As a global company, we are exposed in the normal course of business to interest rate and foreign currency risks that could affect our
consolidated net assets, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We use derivative instruments to hedge against these risks and
only hold such instruments for hedging purposes, not for speculative or trading purposes.
Depending on the terms of the specific derivative instruments and market conditions, some of our derivative instruments may be assets and
others liabilities at any particular balance sheet date. We report all of our derivative instruments at fair value and account for changes in the fair
value of derivative instruments within Accumulated other comprehensive income if the derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting.
For those derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting (economic hedges), we record the changes in fair value directly to
earnings. See Note 11 Fair Value Measurements to our consolidated financial statements for information about the techniques we use to
measure the fair value of our derivative instruments.

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The following tables present the fair values of derivative instruments included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015
and 2014 (in thousands):
December 31, 2015
Prepaid Expenses
and Other
Current Assets

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange forward contracts
Cross-currency swap contract
Interest rate swap contract
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange forward contracts
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Total derivative instruments

Other Current
Liabilities

$
$
$

2,691
2,691
2,691

Other Liabilities

132
6,909
16
7,057

285
13,835

14,120

$
$
$

9,393
9,393
16,450

$
$
$

14,120

December 31, 2014

Prepaid Expenses
and Other
Current Assets

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange forward contracts
Cross-currency swap contract
Interest rate swap contract
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange forward contracts
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Total derivative instruments

Other Current
Liabilities

1,213

1,213

$
$
$

8,578
8,578
9,791

Other Liabilities

2,996
164
3,160

8,995
46
9,041

$
$
$

4,497
4,497
7,657

$
$
$

9,041

The impact of offsetting balances associated with derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments is shown below (in thousands):

Gross Asset
(Liability)

Foreign exchange forward

contracts
Cross-currency swap contract
Interest rate swap contract

$
$
$

(417)
(20,744)
(16)

Gross Offset in
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

December 31, 2015

Gross Amounts Not Offset in
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net Amount
Recognized in
Financial
Financial
Cash Collateral
Statements
Instruments
Pledged

(417)
(20,744)
(16)
109

Net Amount

$
$
$

(417)
(20,744)
(16)

Table of Contents

Gross Asset
(Liability)

Foreign exchange forward

contracts
Cross-currency swap contract
Interest rate swap contract

$
$
$

1,213
(11,991)
(210)

December 31, 2014

Gross Amounts Not Offset in
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net Amount
Recognized in
Financial
Financial
Cash Collateral
Statements
Instruments
Pledged

Gross Offset in
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

1,213
(11,991)
(210)

Net Amount

$
$
$

1,213
(11,991)
(210)

The following table presents the effective amounts related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges affecting accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) and our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in
thousands):
Foreign Exchange
Forward
Contracts

Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at

December 31, 2012
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts reclassified to net sales as a result of forecasted
transactions being probable of not occurring
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net
Interest expense, net
Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at
December 31, 2013
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Cost of sales
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net
Interest expense, net
Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at
December 31, 2014
Amounts reclassified to net sales as a result of forecasted
transactions being probable of not occurring
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Net sales
Cost of sales
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net
Interest expense, net
Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at
December 31, 2015

8,980
8,486

Interest Rate
Swap Contract

(13,115)

(8,031)
(6,666)

Total

(518)
1,790

794

8,426
451

8,426
1,245

(703)
12

(5,820)
(2,846)

(2,172)
(1,065)

481

5,050
217

501
5,050
698

6,621

(210)

(3,399)

3,012

(1,295)
832

23

(9,219)

(1,295)
(8,364)

(487)
(5,509)

171

10,135
466

(487)
(5,509)
10,135
637

4,351
1,769
501

(1,467)
(30)

Cross Currency
Swap Contract

162

(16)

(2,017)

(13,115)

(1,871)

We recorded no amounts related to ineffective portions of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges during the years
ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 . We recognized unrealized losses of $0.1 million , unrealized gains of $1.8 million , and
unrealized losses of $2.1 million related to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for our foreign exchange forward contracts designated
as cash flow hedges within Other expense, net during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.

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The following table presents amounts related to derivative instruments not designated as hedges affecting our consolidated statements of
operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands):
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
Instruments

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income

Foreign exchange forward contracts

Foreign exchange forward contracts
Foreign exchange forward contracts

Foreign currency (loss) gain, net

Cost of sales
Net sales

2015

(3,425)
12,422

2014

(8,066)
13,240

2013

6,063
(3,760)
5,324

Interest Rate Risk

We use cross-currency swap and interest rate swap contracts to mitigate our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with certain of
our debt instruments. We do not use such swap contracts for speculative or trading purposes.
On September 30, 2011, we entered into a cross-currency swap contract to hedge the floating rate foreign currency denominated loan under
our Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement. This swap had an initial notional value of Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) MYR 465.0 million and
entitled us to receive a three-month floating Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offered Rate (KLIBOR) interest rate while requiring us to pay a U.S.
dollar fixed rate of 3.495% . Additionally, this swap hedges the foreign currency risk of the Malaysian Ringgit denominated principal and
interest payments as we make swap payments in U.S. dollars and receive swap payments in Malaysian Ringgits at a fixed exchange rate of 3.19
MYR to USD. The notional amount of the swap is scheduled to decline in line with our scheduled principal payments on the underlying hedged
debt. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the notional value of this cross-currency swap contract was MYR 232.6 million ( $54.2 million ) and
MYR 310.1 million ( $88.6 million ), respectively. This swap is a derivative instrument that qualifies for accounting as a cash flow hedge in
accordance with ASC 815, and we designated it as such. We determined that this swap was highly effective as a cash flow hedge at
December 31, 2015 and 2014 . For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there were no amounts of ineffectiveness from this cash
flow hedge.
On May 29, 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap contract to hedge a portion of the floating rate loans under our Malaysian Credit
Facility, which became effective on September 30, 2009 with an initial notional value of 57.3 million and pursuant to which we are entitled to
receive a six-month floating Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) interest rate while being required to pay a fixed rate of 2.80% . The
notional amount of the interest rate swap contract is scheduled to decline in line with our scheduled principal payments on the underlying
hedged debt. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the notional value of this interest rate swap contract was 2.2 million ( $2.4 million ) and
10.3 million ( $12.5 million ), respectively. This derivative instrument qualifies for accounting as a cash flow hedge in accordance with
ASC 815, and we designated it as such. We determined that our interest rate swap contract was highly effective as a cash flow hedge at
December 31, 2015 and 2014 . For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , there were no amounts of ineffectiveness from this
cash flow hedge.
In the following 12 months, we expect to reclassify to earnings $0.7 million of net unrealized losses related to swap contracts that are
included in Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2015 as we realize the earnings effect of the underlying loans. The
amount we ultimately record to earnings will depend on the actual interest rates and foreign exchange rates when we realize the earnings effect
of the underlying loans.

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Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Cash Flow Exposure
We expect of our subsidiaries to have material future cash flows that will be denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries
functional currencies. Changes in the exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the other currencies in which
they transact will cause fluctuations in the cash flows we expect to receive or pay when these cash flows are realized or settled. Accordingly,
we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge a portion of these forecasted cash flows. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , these
foreign exchange forward contracts hedged our forecasted cash flows for 33 months and 6 months , respectively. These foreign exchange
forward contracts qualify for accounting as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated them as such. We initially report
the effective portion of a derivatives unrealized gain or loss in Accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassify
amounts into earnings when the hedged transaction occurs and impacts earnings. We determined that these derivative financial instruments
were highly effective as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , we
did not discontinue any cash flow hedges because a hedging relationship was no longer highly effective. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 ,
the notional values associated with our foreign exchange forward contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows (notional amounts
and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):
December 31, 2015
Currency

Indian rupee

Notional Amount

USD Equivalent

INR1,290.0

$19.4
December 31, 2014

Currency

Australian dollar
Japanese yen

Notional Amount

USD Equivalent

AUD 38.4
JPY1,223.2

$31.5
$10.3

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the unrealized gains on these contracts were $0.2 million and $6.6 million , respectively.
In the following 12 months, we expect to reclassify to earnings $0.1 million of net unrealized gains related to these forward contracts that
are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2015 as we realize the earnings effect of the related forecasted
transactions. The amount we ultimately record to earnings will depend on the actual exchange rates when we realize the related forecasted
transactions.
Transaction Exposure and Economic Hedging
Many of our subsidiaries have assets and liabilities (primarily cash, receivables, marketable securities, payables, debt, and solar module
collection and recycling liabilities) that are denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries functional currencies. Changes in the
exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the other currencies in which these assets and liabilities are
denominated will create fluctuations in our reported consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. We may enter into foreign exchange
forward contracts or other financial instruments to economically hedge assets and liabilities against the effects of currency exchange rate
fluctuations. The gains and losses on such foreign exchange forward contracts will economically offset all or part of the transaction gains and
losses that we recognize in earnings on the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
We purchase foreign exchange forward contracts to economically hedge balance sheet and other exposures related to transactions between
certain of our subsidiaries and transactions with third parties. Such contracts are considered economic hedges and do not qualify for hedge
accounting. We recognize gains or losses from the fluctuation in foreign exchange rates and the fair value of these derivative contracts in Net
sales, Cost of sales, and Foreign currency (loss) gain, net on our consolidated statements of operations, depending on where the gain or
loss from the economically hedged item is classified. As of December 31, 2015 , the total net unrealized loss on our economic hedge foreign
exchange forward contracts was $6.7 million . As of December 31, 2014 , the total net unrealized gain on our economic hedge foreign
exchange forward contracts was $4.1 million . As these amounts do not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value of such
derivative instruments are recorded directly to earnings. These contracts mature at dates within the next two years .

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As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the notional values of our foreign exchange forward contracts that do not qualify for hedge
accounting were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):
December 31, 2015
Transaction

Purchase
Sell
Purchase
Sell
Purchase
Sell
Sell
Sell
Purchase
Sell
Sell
Purchase
Sell

Currency

Euro
Euro
Australian dollar
Australian dollar
Malaysian ringgit
Malaysian ringgit
Canadian dollar
Japanese yen
British pound
British pound
Indian rupee
South African rand
South African rand

Notional Amount

USD Equivalent

42.0
150.1
AUD 41.1
AUD 89.0
MYR 61.4
MYR 80.7
CAD 4.5
JPY 8,448.7
GBP 11.1
GBP 16.0
INR 8,939.0
ZAR 41.1
ZAR 81.5

$45.9
$164.0
$29.9
$64.8
$14.3
$18.8
$3.2
$70.1
$16.5
$23.7
$134.6
$2.7
$5.3

December 31, 2014

Transaction

Purchase
Sell
Purchase
Sell
Purchase
Sell
Purchase
Sell
Purchase
Sell
Purchase
Sell

Currency

Euro
Euro
Australian dollar
Australian dollar
Malaysian ringgit
Malaysian ringgit
Canadian dollar
Canadian dollar
Japanese yen
Japanese yen
British pound
British pound

Notional Amount

USD Equivalent

91.1
92.4
AUD 26.0
AUD 118.0
MYR 146.0
MYR 93.6
CAD 0.7
CAD 8.3
JPY 244.6
JPY 2,322.1
GBP 1.4
GBP 37.7

$110.9
$112.5
$21.3
$96.7
$41.7
$26.7
$0.6
$7.1
$2.1
$19.5
$2.2
$58.6

11. Fair Value Measurements

The following is a description of the valuation techniques that we use to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities that we measure and
report at fair value on a recurring basis:

Cash equivalents. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our cash equivalents consisted of money market funds. We value our money
market cash equivalents using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics, and accordingly,
we classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 1.

Marketable securities and restricted investments. At December 31, 2015 , our marketable securities consisted of foreign debt and time
deposits, and our restricted investments consisted of foreign and U.S. government obligations. At December 31, 2014 , our marketable
securities consisted of foreign debt, time deposits, U.S. debt, and U.S. government obligations, and our restricted investments
consisted of foreign and U.S. government obligations. We value our marketable securities and restricted investments using observable
inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics or quoted prices for securities with similar characteristics
and other observable inputs (such as interest rates that are observable at commonly quoted intervals). Accordingly, we classify the
valuation techniques that use these inputs as either Level 1 or Level 2 depending on the inputs used. We also consider the effect of our
counterparties credit standings in these fair value measurements.

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Derivative assets and liabilities . At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our derivative assets and liabilities consisted of foreign exchange
forward contracts involving major currencies, an interest rate swap contract involving a benchmark of interest rates, and a crosscurrency swap contract including both. Since our derivative assets and liabilities are not traded on an exchange, we value them using
standard industry valuation models. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a
present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, credit risk, foreign exchange rates, and forward and
spot prices for currencies. These inputs are observable in active markets over the contract term of the derivative instruments we hold,
and accordingly, we classify these valuation techniques as Level 2. We consider the effect of our counterparties and our own credit
standing in the fair value measurements of our derivative assets and liabilities, respectively.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities that we measure on a recurring basis were as
follows (in thousands):
December 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting
Date Using
Quoted Prices
in Active
Significant
Markets for
Other
Significant
Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Assets
Inputs
Inputs
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)

Total Fair
Value and
Carrying
Value on Our
Balance Sheet

Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds
Marketable securities:
Foreign debt
Time deposits
Restricted investments
Derivative assets
Total assets
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities

330

330

663,454
40,000
326,114
2,691
1,032,589

30,570

40,000

40,330

Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities

1,602

1,602

462,731
40,000
2,800
3,501
357,235
9,791
877,660

16,698

114

663,454

326,114
2,691
992,259

30,570

December 31, 2014

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting
Date Using
Quoted Prices
in Active
Significant
Markets for
Other
Significant
Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Assets
Inputs
Inputs
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)

Total Fair
Value and
Carrying
Value on Our
Balance Sheet

Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds
Marketable securities:
Foreign debt
Time deposits
U.S debt
U.S. government obligations
Restricted investments
Derivative assets
Total assets

40,000

41,602

462,731

2,800
3,501
357,235
9,791
836,058

16,698

Table of Contents
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values and fair values of our financial and derivative instruments at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in
thousands):
December 31, 2015
Carrying
Fair
Value
Value

Assets:
Marketable securities
Foreign exchange forward contract assets
Restricted investments
Notes receivable noncurrent
Notes receivable, affiliates noncurrent
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, including current maturities
Interest rate swap contract liabilities
Cross-currency swap contract liabilities
Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities

December 31, 2014

Carrying
Fair
Value
Value

703,454
2,691
326,114
12,648
17,887

703,454
2,691
326,114
18,382
19,932

509,032
9,791
357,235
12,096
9,127

509,032
9,791
357,235
12,189
9,812

288,350
16
20,744
9,810

294,449
16
20,744
9,810

211,915
210
11,991
4,497

224,489
210
11,991
4,497

The carrying values on our consolidated balance sheets of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, unbilled accounts
receivable and retainage, current affiliate notes receivable, other assets, restricted cash, accounts payable, income taxes payable, and accrued
expenses approximated their fair values due to their nature and relatively short maturities; therefore, we excluded them from the foregoing
table.
We estimated the fair value of our long-term debt and notes receivable using a discounted cash flow approach (an income approach) or a
market approach based on observable market inputs. We incorporated the credit risk of our counterparty for all asset fair value measurements
and our own credit risk for all liability fair value measurements. Such fair value measurements are considered Level 2 under the fair value
hierarchy.
Credit Risk
We have certain financial and derivative instruments that subject us to credit risk. These consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents,
marketable securities, restricted cash and investments, trade accounts receivable, notes receivable, interest rate swap and cross-currency swap
contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our
financial and derivative instruments. We place cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, restricted cash and investments, interest rate swap
and cross-currency swap contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts with various high-quality financial institutions and limit the amount
of credit risk from any one counterparty. We continuously evaluate the credit standing of our counterparty financial institutions. Our net sales
are primarily concentrated among a limited number of customers. We monitor the financial condition of our customers and perform credit
evaluations whenever considered necessary. Depending upon the sales arrangement, we may require some form of payment security from our
customers, including bank guarantees or commercial letters of credit.

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12. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures
We have joint ventures or other strategic arrangements with partners in several markets, which are generally used to expedite our
penetration of those markets and establish relationships with potential customers. We also enter into joint ventures or strategic arrangements
with customers or other entities to maximize the value of particular projects. Some of these arrangements involve and are expected in the future
to involve significant investments or other allocations of capital. Investments in unconsolidated entities for which we have significant
influence, but not control, over the entities operating and financial activities are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Investments in entities for which we do not have the ability to exert such significant influence are accounted for under the cost method of
accounting. The following table summarizes our equity and cost method investments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
2015

Equity method investments

Cost method investments
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures

$
$

375,355
24,450
399,805

2014

$
$

249,614
5,415
255,029

8point3 Energy Partners LP

In June 2015, 8point3 Energy Partners LP (the Partnership), a limited partnership formed by First Solar and SunPower Corporation (the
Sponsors), completed its initial public offering (the IPO) of 20,000,000 Class A shares representing limited partner interests in the
Partnership at $21.00 per share pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended. As part of the IPO, the Sponsors contributed
various projects to 8point3 Operating Company, LLC (OpCo) in exchange for voting and economic interests in the entity, and the Partnership
acquired an economic interest in OpCo using proceeds from the IPO. Our contributions to OpCo included our 49% membership interests in
SG2 Holdings, LLC; Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC; and NS Solar Holdings, LLC as well as our 100% membership interest in Maryland
Solar LLC.
After the closing of the IPO, we owned an aggregate of 22,116,925 Class B shares representing a 31% voting interest in the Partnership,
and an aggregate of 6,721,810 common units and 15,395,115 subordinated units in OpCo together representing a 31% economic and voting
interest in the entity. We also received a distribution from OpCo of $283.7 million following the IPO. Future quarterly distributions from OpCo
are subject to certain forbearance and subordination periods. During the forbearance period, the Sponsors have agreed to forego any
distributions declared on their common and subordinated units. The forbearance period will end on or after March 1, 2016 when the board of
directors of the Partnerships general partner, 8point3 General Partner, LLC (General Partner), with the concurrence of its conflicts
committee, determines that OpCo will be able to earn and pay at least the minimum quarterly distribution on each of its outstanding common
and subordinated units for such quarter and the successive quarter.
During the subordination period, holders of the subordinated units are not entitled to receive any distributions until the common units have
received their minimum quarterly distribution plus any arrearages in the payment of minimum distributions from prior quarters. The
subordination period will end after OpCo has earned and paid minimum quarterly distributions for three years ending on or after August 31,
2018 and there are no outstanding arrearages on common units. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subordination period could end after OpCo
has earned and paid 150% of minimum quarterly distributions, plus the related distribution on the incentive distribution rights, for one year
ending on or after August 31, 2016 and there are no outstanding arrearages on common units. At the end of the subordination period, all
subordinated units will convert to common units on a one-for-one basis. We also hold certain incentive distribution rights in OpCo, which
represent a right to incremental distributions after certain distribution thresholds are met.
The Partnership is managed and controlled by its General Partner, and we account for our interest in OpCo, a subsidiary of the Partnership,
under the equity method of accounting as we are able to exercise significant influence over the Partnership due to our representation on the
board of directors of its General Partner. The Partnership owns, operates, and is expected to acquire additional solar energy generation projects
from the Sponsors. The Partnerships initial project portfolio includes interests in more than 0.4 GW of various solar energy generation
projects, and the Partnership also has rights of first offer on interests in over 1.1 GW of additional solar energy generation projects that are
currently contracted or are expected to be contracted prior to being sold by the Sponsors.

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Under the equity method of accounting, we recognize equity in earnings for our proportionate share of OpCos net income or loss
including adjustments for the amortization of a $45.5 million basis difference resulting from the cost of our investment differing from our
proportionate share of OpCos equity. We recognized equity in earnings, net of tax, from our investment in OpCo of $20.8 million for the year
ended December 31, 2015 . As of December 31, 2015 , the carrying value of our investment in OpCo was $152.5 million .
In connection with the IPO, we entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of the Partnership to lease back the Maryland Solar project
until December 31, 2019. Under the terms of the agreement, we will make fixed rent payments to the Partnerships subsidiary and be entitled to
all the energy generated by the project. Due to our continuing involvement with the project, we account for the leaseback agreement as a
financing transaction. As of December 31, 2015 , our financing obligation associated with the leaseback was $42.0 million , of which $5.3
million and $36.7 million was classified as Other current liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets.
We have also entered into a Management Services Agreement with the Partnership whereby we will provide certain corporate support
services for an annual management fee of $0.6 million , which is consistent with the prevailing market rates for such services. These services
include functions such as general oversight and supervision of the preparation and filing of income taxes, information technology, internal audit
and compliance services, and other management functions. Between December 1, 2015 and November 30, 2016, we have the one-time right to
increase the management fee by an amount not to exceed 15% in the event that our costs exceed the amount of the management fee.
Additionally, we entered into various Asset Management Agreements with project entities of the Partnership. Under each agreement, we
will provide administrative services to the project entities for an annual fee of $0.3 million , which increases by 2% per year thereafter. These
asset management fees are also consistent with the prevailing market rates for such services.
We also provide O&M services to certain of the Partnerships partially owned project entities, including SG2 Holdings, LLC; Lost Hills
Blackwell Holdings, LLC; and NS Solar Holdings, LLC. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we recognized revenue of $2.6 million
for such O&M services.
In June 2015, OpCo entered into a $525.0 million senior secured credit facility, consisting of a $300.0 million term loan facility, a $25.0
million delayed draw term loan facility, and a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the OpCo Credit Facility). Proceeds from the term loan
were used to make initial distributions to the Sponsors. The OpCo Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of the Sponsors equity interests in
OpCo.
SG2 Holdings, LLC
In November 2014, we completed the sale of 51% of our 150 MW Solar Gen 2 project to a subsidiary of Southern Power Company. The
Solar Gen 2 project spans three sites, each of which is an approximately 50 MW grid-connected PV solar power system, comprising a
combined 1,451 acres of land in Imperial County, California. Electricity generated by the systems is contracted to serve a 25 -year PPA with a
local utility company. Our remaining 49% membership interest in the project holding company, SG2 Holdings, LLC, was accounted for under
the equity method of accounting as we were able to exercise significant influence over the project due to our representation on its management
committee. Under the terms of the project LLC agreement, each member is entitled to receive cash distributions based on their respective
membership interests, and Southern Power Company is entitled to substantially all of the projects federal tax benefits. In June 2015, our 49%
interest in SG2 Holdings, LLC with a carrying value of $224.5 million was contributed to OpCo. Prior to the contribution, we recognized
equity in earnings, net of tax, from our investment in SG2 Holdings, LLC of $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. As of
December 31, 2014 , the carrying value of our investment was $219.9 million .
Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC
In April 2015, we sold 51% of our 32 MW Lost Hills Blackwell project to a subsidiary of Southern Power Company. Electricity generated
by the system is contracted to serve a short-term PPA with a local municipality and a 25 -year PPA with a local utility company. Our remaining
49% membership interest in the project holding company, Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC, was accounted for under the equity method of
accounting as we were able to exercise significant influence over the project due to our representation on its management committee. Under the
terms of the project LLC agreement, each member is entitled to receive cash distributions based on their respective membership interests, and
Southern Power Company is entitled to substantially all of the projects federal tax benefits. In June 2015, our 49% interest in Lost Hills
Blackwell Holdings, LLC with a carrying value of $34.1 million was contributed to OpCo. Prior to the contribution, we recognized equity in
earnings, net of tax, from our investment in Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC of $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

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NS Solar Holdings, LLC
In April 2015, we also sold 51% of our 60 MW North Star Solar project to a subsidiary of Southern Power Company. Electricity generated
by the system is contracted to serve a 20 -year PPA with a local utility company. Our remaining 49% membership interest in the project holding
company, NS Solar Holdings, LLC, was accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we were able to exercise significant influence
over the project due to our representation on its management committee. Under the terms of the project LLC agreement, each member is
entitled to receive cash distributions based on their respective membership interests, and Southern Power Company is entitled to substantially
all of the projects federal tax benefits. In June 2015, our 49% interest in NS Solar Holdings, LLC with a carrying value of $93.6 million was
contributed to OpCo. Prior to the contribution, we recognized a loss, net of tax, from our investment in NS Solar Holdings, LLC of less than
$0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015.
Desert Stateline Holdings, LLC
In August 2015, we sold 51% of our partially constructed 300 MW Desert Stateline project to a subsidiary of Southern Power Company.
Electricity generated by the system is contracted to serve a 20 -year PPA with a local utility company. Our remaining 49% membership interest
in the project holding company, Desert Stateline Holdings, LLC, is accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we are able to
exercise significant influence over the project due to our representation on its management committee. Under the terms of the project LLC
agreement, each member is entitled to receive cash distributions based on their respective membership interests, and Southern Power Company
is entitled to substantially all of the projects federal tax benefits. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we recognized no equity in
earnings from our investment in Desert Stateline Holdings, LLC. As of December 31, 2015 , the carrying value of our investment was $196.9
million .
Clean Energy Collective, LLC
In November 2014, we entered into various agreements to purchase a minority ownership interest in Clean Energy Collective, LLC
(CEC). This investment provided us with additional access to the distributed generation market and a partner to develop and market
community solar offerings to North American residential customers and businesses directly on behalf of client utility companies. As part of the
investment, we also received a warrant, valued at $1.8 million , to purchase additional ownership interests at prices at or above our initial
investment price per unit.
In addition to our equity investment in CEC, we also entered into a loan agreement to provide CEC with term loan advances up to $15.0
million . All loans are due in November 2017 on the third anniversary of the initial loan agreement. Interest is payable semiannually at rates
ranging from 7% to 16% depending on CECs current capital structure. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the balance outstanding on the
loans was $15.0 million and $9.1 million , respectively.
CEC is considered a variable interest entity, and our 27% ownership interest in and loans to the company are considered variable interests.
We account for our investment in CEC under the equity method of accounting as we concluded we are not the primary beneficiary of the
company given that we do not have the power to make decisions over the activities that most significantly impact the companys economic
performance. Under the equity method of accounting, we recognize equity in earnings for our proportionate share of CECs net income or loss
including adjustments for the amortization of a basis difference resulting from the cost of our investment differing from our proportionate share
of CECs equity. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we recognized losses, net of tax, of $1.9 million and $0.3 million ,
respectively, from our investment in CEC. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying value of our investment was $16.1 million and
$19.5 million , respectively.
Joint Venture with Customer
In September 2013, we contributed an immaterial amount for a 50% ownership interest in a newly formed joint venture, which was
established to develop solar power projects in Europe, North Africa, the United States, and the Middle East. One of our customers also
contributed an immaterial amount for the remaining 50% ownership interest in the joint venture. The project development and related activities
of the entity are governed by a joint venture agreement. The intent of this agreement is to outline the general parameters of the arrangement
with our customer, whereby we will supply solar modules for various solar power projects and our customer will develop and construct the
projects. The joint venture agreement also requires each party to consent to all decisions related to the most significant activities of the entity.
There are no requirements for us to make further contributions to the joint venture, and the proceeds from the sale of any future projects are to
be divided equally between us and our customer after the repayment of any project financing and project development related costs.

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In 2014 and 2015, we subsequently entered into various loan agreements with solar power project entities of the joint venture pursuant to
which the project entities may borrow funds for the construction of PV solar power systems in the United Kingdom. The loans bear interest at
rates ranging from 6% to 8% per annum and are payable at the earlier of the sale of the associated project entities or maturity in June 2016 or
December 2018, depending on the terms of the individual loan. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the balance outstanding on the loans was
2.8 million ( $4.2 million ) and 8.0 million ( $12.5 million ), respectively.
The joint venture is considered a variable interest entity, and our ownership interest in and loans to the project entities of the joint venture
are considered variable interests. We account for our investment in the joint venture under the equity method of accounting as we concluded we
are not the primary beneficiary of the joint venture given that we currently share the power to make the decisions that most significantly impact
the entitys economic performance. The variable interest model may require a reconsideration as to whether we are the primary beneficiary of
the variable interest entity due to changes in facts and circumstances. A failure of a project entity to repay its loan agreements by their
respective maturity dates would be an event of default, if uncured, that triggers our ability to take over key decisions that would significantly
impact the defaulting project entitys economic performance. Our specific rights in the event of default would include (i) a unilateral right to
terminate the EPC contractor, (ii) a unilateral right to negotiate the sale of the project, and (iii) an ability to enforce our rights over all of the
project entitys shares, which have been pledged as a form of security. Such a development would be a reconsideration event that could result in
us concluding that we are the primary beneficiary of the defaulting project entity.
Summarized Financial Information
The following table presents summarized financial information, in the aggregate, for our significant equity method investees, as provided
to us by the investees (in thousands):
Fiscal 2015

Summary statement of operations information:

Net sales
Operating loss
Net income
Net income attributable to equity method investees

7,099
(555)
8,936
111,135
As of Fiscal 2015

Summary balance sheet information:

Current assets
Long-term assets
Current liabilities
Long-term liabilities
Noncontrolling interests, including redeemable noncontrolling interests

70,135
1,938,785
150,313
309,169
101,520

13. Percentage-of-Completion Changes in Estimates

We recognize revenue for certain systems business sales arrangements under the percentage-of-completion method. The percentage-ofcompletion method of revenue recognition requires us to make estimates of net contract revenues and costs to complete our projects. In making
such estimates, management judgments are required to evaluate significant assumptions including the amount of net contract revenues, the cost
of materials and labor, expected labor productivity, the impact of potential variances in schedule completion, and the impact of any penalties,
claims, change orders, or performance incentives. If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the net contract revenues, we
recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of the revisions to estimates related to net
contract revenues and costs to complete contracts are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and the amounts
can be reasonably estimated.

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Changes in estimates for systems business sales arrangements accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method occur for a
variety of reasons, including but not limited to (i) construction plan accelerations or delays, (ii) module cost forecast changes, (iii) cost related
change orders, and (iv) changes in other information used to estimate costs. Changes in estimates could have a material effect on our
consolidated statements of operations. The table below outlines the impact on gross profit of the aggregate net changes in systems business
contract estimates (both increases and decreases) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 as well as the number of projects that
comprise such aggregate net changes in estimates. For purposes of the following table, we only include projects with changes in estimates that
have a net impact on gross profit of at least $1.0 million during the periods presented. Also included in the table is the net change in estimates
as a percentage of the aggregate gross profit for such projects.
2015

Number of projects
Increases (decreases) in gross profit resulting from net changes in estimates (in thousands)
Net change in estimate as percentage of aggregate gross profit for associated projects

6
31,928
3.4%

2014

9
40,118
1.6%

14. Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability

We established a voluntary module collection and recycling program to collect and recycle modules sold and covered under such program
once the modules reach the end of their useful lives. Historically, we included a description of our module collection and recycling obligations
in customer sales contracts covered under the program. Based on the terms of these contracts, we agreed to cover the costs for the collection
and recycling of qualifying solar modules, and the end-users agreed to notify us, disassemble their solar power systems, package the solar
modules for shipment, and revert ownership rights over the modules back to us at the end of the modules service lives.
For modules covered under this program, we record our collection and recycling obligation within Cost of sales at the time of sale based
on the estimated cost to collect and recycle the covered solar modules. We estimate the cost of our collection and recycling obligations based
on the present value of the expected probability weighted future cost of collecting and recycling the solar modules, which includes estimates for
the cost of packaging materials, the cost of freight from the solar module installation sites to a recycling center, the material, labor, capital
costs, and scale of recycling centers, and an estimated third-party profit margin and return on risk for collection and recycling services. We base
these estimates on (i) our experience collecting and recycling our solar modules, (ii) the expected timing of when our solar modules will be
returned for recycling, and (iii) expected economic conditions at the time the solar modules will be collected and recycled. In the periods
between the time of sale and the related settlement of the collection and recycling obligation, we accrete the carrying amount of the associated
liability by applying the discount rate used for its initial measurement. We classify accretion as an operating expense within Selling, general
and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of operations. We periodically review our estimates of expected future recycling
costs and may adjust our liability accordingly.
During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we completed our annual cost study of obligations under our module collection and recycling
program based on newly implemented recycling technologies at our manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio and reduced our associated
liability by $80.0 million . The new recycling technology represents a significant improvement over previous technologies and contains a
continuous flow recycling process, which increases the throughput of modules able to be recycled at a point in time. Such process
improvements also result in corresponding reductions in capital, chemical, labor, maintenance, and other general recycling costs, which further
contribute to the reduction in the recycling rate per module and corresponding change in the liability.
Our module collection and recycling liability was $163.4 million and $246.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we recognized a benefit of $67.6 million to cost of sales and a benefit of $4.4 million to accretion
expense from the reduction in our module collection and recycling liability, net of the incremental costs associated with the program. During
the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , we recognized $30.7 million and $15.1 million , respectively, in cost of sales for the estimated
costs of collection and recycling for modules sold during the period. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , we also recognized
accretion expense of $7.5 million and $4.6 million , respectively, associated with our module collection and recycling liability. A 1% increase in
the annualized inflation rate used in our estimated future collection and recycling cost per module would increase our liability by $36.7
million , and a 1% decrease in that rate would decrease our liability by $30.7 million . The percentage of modules sold that were subject to our
solar module collection and recycling liability was 1% and 56% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
See Note 8 Restricted Cash and Investments to our consolidated financial statements for more information about our arrangements for
funding this liability.
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15. Debt
Our long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
Balance (USD)
Loan Agreement

Revolving credit facility

Project construction credit facilities
Malaysian ringgit facility agreement
Malaysian euro facility agreement
Malaysian facility agreement
Capital lease obligations
Long-term debt principal
Less: unamortized discount and issuance costs
Total long-term debt
Less: current portion
Noncurrent portion

Maturity

Loan
Denomination

July 2018
Various
September 2018
April 2018
March 2016
Various

USD
Various
MYR
EUR
EUR
Various

2015

218,183
54,175
21,869
5,100
1,065
300,392
(10,977)
289,415
(38,090)
251,325

2014

75,418
88,606
34,112
25,818
1,558
225,512
(12,039)
213,473
(51,399)
162,074

Revolving Credit Facility

Our amended and restated credit agreement with several financial institutions as lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as
administrative agent provides us with a senior secured credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) with an aggregate available amount of
$700.0 million , with the right to request an increase up to $900.0 million , subject to certain conditions. Borrowings under the Revolving
Credit Facility bear interest at (i) LIBOR (adjusted for Eurocurrency reserve requirements) plus a margin of 2.25% or (ii) a base rate as defined
in the credit agreement plus a margin of 1.25%, depending on the type of borrowing requested . These margins are subject to adjustment
depending on our consolidated leverage ratio. We had no borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
We had issued $191.6 million and $202.5 million of letters of credit using availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, leaving $508.4
million and $397.5 million of availability at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Loans and letters of credit issued under the Revolving
Credit Facility are jointly and severally guaranteed by First Solar, Inc.; First Solar Electric, LLC; First Solar Electric (California), Inc.; and
First Solar Development, LLC and are secured by security interest in substantially all of the grantors tangible and intangible assets other than
certain excluded assets.
The credit agreement contains financial covenants including: a leverage ratio covenant, a minimum EBITDA covenant, and a minimum
liquidity covenant. Additionally, the credit agreement contains customary non-financial covenants and certain restrictions on our ability to pay
dividends. We were in compliance with all covenants of the facility as of December 31, 2015 .
In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Revolving Credit Facility, we are required to pay a commitment fee at a
rate of 0.375% per annum, based on the average daily unused commitments under the facility. The commitment fee may also be adjusted due to
changes in our consolidated leverage ratio. We also pay a letter of credit fee based on the applicable margin for Eurocurrency revolving loans
on the face amount of each letter of credit and a fronting fee of 0.125% .
In June 2015, we entered into the fifth amendment (the Amendment) to the Revolving Credit Facility. The Amendment provided for,
among other things, the conversion of the prior tranche B revolving commitments into tranche A revolving commitments, an increase in the
aggregate commitment amount to $700.0 million , and a maturity date of July 15, 2018. The Amendment also contained changes to certain
terms, restrictions, and covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility and provided us with the right to increase the commitments under the facility
up to $900.0 million .

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Project Construction Credit Facilities
Chile
In August 2014, Parque Solar Fotovoltaico Luz del Norte SpA (Luz del Norte), our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into credit
facilities with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to provide limitedrecourse senior secured debt financing in an aggregate principal amount of up to $290.0 million for the design, development, financing,
construction, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of a 141 MW PV solar power plant located near Copiap, Chile. In
September 2015, Luz del Norte reduced the borrowing capacity on the credit facilities to $238.0 million .
Up to $178.0 million of the aggregate principal amount of the loans will be funded by OPIC. The OPIC commitment is comprised of fixed
rate loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $133.3 million and variable rate loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $44.7
million . The fixed rate loans mature on September 15, 2029 , and the variable rate loans mature on September 15, 2032 . As of December 31,
2015 and 2014 , the balances outstanding on the OPIC loans were $125.1 million and $47.3 million , respectively.
Up to $60.0 million of the aggregate principal amount of the loans will be funded by IFC. The IFC commitment is comprised of fixed rate
loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $44.9 million and variable rate loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $15.1 million .
The fixed rate loans mature on September 15, 2029 , and the variable rate loans mature on September 15, 2032 . As of December 31, 2015 and
2014 , the balances outstanding on the IFC loans were $42.2 million and $16.0 million , respectively.
The OPIC and IFC loans are secured by liens over all of Luz del Nortes assets, which had an aggregate book value of $388.9 million ,
including intercompany charges, as of December 31, 2015 and by a pledge of all of the equity interests in the entity. The financing agreements
contain customary representations and warranties, covenants, and events of default for comparable credit facilities. We were in compliance with
all covenants related to the Luz del Norte Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2015 .
In August 2014, Luz del Norte also entered into a Chilean peso facility (VAT facility and together with the OPIC and IFC loans, the
Luz del Norte Credit Facilities) equivalent to $65.0 million with Banco de Crdito e Inversiones to fund Chilean value added tax associated
with the construction of the Luz del Norte project described above. In connection with the VAT facility, FSI provided a guaranty of
substantially all payment obligations of Luz del Norte thereunder. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the balance outstanding on the VAT
facility was $40.4 million and $12.2 million , respectively.
Japan
In September 2015, First Solar Japan GK, our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a construction loan facility with Mizuho Bank Ltd.
for borrowings up to 4.0 billion ( $33.2 million ) for the development and construction of utility-scale PV solar power plants in Japan (the
Japan Credit Facility). The facility matures in September 2016 and is renewable for an additional one-year period at the option of First Solar
Japan GK, subject to certain conditions including timely payment of interest and compliance with all covenants. The facility is guaranteed by
FSI and secured by pledges of certain projects cash accounts and other rights in the projects. The facility contains customary representations
and warranties, covenants, and events of default for comparable construction loan facilities in Japan. As of December 31, 2015 , the balance
outstanding on the facility was $5.3 million . We were in compliance with all covenants related to the Japan Credit Facility as of December 31,
2015 .
India
In March 2015, Marikal Solar Parks Private Limited and Mahabubnagar Solar Parks Private Limited, our indirect wholly-owned
subsidiaries, entered into term loan facilities with Axis Bank, as administrative agent, for combined aggregate borrowings up to 1.1 billion
( $16.6 million ) for the development and construction of two 10 MW PV solar power plants located in Telangana, India (the India Credit
Facilities). The term loan facilities have a combined letter of credit sub-limit of 0.8 billion ( $12.0 million ), which may also be used to
support construction activities. As of December 31, 2015 , we had issued 0.8 billion ( $11.3 million ) of letters of credit under the facilities.
The term loan facilities mature in December 2028 and are secured by certain assets of the borrowers, which had an aggregate book value of
$90.3 million , including intercompany charges, as of December 31, 2015 and a pledge of a portion of the equity interests in the borrowers. The
India Credit Facilities contain various financial covenants, including leverage ratio covenants, a debt service ratio covenant, and a fixed asset
coverage ratio covenant. As of December 31, 2015 , the balance outstanding on the term loan facilities was $5.2 million . We were in
compliance with all covenants associated with the India Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2015 .

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Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement
FS Malaysia, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a credit facility agreement (Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement),
among FSI as guarantor, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad, and RHB Investment Bank Berhad as arrangers
with CIMB Investment Bank Berhad also acting as facility agent and security agent, and the original lenders party thereto. The loans made to
FS Malaysia are secured by, among other things, FS Malaysias leases for the lots on which our fifth and sixth manufacturing plants in Kulim,
Malaysia (Plants 5 and 6) are located and all plant, machinery, and equipment purchased by FS Malaysia with the proceeds of the facility or
otherwise installed in or utilized in Plants 5 and 6, to the extent not financed, or subject to a negative pledge under a separate financing facility
related to Plants 5 and 6. In addition, FS Malaysias obligations under the Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement are guaranteed, on an
unsecured basis, by FSI. As of December 31, 2015 , buildings, machinery, equipment, and land leases with an aggregate net book value of
$240.8 million were pledged as collateral for this loan.
The Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement contains negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the
ability of FS Malaysia to incur indebtedness, create liens, effect asset sales, engage in reorganizations, issue guarantees, and make loans. In
addition, the agreement includes financial covenants relating to a net total leverage ratio, an interest coverage ratio, a total debt to equity ratio, a
debt service coverage ratio, and tangible net worth. It also contains certain representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of
default provisions. We were in compliance with all covenants associated with the Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement as of December 31,
2015 .
Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement
FS Malaysia entered into a credit facility agreement (Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement) with Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft and
Natixis Zweigniederlassung Deutschland as arrangers and original lenders, and Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Luxembourg Branch as
facility agent and security agent. In connection with the Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, FSI concurrently entered into a first demand
guarantee agreement in favor of the lenders. Under this agreement, FS Malaysias obligations related to the credit facility are guaranteed, on an
unsecured basis, by FSI. At the same time, FS Malaysia and FSI also entered into a subordination agreement, pursuant to which any payment
claims of FSI against FS Malaysia are subordinated to the claims of the lenders.
The Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement contains negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the
ability of FS Malaysia to grant liens over the equipment financed by the facilities, effect asset sales, provide guarantees, change its business,
engage in mergers, consolidations, and restructurings, and enter into contracts with FSI and its subsidiaries. In addition, the agreement includes
the following financial covenants: a maximum total debt to equity ratio, a maximum total leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio,
and a minimum debt service coverage ratio. It also contains certain representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default
provisions. We were in compliance with all covenants associated with the Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement through December 31, 2015 .
Malaysian Facility Agreement
FS Malaysia entered into an export financing facility agreement (Malaysian Facility Agreement) with a consortium of banks. FS
Malaysias obligations related to the agreement are guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, by FSI. In connection with the Malaysian Facility
Agreement, all of FS Malaysias obligations are secured by a first party, first legal charge over the machinery and equipment financed by the
credit facilities, and any other documents, contracts, and agreements related to that machinery and equipment. Also in connection with the
agreement, any payment claims of FSI against FS Malaysia are subordinated to the claims of the lenders. At December 31, 2015 , machinery
and equipment with an aggregate net book value of $1.0 million was pledged as collateral for these loans.
The Malaysian Facility Agreement contains negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability
of FS Malaysia to incur indebtedness, create liens, effect asset sales, engage in reorganizations, issue guarantees, and make loans. In addition,
the Malaysian Facility Agreement includes financial covenants relating to a net total leverage ratio, an interest coverage ratio, a total debt to
equity ratio, a debt service coverage ratio, and tangible net worth. The Malaysian Facility Agreement also contains certain representations and
warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default provisions. We were in compliance with all covenants associated with the Malaysian
Facility Agreement as of December 31, 2015 .

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Variable Interest Rate Risk
Certain of our long-term debt agreements bear interest at prime, Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR), KLIBOR, LIBOR, Tokyo
Interbank Offered Rate (TIBOR), or equivalent variable rates. A disruption of the credit environment, as previously experienced, could
negatively impact interbank lending and, therefore, negatively impact these floating rates. An increase in EURIBOR would impact our cost of
borrowing under our entire Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, but would not impact our cost of borrowing of the floating-rate term loan
under our Malaysian Facility Agreement as we entered into an interest rate swap contract to mitigate such risk. An increase in KLIBOR would
not increase our cost of borrowing under our Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement as we entered into a cross-currency swap contract to
mitigate such risk. An increase in prime, London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), TIBOR, or equivalent variable rates would increase our
cost of borrowing under our Revolving Credit Facility and various Project Construction Credit Facilities.
Our long-term debt borrowing rates as of December 31, 2015 were as follows:
Loan Agreement

Revolving Credit Facility

Luz del Norte Credit Facilities

Japan Credit Facility

India Credit Facilities
Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement
Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement
Malaysian Facility Agreement (1)
Capital lease obligations

Borrowing Rate at December 31, 2015

2.86%
Fixed rate loans at bank rate plus 3.50%
Variable rate loans at 91-Day U.S. Treasury Bill Yield or LIBOR plus
3.50%
VAT loans at bank rate plus 1.30%
TIBOR plus 0.5%
Bank rate plus 2.35%
KLIBOR plus 2.00% (2)
EURIBOR plus 1.00%
Fixed rate facility at 4.54%
Floating rate facility at EURIBOR plus 0.55% (2)
Various

(1) Outstanding balance split equally between fixed and floating rates.
(2) Interest rate hedges have been entered into relating to these variable rates. See Note 10 Derivative
Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements.
During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , we paid $15.2 million , $7.6 million , and $9.3 million , respectively, of
interest related to our long-term debt arrangements.
Future Principal Payments
At December 31, 2015 , the future principal payments on our long-term debt, excluding payments related to capital leases, were due as
follows (in thousands):
Total Debt

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total long-term debt future principal payments

124

38,331
29,419
67,692
5,785
11,930
146,170
299,327

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16. Commitments and Contingencies
Commercial Commitments
During the normal course of business, we enter into commercial commitments in the form of letters of credit, bank guarantees, and surety
bonds to provide financial and performance assurance to third parties. Our Revolving Credit Facility provides us with an aggregate available
amount of $700.0 million , with a sub-limit of $500.0 million to issue letters of credit subject to certain limits depending on the currencies of
the letters of credit, at a fee based on the applicable margin for Eurocurrency revolving loans and a fronting fee. As of December 31, 2015 , we
had $191.6 million in letters of credit issued under our Revolving Credit Facility, leaving $308.4 million of availability which can be used for
the issuance of letters of credit. The majority of these letters of credit were supporting our systems business projects. As of December 31,
2015 , we also had $16.8 million in bank guarantees and letters of credit under separate agreements that were posted by certain of our foreign
subsidiaries, $103.2 million of letters of credit issued under two bilateral facilities, of which $71.5 million was secured with cash, and $154.0
million in surety bonds outstanding primarily for our systems business projects. The available bonding capacity under our surety lines was
$639.0 million as of December 31, 2015 .
Lease Commitments
We lease our corporate headquarters in Tempe, Arizona and administrative, research and development, business development, customer
support, and government affairs offices throughout the United States and the rest of the world under noncancelable operating leases. These
leases may require us to pay property taxes, common area maintenance, and certain other costs in addition to base rent. We also lease certain
machinery and equipment under operating and capital leases. Future minimum payments under all of our noncancelable leases are as follows as
of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

2016
Gross operating
lease obligations $
Sublease income
Net operating
lease obligations
Capital leases
Total

18,273

2017
$

16,025

(1,449)

(1,449)

16,824

14,576

540

420

17,364

14,996

2018
$

13,733

2019
$

(906)

2020

10,505

5,378

Total
Minimum
Lease
Payments

Thereafter
$

104,860

12,827

10,505

5,378

104,860

164,970

97

65

1,122

10,570

5,378

104,860

Less
Current
Portion of
Capital
Leases

Noncurrent
Portion of
Capital Leases

168,774

12,924

Less Amounts
Representing
Interest

Present
Value of
Minimum
Lease
Payments

(3,804)

(57)

1,065

(374)

691

166,092

Our rent expense was $22.5 million , $18.0 million , and $14.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 ,
respectively.
Purchase Commitments
We purchase raw materials for inventory, construction materials, various services, and manufacturing equipment from a variety of vendors.
During the normal course of business, in order to manage manufacturing and construction lead times and help assure an adequate supply of
certain items, we enter into agreements with suppliers that either allow us to procure goods and services when we choose or that establish
purchase requirements over the term of the agreement. In certain instances, the agreements with purchase requirements allow us the option to
cancel, reschedule, or adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to firm orders being placed. Consequently, only a portion of
our purchase commitments are firm, noncancelable, enforceable, and legally binding. At December 31, 2015 , our obligations under such
agreements were $789.7 million , of which $35.2 million was for commitments related to capital expenditures. $736.0 million of our purchase
obligations are due in 2016 .
Product Warranties
When we recognize revenue for module or systems sales, we accrue liabilities for the estimated future costs of meeting our limited
warranty obligations for both modules and the balance of the systems. We make and revise these estimates based primarily on the number of
our solar modules under warranty installed at customer locations, our historical experience with warranty claims, our monitoring of field
installation sites, our internal testing of and the expected future performance of our solar modules and BoS components, and our estimated
replacement costs.

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From time to time, we have taken remediation actions with respect to affected modules beyond our limited warranties, and we may elect to
do so in the future, in which case we would incur additional expenses. Such potential voluntary future remediation actions beyond our limited
warranty obligations could be material to our consolidated statements of operations if we commit to any such remediation actions.
Product warranty activities during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
2015

Product warranty liability, beginning of period

Accruals for new warranties issued
Settlements
Changes in estimate of product warranty liability
Product warranty liability, end of period

Current portion of warranty liability

Noncurrent portion of warranty liability

2014

223,057
50,040
(13,392)
(27,954)
231,751

$
$

38,468
193,283

2013

198,041
40,599
(16,721)
1,138
223,057

191,596
35,985
(33,499)
3,959
198,041

$
$

69,656
153,401

$
$

67,097
130,944

We have historically estimated our limited product warranty liability for power output and defects in materials and workmanship under
normal use and service conditions to have a warranty return rate of approximately 3% of modules covered under warranty. A 1% change in the
estimated warranty return rate would change our module warranty liability by $71.5 million , and a 1% change in the estimated warranty return
rate for BoS components would not have a material impact on the associated warranty liability.
Accrued Expenses in Excess of Product Warranty
We may also accrue expenses for the cost of any voluntary remediation programs beyond our normal product warranty. As of
December 31, 2015 and 2014 , accrued expenses in excess of our product warranty were $24.6 million and $30.9 million , respectively, of
which $5.0 million and $7.8 million , respectively, were classified as current and included in Accrued expenses on our consolidated balance
sheets and $19.6 million and $23.1 million , respectively, were classified as noncurrent and included in Other liabilities on our consolidated
balance sheets. Our estimates for such remediation programs are based on an evaluation of available information including the estimated
number of potentially affected solar modules, historical experience related to our remediation efforts, customer-provided data related to
potentially affected systems, estimated costs for performing removal, replacement, and logistical services, and any post-sale expenses covered
under our voluntary remediation program. If any of our estimates prove incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses.
Performance Guarantees
As part of our systems business, we conduct performance testing of a system prior to substantial completion to confirm the system meets
its operational and capacity expectations noted in the EPC agreement. In addition, we may provide an energy performance test during the first
year of a systems operation to demonstrate that the actual energy generation for the first year meets or exceeds the modeled energy
expectation, after certain adjustments. If there is an underperformance event with regards to these tests, we may incur liquidated damages as a
percentage of the EPC contract price. In certain instances, a bonus payment may be received at the end of the first year if the system performs
above a specified level. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we accrued $0.3 million and $4.3 million , respectively, of estimated obligations
under such arrangements, which were classified as Other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
As part of our O&M service offerings, we typically offer an effective availability guarantee, which stipulates that a system will be
available to generate a certain percentage of total possible energy during a specific period after adjusting for factors outside of our control as
the service provider, such as weather, curtailment, outages, force majeure, and other conditions that may affect system availability. Effective
availability guarantees are only offered as part of our O&M services and terminate at the end of an O&M arrangement. If we fail to meet the
contractual threshold for these guarantees, we may incur liquidated damages for certain lost energy under the PPA. Our O&M agreements
typically contain provisions limiting our total potential losses under an agreement, including amounts paid for liquidated damages, to a
percentage of O&M fees. Many of our O&M agreements also contain provisions whereby we may receive a bonus payment if system
availability exceeds a separate threshold. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we did not accrue any estimated obligations under our effective
availability guarantees.

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Repurchase of Systems Projects
From time to time under sales agreements for a limited number of our solar power projects, we may be required to repurchase the projects
if certain events occur, such as not achieving commercial operation of the project within a certain timeframe. For any sales agreements that
have such conditional repurchase clauses, we will not recognize revenue on such sales agreements until the conditional repurchase clauses are
of no further force or effect and all other necessary revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Contingent Consideration
In connection with our TetraSun and Solar Chile acquisitions, we agreed to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement
by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted project and module shipment volume milestones. As of December 31,
2015 and 2014 , we recorded $2.5 million and $4.9 million of current liabilities, respectively, and $4.9 million and $14.7 million of long-term
liabilities, respectively, for these contingent obligations based on their estimated fair value.
We continually seek to make additions to our advanced-stage project pipeline and are also actively developing our early to mid-stage
project pipeline in order to secure PPAs and are also pursuing opportunities to acquire advanced-stage projects, which already have PPAs in
place. In connection with such project acquisitions, we may agree to pay additional amounts to project sellers upon achievement of certain
project-related milestones, such as obtaining a PPA, obtaining financing, and selling to a new owner. We recognize an estimated project
acquisition contingent liability when we determine that such liability is both probable and reasonably estimable, and the carrying amount of the
related project asset is correspondingly increased. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we recorded $6.7 million and $31.9 million of
current liabilities, respectively, and $3.9 million and $2.4 million of long-term liabilities, respectively, for such contingent obligations. Any
future differences between the acquisition-date contingent obligation estimate and the ultimate settlement of the obligations will be recognized
primarily as an adjustment to project assets, as contingent payments are considered direct and incremental to the underlying value of the related
projects.
Legal Proceedings
We are party to legal matters and claims that are normal in the course of our operations. While we believe that the ultimate outcome of
these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, the outcome of these matters
is not determinable with certainty, and negative outcomes may adversely affect us.
Class Action
On March 15, 2012, a purported class action lawsuit titled Smilovits v. First Solar, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00555-DGC, was filed in
the United States District Court for the District of Arizona (hereafter Arizona District Court) against the Company and certain of our current
and former directors and officers. The complaint was filed on behalf of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Companys publicly
traded securities between April 30, 2008 and February 28, 2012 (the Class Action). The complaint generally alleges that the defendants
violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by making false and misleading statements regarding the Companys
financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for damages, including interest, and an award of reasonable costs and
attorneys fees to the putative class. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.
On July 23, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order appointing as lead plaintiffs in the Class Action the Mineworkers Pension
Scheme and British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (collectively Pension Schemes). The Pension Schemes filed an amended complaint
on August 17, 2012, which contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief as the original complaint. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss
on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the court denied Defendants motion to dismiss. On October 8, 2013, the Arizona District
Court granted the Pension Schemes motion for class certification, and certified a class comprised of all persons who purchased or otherwise
acquired publicly traded securities of the Company between April 30, 2008 and February 28, 2012 and were damaged thereby, excluding
defendants and certain related parties. Merits discovery closed on February 27, 2015.

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Defendants filed a motion for summary judgment on March 27, 2015. On August 11, 2015, the Arizona District Court granted defendants
motion in part and denied it in part, and certified an issue for immediate appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. First Solar filed a petition
for interlocutory appeal with the Ninth Circuit, and that petition was granted on November 18, 2015. First Solars opening brief is due on
March 25, 2016. The Arizona District Court entered a stay of the proceedings in district court until the appeal is decided. Given the pending
appeal, the need for further expert discovery, and the uncertainties of trial, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect
on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any.
Opt-Out Action
On June 23, 2015, a suit titled Maverick Fund, L.D.C. v. First Solar, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:15-cv-01156-ROS, was filed in Arizona
District Court by putative stockholders that opted out of the Class Action. The complaint names the Company and certain of our current and
former directors and officers as defendants, and alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, and violated state law, by making false and misleading statements regarding the Companys financial performance and prospects. The
action includes claims for recessionary and actual damages, interest, punitive damages, and an award of reasonable attorneys fees, expert fees,
and costs. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.
The Arizona District Court has extended the deadline for responding to the complaint until after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
resolves the petition for appeal and/or the appeal in the Smilovits matter described above. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess
whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any.
Derivative Actions
On April 3, 2012, a derivative action titled Tsevegmid v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00417-CJB, was filed by a putative stockholder
on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (hereafter Delaware District Court) against certain
current and former directors and officers of the Company, alleging breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. The complaint generally
alleges that from June 1, 2008, to March 7, 2012, the defendants caused or allowed false and misleading statements to be made concerning the
Companys financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for, among other things, damages in favor of the Company, certain
corporate actions to purportedly improve the Companys corporate governance, and an award of costs and expenses to the putative plaintiff
stockholder, including attorneys fees. On April 10, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Delaware District Court. The
complaint, titled Brownlee v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00456-CJB, contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the
Tsevegmid action. By court order on April 30, 2012, pursuant to the parties stipulation, the Tsevegmid action and the Brownlee action were
consolidated into a single action in the Delaware District Court. On May 15, 2012, defendants filed a motion to challenge Delaware as the
appropriate venue for the consolidated action. On March 4, 2013, the magistrate judge issued a Report and Recommendation recommending to
the court that defendants motion be granted and that the case be transferred to the District of Arizona. On July 12, 2013, the court adopted the
magistrate judges Report and Recommendation and ordered the case transferred to the District of Arizona. The transfer was completed on July
15, 2013.
On April 12, 2012, a derivative complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona (hereafter Arizona
District Court), titled Tindall v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00769-ROS. In addition to alleging claims and seeking relief similar to the
claims and relief asserted in the Tsevegmid and Brownlee actions, the Tindall complaint alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. On April 19, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Arizona District Court, titled Nederhood v.
Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00819-JWS. The Nederhood complaint contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the Tsevegmid
and Brownlee actions. On May 17, 2012 and May 30, 2012, respectively, two additional derivative complaints, containing similar allegations
and seeking similar relief as the Nederhood complaint, were filed in Arizona District Court: Morris v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-01031JAT and Tan v. Ahearn, et al., 2:12-cv-01144-NVW.

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On July 17, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order granting First Solars motion to transfer the derivative actions to Judge David
Campbell, the judge to whom the Smilovits class action is assigned. On August 8, 2012, the court consolidated the four derivative actions
pending in Arizona District Court, and on August 31, 2012, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. Defendants filed a motion to stay the action
on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the Arizona District Court granted Defendants motion to stay pending resolution of the
Smilovits class action. On August 13, 2013, Judge Campbell consolidated the two derivative actions transferred from the Delaware District
Court with the stayed Arizona derivative actions. On February 19, 2016, the Arizona District Court issued an order lifting the stay in part.
Pursuant to the February 19, 2016 order, the plaintiffs shall file an amended complaint by March 11, 2016. Defendants shall file a motion to
dismiss the amended complaint by April 1, 2016. All other litigation activity, including discovery, remains stayed.
On July 16, 2013, a derivative complaint was filed in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County, titled Bargar, et al. v. Ahearn, et al.,
Case No. CV2013-009938, by a putative stockholder against certain current and former directors and officers of the Company. The complaint
contains similar allegations to the Delaware and Arizona derivative cases, and includes claims for, among other things, breach of fiduciary
duties, insider trading, unjust enrichment, and waste of corporate assets. By court order on October 3, 2013, the Superior Court of Arizona,
Maricopa County granted the parties stipulation to defer defendants response to the complaint pending resolution of the Smilovits class action
or expiration of the stay issued in the consolidated derivative actions in the Arizona District Court. On November 5, 2013, the matter was
placed on the courts inactive calendar. The parties have jointly sought and obtained multiple requests to continue the action on the inactive
calendar. Most recently, on November 24, 2015, the court entered an order continuing the action on the inactive calendar until March 31, 2016.
The Company believes that plaintiffs in the derivative actions lack standing to pursue litigation on behalf of First Solar. The derivative
actions are still in the initial stages and there has been no discovery. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse
effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any.
Department of Labor Proceeding
In March 2015, the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor (the DOL) notified our wholly-owned subsidiary First
Solar Electric, LLC (FSE) of the DOLs findings following a labor standards compliance review under the Davis Bacon and Related Acts at
the Agua Caliente project in southwestern Arizona. FSE served as the general contractor for the project. The DOL alleges that certain workers
at the project were misclassified and, as a result of that misclassification, were not paid the required prevailing wage. We disagree with certain
of the DOLs investigative findings and are currently reviewing those issues of disagreement with the DOL. Possible adverse outcomes include
the payment of back wages and debarment of FSE and its affiliates from doing certain business with the U.S. federal government. We cannot
predict the ultimate outcome of the DOL proceeding.
17. Stockholders Equity
Preferred Stock
We have authorized 30,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.001 par value, none of which was issued and outstanding at
December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Our board of directors is authorized to determine the rights, preferences, and restrictions on any series of
preferred stock that we may issue.
Common Stock
We have authorized 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, of which 101,766,797 and 100,288,942 shares were issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Each share of common stock is entitled to a single vote. We have not declared
or paid any dividends through December 31, 2015 .
During June 2013, we completed an equity offering of 9,747,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $46.00 per
share. Net proceeds from the equity offering were $428.2 million , after deducting $17.9 million of underwriting discounts and offering
expenses of $2.2 million . We have used proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which includes items such as acquisitions
of under development PV solar power system projects, investments in PV solar power system projects that will be jointly developed with
strategic partners, and capital expenditures or strategic investments to develop certain business units and expand in new geographies.

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18. Share-Based Compensation
We measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize this cost as share-based
compensation expense over the required or estimated service period for awards expected to vest. The share-based compensation expense that
we recognized in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was as follows (in
thousands):
2015

Cost of sales
Research and development
Selling, general and administrative
Production start-up
Total share-based compensation expense

10,713
4,109
30,052
25
44,899

2014

11,713
4,417
27,660
20
43,810

2013

17,116
5,760
31,426
283
54,585

The following table presents our share-based compensation expense by type of award for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and
2013 (in thousands):
2015

Restricted and performance stock units

Unrestricted stock
Stock purchase plan
Net amount released from (absorbed into) inventory
Total share-based compensation expense

40,393
1,326
1,254
42,973
1,926
44,899

2014

42,852
1,326
1,003
45,181
(1,371)
43,810

2013

51,433
1,253
998
53,684
901
54,585

Share-based compensation expense capitalized in inventory was $3.4 million and $5.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 ,
respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , we had $28.3 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted
and performance stock units and rights under our stock purchase plan (the Stock Purchase Plan), which we expect to recognize as expense
over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.7 years .
The estimated forfeiture rate used to record compensation expense is based on historical forfeitures and is adjusted periodically based on
actual results. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our forfeiture rate was 9.5% .
During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , we recognized an income tax benefit in our statement of operations of
$15.3 million , $15.8 million , and $19.4 million , respectively, related to share-based compensation expense.
We authorize our transfer agent to issue new shares, net of shares withheld for minimum statutory withholding taxes as appropriate, for the
vesting of restricted and performance stock units or grants of unrestricted stock.
Share-Based Compensation Plans
During 2010, we adopted our 2010 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2010 Omnibus Plan). Under the 2010 Omnibus Plan,
directors, associates, and consultants of First Solar, Inc. (including any of its subsidiaries) were eligible to participate. The 2010 Omnibus Plan
was administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors (or any other committee designated by our board of directors),
which was authorized to, among other things, determine who would receive grants and determine the exercise price and vesting schedule of the
awards made under the 2010 Omnibus Plan. The 2010 Omnibus Plan provided for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance units, cash incentive awards, and other equity-based and equity-related
awards.
During 2015, the 2010 Omnibus Plan was replaced by our 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2015 Omnibus Plan). Upon
approval by our shareholders, the 2010 Omnibus Plan share reserve was transferred to the 2015 Omnibus Plan and any forfeitures under the
2010 Omnibus Plan become available for grant under the 2015 Omnibus Plan. This new plan differs from prior equity compensation plans in
that the 2015 Omnibus Plan (i) alters the definition of Change of Control to increase the percentage threshold for triggering a change of
control and to better reflect the current ownership of our most significant stockholders, (ii) alters the number of, and manner in which we
calculate, the 2015 Omnibus Plan share reserve (A) to eliminate recycling of shares surrendered or tendered to satisfy exercise price payments
or applicable tax withholding with respect to options and stock appreciation rights (SARs) and (B) to count each share in respect of which a
stock-settled SAR was exercised against

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the maximum aggregate limit of shares that may be awarded under the 2015 Omnibus Plan, regardless of the number of shares actually
delivered upon settlement of such stock-settled SAR, (iii) reflects changes (actual or anticipated in the near future) in the law (such as clawback
provisions that would satisfy Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as codified in Section
10D of the Exchange Act, and Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), (iv) clarifies that, to satisfy the exercise price due upon a
participants exercise of a vested option under the 2015 Omnibus Plan, the Company may withhold from the shares otherwise deliverable to
such participant a number of shares with an equivalent fair market value to such exercise price, (v) clarifies that for any awards under the 2015
Omnibus Plan that are subject to vesting based on the achievement of performance goals (or any performance compensation awards as
described below) and for which the compensation committee has provided for the payment of dividends or dividend equivalents, participants
would not be entitled to payment of such dividends or dividend equivalents unless and to the extent that such performance goals are achieved
or otherwise deemed to be satisfied, and (vi) responds to other compensation and governance trends.
Under the 2015 Omnibus Plan, directors, officers, employees, and consultants of FSI (including any of its subsidiaries) are eligible to
participate. The 2015 Omnibus Plan is administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors (or any other committee
designated by our board of directors), which is authorized to, among other things, determine who will receive grants and determine the exercise
price and vesting schedule of the awards made under the 2015 Omnibus Plan. Our board of directors may amend, modify, or terminate the 2015
Omnibus Plan without the approval of our stockholders, except stockholder approval is required for amendments that would increase the
maximum number of shares of our common stock available for awards under the 2015 Omnibus Plan, increase the maximum number of shares
of our common stock that may be delivered by incentive stock options, or modify the requirements for participation in the 2015 Omnibus Plan.
The 2015 Omnibus Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, SARs, restricted shares, restricted
stock units, performance units, cash incentive awards, performance compensation awards, and other equity-based and equity-related awards.
The maximum number of new shares of our common stock that may be delivered by awards granted under the 2015 Omnibus Plan is 5,183,172
. Also, the shares underlying forfeited, expired, terminated, or canceled awards, or shares surrendered as payment for taxes required to be
withheld become available for new award grants. We may not grant awards under the 2015 Omnibus Plan after 2025 , which is the tenth
anniversary of the 2015 Omnibus Plans approval by our stockholders. At December 31, 2015 , 5,176,136 shares were available for grant under
the 2015 Omnibus Plan.
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
We issue shares to the holders of restricted units on the date the restricted stock units vest. The majority of shares issued are net of the
minimum statutory withholding requirements, which we pay on behalf of our associates. As a result, the actual number of shares issued will be
less than the number of restricted stock units granted. Prior to vesting, restricted stock units do not have dividend equivalent rights or voting
rights, and the shares underlying the restricted stock units are not considered issued and outstanding.
Some of our restricted stock units below are characterized as performance based restricted stock units. Our board of directors approved
and adopted the Key Senior Talent Equity Performance Program (KSTEPP), a performance unit program under our prior 2010 Omnibus Plan
applicable to our senior executives. The KSTEPP rewards achievement of certain performance objectives aligned to the success of our Long
Term Strategic Plan. The performance objectives for the rolling annual measurement periods include KSTEPP adjusted operating income, sales
in key geographic markets, and cash adjusted return on invested capital. The KSTEPP awards were designed so that the attainment of the
performance criteria required for full or partial vesting would be attained over time. In November 2015, the compensation committee of our
board of directors certified the Companys achievement of the partial KSTEPP vesting conditions for the rolling annual period ended
September 30, 2015. Accordingly, one-third of each KSTEPP award vested in 2015, and each KSTEPP participant received one share of
common stock for each vested KSTEPP performance unit, net of any forfeitures or tax withholdings.

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The following is a summary of our restricted and performance stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 :

Number of Shares

Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2014

Restricted stock units granted
Restricted stock units vested
Restricted stock units forfeited
Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2015

4,319,461
444,942
(1,629,123)
(160,787)
2,974,493

Weighted Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

29.80
60.91
33.88
41.32
31.59

We estimate the fair value of our restricted stock unit awards based on our stock price on the grant date. For the years ended December 31,
2014 and 2013 , the weighted average grant-date fair value for restricted stock units granted in such years was $57.74 and $29.56 , respectively.
The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was $96.4 million , $66.8 million , and $33.6 million ,
respectively.
Stock Awards
During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , we awarded 25,376 , 21,879 , and 31,891 , respectively, of fully vested,
unrestricted shares of our common stock to the independent members of our board of directors. We recognized $1.3 million , $1.3 million , and
$1.3 million of share-based compensation expense for these awards during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.
Stock Purchase Plan
Our shareholders approved our Stock Purchase Plan for employees in June 2010 . The plan allows employees to purchase our common
stock through payroll withholdings over a six-month offering period at 85% of the closing share price on the last day of the offering period (the
exercise date). We estimate the fair value of the Stock Purchase Plan compensation expense based primarily on our stock price on the
exercise date.
19. Benefit Plans
We offer a 401(k) retirement savings plan into which all of our U.S. associates (our term for employees) can voluntarily contribute a
portion of their annual salaries and wages, subject to legally prescribed dollar limits. Our contributions to our associates plan accounts are
made at the discretion of our board of directors and are based on a percentage of the participating associates contributions. Associate
contributions are matched dollar-for-dollar up to the first 4% . Our contributions to the plan were $7.4 million , $6.5 million , and $6.7 million
for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Our 401(k) retirement savings plan does not offer participants an
option to invest in our common stock.
We also offer certain retirement savings plans to certain non-U.S. associates. These plans are managed in accordance with applicable local
statutes and practices and are defined contribution plans. Our contributions to these plans were $0.9 million , $0.9 million , and $0.9 million
during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.
20. Income Taxes
The U.S. and non-U.S. components of our income before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were as
follows (in thousands):
2015

U.S. income
Non-U.S. income
Income before income taxes

$
$

132

126,958
392,877
519,835

2014

$
$

139,137
292,964
432,101

2013

$
$

78,346
302,633
380,979

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The components of our income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were as follows (in
thousands):
2015

Current expense:
Federal
State
Foreign
Total current expense
Deferred (benefit) expense:
Federal
State
Foreign
Total deferred (benefit) expense
Total income tax (benefit) expense

2014

20,208
4,172
23,215
47,595
(716)
3,118
(56,153)
(53,751)
(6,156)

2013

15,492
1,699
8,123
25,314

2,926
5,133
(2,185)
5,874
31,188

44,518
836
5,622
50,976
(12,022)
2,229
(11,085)
(20,878)
30,098

The current tax expense listed above does not reflect income tax benefits of $14.6 million , $24.5 million , and $21.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, related to excess tax deductions on share-based compensation as we recorded such
benefits directly to additional paid-in capital.
We use the deferral method of accounting for investment tax credits under which the credits are recognized as reductions in the carrying
value of the related assets. The use of the deferral method also results in a basis difference from the recognition of a deferred tax asset and an
immediate income tax benefit for the future tax depreciation of the related assets. Such basis differences are accounted for pursuant to the
income statement method. During 2015, we generated a $19.2 million investment tax credit from placing a project into service.
Our Malaysian subsidiary has been granted a long-term tax holiday that expires in 2027 . The tax holiday, which generally provides for a
full exemption from Malaysian income tax, is conditional upon our continued compliance in meeting certain employment and investment
thresholds, which we are currently in compliance with and expect to continue to comply with through the expiration of the tax holiday in 2027 .
Income tax expense decreased by $37.3 million during 2015 compared to 2014 . The decrease in income tax expense was primarily the
result of a $41.7 million discrete tax benefit associated with the receipt of a private letter ruling. Income tax expense increased by $1.1 million
during 2014 compared to 2013 . The increase in income tax expense was primarily attributable to an increase in pretax book income earned in
higher tax jurisdictions in 2014 , partially offset by a discrete tax benefit due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for various uncertain
tax positions.
Our income tax results differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our income
before income taxes for the following reasons for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands):
2015
Tax

Statutory income tax expense

Non-deductible expenses
State tax, net of federal benefit
Effect of tax holiday
Foreign tax rate differential
Effect of private letter ruling
Tax credits
Other
Impact of changes in valuation allowance
Reported income tax (benefit) expense

181,936
4,161
5,437
(126,324)
(9,637)
(41,694)
(2,566)
(9,670)
(7,799)
(6,156)

2014
Percent

35.0 %
0.8 %
1.0 %
(24.3)%
(1.9)%
(8.0)%
(0.5)%
(1.8)%
(1.5)%
(1.2)%

133

Tax

151,235
3,001
4,549
(80,049)
(7,524)

(3,014)
(5,369)
(31,641)
31,188

2013
Percent

35.0 %
0.7 %
1.0 %
(18.5)%
(1.7)%
%
(0.7)%
(1.2)%
(7.4)%
7.2 %

Tax

133,342
707
1,579
(80,076)
(19,839)

(13,267)
1,606
6,046
30,098

Percent

35.0 %
0.2 %
0.4 %
(21.0)%
(5.2)%
%
(3.5)%
0.4 %
1.6 %
7.9 %

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For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the tax benefit from the foreign tax rate differential primarily related to our income
generated in Malaysia calculated at the statutory tax rate of 25.0% , compared to the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35.0% . For the year ended
December 31, 2013 , the tax benefit from the foreign tax rate differential primarily related to our income generated in Germany and Malaysia
calculated at statutory tax rates of 29.6% and 25.0% , respectively, compared to the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35.0% .
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we made net tax payments of $30.8 million and $17.0 million , respectively. During
the year ended December 31, 2013 , we received a net tax refund of $1.6 million .
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities calculated
for U.S. GAAP financial reporting purposes and the amounts calculated for preparing our income tax returns in accordance with tax
regulations. The items that gave rise to our deferred taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
2015

Deferred tax assets:

Goodwill
Compensation
Accrued expenses
Tax credits
Net operating losses
Inventory
Deferred expenses
Property, plant and equipment
Long-term contracts
Other
Deferred tax assets, gross
Valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Capitalized interest
Acquisition accounting / basis difference
Restricted investments and derivatives
Investments in foreign subsidiaries
Equity in earnings
Other
Deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities

32,022
38,938
74,432
211,066
95,562
5,961
8,559
38,869
2,522
8,622
516,553
(121,524)
395,029
(4,270)
(3,527)
(14,128)
(379)
(21,895)
(2,388)
(46,587)
348,442

2014

39,299
38,890
59,517
174,633
86,268
11,435
3,778
48,026
11,120
5,736
478,702
(129,323)
349,379
(5,216)
(13,780)
(18,124)
(967)
(1,020)
(5,044)
(44,151)
305,228

In April 2015, we received a private letter ruling in a foreign jurisdiction related to the timing of the deduction for certain of our
obligations. In accordance with this ruling, we will begin treating these obligations as deductible when we actually make payments on the
obligations, which are expected to occur subsequent to the expiration of the tax holiday. As a result, we recorded a benefit of $41.7 million
through the tax provision to establish a deferred tax asset associated with the future deductibility of these obligations.

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In December 2015, FS Malaysia prepaid a $96.6 million intellectual property royalty to First Solar, Inc. As a result of this transaction, FS
Malaysia and First Solar, Inc. expect to recognize corresponding amounts for royalty expense and royalty revenue in 2016.
Changes in our valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets were as follows during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and
2013 (in thousands):
2015

Valuation allowance, beginning of year

Additions
Reversals
Valuation allowance, end of year

129,323
368
(8,167)
121,524

2014

160,965
2,068
(33,710)
129,323

2013

154,919
15,059
(9,013)
160,965

We maintained a valuation allowance of $121.5 million and $129.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, against
certain of our deferred tax assets, as it is more likely than not that such amounts will not be fully realized. In 2015, the valuation allowance
decreased by $7.8 million primarily due to (i) the partial release of valuation allowances in jurisdictions with current year operating income and
(ii) a reduction of deferred tax assets with a full valuation allowance due to a decrease in foreign exchange rates. These decreases were partially
offset by an increase in valuation allowances due to current year operating losses.
Except as required under U.S. tax law, we do not provide for U.S. or non-U.S. taxes on the cumulative undistributed earnings of our
foreign subsidiaries that have not been previously taxed since we intend to invest such undistributed earnings indefinitely or repatriation of
such earnings would not give rise to additional U.S. or non-U.S. taxes. If our intent changes or if these funds are needed for our U.S. or nonU.S. operations, we would be required to accrue or pay U.S. or non-U.S. taxes on some or all of these undistributed earnings. Accordingly, we
have not provided for $1.0 billion of deferred income taxes on $2.9 billion of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. These taxes
would be required to be recognized when and if we determine that these amounts are not indefinitely reinvested.
At December 31, 2015 , we had federal and aggregate state net operating loss carryforwards of $129.5 million and $23.8 million ,
respectively. At December 31, 2014 , we had federal and aggregate state net operating loss carryforwards of $117.3 million and $20.5 million ,
respectively. If not used, the federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire beginning in 2028 , and the state net operating loss
carryforwards will begin to expire in 2016 . The utilization of a portion of our net operating loss carryforwards is subject to an annual limitation
under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code due to changes in ownership. Based on our analysis, we do not believe such annual limitation
will impact our realization of the net operating loss carryforwards as we anticipate utilizing them prior to 2028. At December 31, 2015 our
deferred tax assets do not include $24.7 million of excess tax deductions from employee stock option exercises and vested restricted stock units
that are included in our net operating loss carryforwards. Our stockholders equity will increase by up to $24.7 million if and when we
ultimately realize these excess tax benefits. We use tax law ordering to determine when excess tax benefits have been realized.
At December 31, 2015 we had gross federal and state research and development credit carryforwards of $32.7 million , U.S. foreign tax
credit carryforwards of $167.0 million , and investment tax credits of $56.9 million available to reduce future federal and state income tax
liabilities. If not used, the research and development credits, investment tax credits, and U.S. foreign tax credits will begin to expire in 2026
through 2034 , 2026 through 2034 , and 2016 through 2024 , respectively.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31,
2015 , 2014 , and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
2015

Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year

Increases related to prior year tax positions
Decreases related to prior year tax positions
Decreases from lapse in statute of limitations
Decreases relating to settlements with authorities
Increases related to current tax positions
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year

135

162,029
484
(2,693)
(13,827)
(20,485)
16,247
141,755

2014

183,239
522
(2,513)
(28,649)
(3,111)
12,541
162,029

2013

174,181
6,178
(15,245)

18,125
183,239

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If recognized, $141.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits would reduce our annual effective tax rate. Due to the uncertain and complex
application of tax laws and regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions may result in liabilities that could be
materially different from these estimates. In such an event, we will record additional tax expense or tax benefit in the period in which such
resolution occurs. Our policy is to recognize any interest and penalties that we might incur related to our tax positions as a component of
income tax expense. We did not accrue any penalties related to these unrecognized tax benefits during 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 . We also did not
accrue any interest related to these unrecognized tax benefits in 2015 and 2014 . We accrued interest related to these unrecognized tax benefits
of $0.6 million during 2013 . Within the next twelve months, we do not expect to recognize any previously unrecognized tax benefits.
We are subject to audit by U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign tax authorities. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we settled a
tax audit in Spain, which resulted in a discrete tax expense of $3.0 million . We are currently under examination in Chile and also continue to
have discussions with the German tax authorities regarding an ongoing dispute. We believe that adequate provisions have been made for any
adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues
addressed by our tax audits are not resolved in a manner consistent with our expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for
income taxes in the period such resolution occurs.
The following table summarizes the tax years that are either currently under audit or remain open and subject to examination by the tax
authorities in the most significant jurisdictions in which we operate:
Tax Years

Australia
Germany
Malaysia
United States

2011 - 2015
2010 - 2014
2010 - 2014
2008 - 2009; 2012 - 2014

In certain of the jurisdictions noted above, we operate through more than one legal entity, each of which has different open years subject to
examination. The table above presents the open years subject to examination for the most material of the legal entities in each jurisdiction.
Additionally, it is important to note that tax years are technically not closed until the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction expires. In the
jurisdictions noted above, the statute of limitations can extend beyond the open years subject to examination.

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21. Net Income per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the
period. Diluted net income per share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive common stock, including restricted and performance
stock units and Stock Purchase Plan shares, unless there is a net loss for the period. In computing diluted net income per share, we utilize the
treasury stock method.
The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was as follows (in
thousands, except per share amounts):
2015

Basic net income per share

Numerator:
Net income
Denominator:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding

Diluted net income per share

Denominator:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding
Effect of restricted and performance stock units and stock purchase plan shares
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share

2014

546,421

2013

395,964

350,718

100,886

100,048

93,697

100,886
929
101,815

100,048
1,595
101,643

93,697
1,771
95,468

2015

2014

2013

Per share information basic:

Net income per share

5.42

3.96

3.74

Per share information diluted:

Net income per share

5.37

3.90

3.67

The following table summarizes the potential shares of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per
share for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 as they would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):
2015

Anti-dilutive shares

2014

48

137

2013

70

86

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22. Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income, which includes foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale
securities, and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, the impact of which has
been excluded from net income and reflected as components of stockholders equity, was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2015 ,
2014 , and 2013 (in thousands):
2015

Net income
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments for the
period, net of tax of $1,248, $(6,644), and $3,334
Less: reclassification for gains included in net income, net of tax of $0, $83, and $0
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments
Unrealized (loss) on derivative instruments for the period, net of tax of $(207),
$(711), and $(2,387)
Less: reclassification for losses included in net income, net of tax of $2,278, $(150),
and $3,475
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Comprehensive income

546,421

2014

395,964

2013

350,718

(16,432)

(19,147)

4,295

(15,413)
(2)
(15,415)

90,868
(127)
90,741

(39,685)

(39,685)

(8,572)

(1,777)

(596)

5,759
(2,813)
(34,660)
511,761

6,099
4,322
75,916
471,880

31
(565)
(35,955)
314,763

The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2015
and 2014 (in thousands):
Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustment

Balance as of December 31, 2013

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
income
Net other comprehensive (loss) income
Balance as of December 31, 2014
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
income
Net other comprehensive loss
Balance as of December 31, 2015

138

(34,190)
(19,147)

Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Marketable
Securities

11,558
90,868

Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Derivative
Instruments

(3,144)
(1,777)

Total

(25,776)
69,944

(19,147)
(53,337)
(16,432)

(127)
90,741
102,299
(15,413)

6,099
4,322
1,178
(8,572)

5,972
75,916
50,140
(40,417)

(16,432)
(69,769)

(2)
(15,415)
86,884

5,759
(2,813)
(1,635)

5,757
(34,660)
15,480

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Amounts Reclassified for the Year
Ended December 31,

Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

2015

Income Statement Line Item

2014

(Losses) and gains on marketable securities and

restricted investments:
$
$
Gains and (losses) on derivative contracts:
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Interest rate and cross currency swap contracts
Cross currency swap contract

2
1,782
5,509
(10,135)
(637)
(3,481)
(2,278)
(5,759)

$
$
$

210
83
127

(501)
(698)
(5,050)
(6,249)
150
(6,099)

Other expense, net

Tax expense
Total, net of tax
Net sales
Cost of sales
Interest expense, net
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net
Total before tax
Tax expense
Total, net of tax

23. Segment and Geographical Information

We operate our business in two segments. Our components segment involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules which
convert sunlight into electricity. We primarily manufacture CdTe modules and also manufacture high-efficiency crystalline silicon modules.
Third-party customers of our components segment include integrators and operators of PV solar power systems. Our second segment is our
fully integrated systems business (systems segment), through which we provide complete turn-key PV solar power systems, or solar
solutions, that draw upon our capabilities, which include (i) project development, (ii) EPC services, and (iii) O&M services. We may provide
our full EPC services or any combination of individual products and services within our EPC capabilities depending upon the customer and
market opportunity. All of our systems segment products and services are for PV solar power systems, which primarily use our solar modules,
and we sell such products and services to utilities, independent power producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other system
owners. Additionally, within our systems segment, we may temporarily own and operate certain of our PV solar power systems for a period of
time based on strategic opportunities.
Our Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), consisting of certain members of our senior executive officers, views both the
manufacturing of solar modules from our components segment and our ability to provide customers with a complete PV solar power system
through our fully integrated systems segment as the primary drivers of our resource allocation, profitability, and cash flows. Our components
segment contributes to our operating results by providing the fundamental technologies and solar modules that drive our business, and our
systems segment contributes to our operating results by using these modules as part of a range of comprehensive PV solar energy solutions to
meet our customers needs.
In our reportable segment financial disclosures, we include an allocation of net sales value for all solar modules manufactured by our
components segment and installed in projects sold or built by our systems segment in the net sales of our components segment. In the gross
profit of our reportable segment disclosures, we include the corresponding cost of sales value for the solar modules installed in projects sold or
built by our systems segment in the components segment. The cost of solar modules is comprised of the manufactured cost incurred by our
components segment.
After we have determined the amount of revenue earned for our systems projects following the applicable accounting guidance for the
underlying sales arrangements, we allocate module revenue from the systems segment to the components segment based on how our CODM
strategically views these segments. The amount of module revenue allocated from the systems segment to the components segment
approximates the average selling price for such solar modules as if the modules were sold to a third-party EPC customer. In order to develop
our estimate of the average selling price used for this revenue allocation, we utilize a combination of our actual third-party module sales
transactions, our competitor benchmarking, and our internal pricing lists used to provide module price quotes to potential customers. This
allocation methodology and the estimated average selling prices are consistent with how our CODM views the value proposition our
components segment brings to a utility-scale systems project and how our CODM reviews financial information to assess the performance of
the components segment.

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Our components and systems segments have certain of their own dedicated administrative key functions, such as accounting, legal,
finance, project finance, human resources, procurement, and marketing. Costs for these functions are recorded and included within the
respective selling, general and administrative costs for our components and systems segments. Our corporate key functions consist primarily of
company-wide corporate tax, corporate treasury, corporate accounting/finance, corporate legal, investor relations, corporate communications,
and executive management functions. These corporate functions and the assets supporting such functions benefit both the components and
systems segments. We allocate corporate costs to the components and systems segments as part of selling, general and administrative costs,
based upon the estimated benefits provided to each segment from these corporate functions. We determine the estimated benefits provided to
each segment for these corporate costs based upon a combination of the estimated time spent by corporate employees supporting each segment
and the average relative selling, general and administrative costs incurred by each segment before such corporate allocations. Infrequent and
other miscellaneous costs including restructuring and manufacturing excursions are included in the components or systems segment operating
results based upon which segment incurred the underlying costs.
Financial information about our reportable segments during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was as follows (in
thousands):
Year Ended
December 31, 2015
Components

Net sales
Gross profit (1)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Income before income taxes (1)
Goodwill
Total assets

1,389,579
347,853
243,898
171,817
16,152
4,037,955

Systems

2,189,416
571,414
14,124
348,018
68,833
3,278,376

Total

3,578,995
919,267
258,022
519,835
84,985
7,316,331

Year Ended
December 31, 2014
Components

Net sales
Gross profit
Depreciation and amortization expense
(Loss) income before income taxes
Goodwill
Total assets

1,102,674
93,510
223,381
(105,531)
16,152
4,168,060

Systems

2,288,513
731,431
23,268
537,632
68,833
2,552,931

Total

3,391,187
824,941
246,649
432,101
84,985
6,720,991

3,309,616
864,632
238,774
380,979

Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Components

Net sales
Gross profit
Depreciation and amortization expense
(Loss) income before income taxes

1,173,947
88,506
211,357
(221,230)

Systems

2,135,669
776,126
27,417
602,209

Total

(1) The operating results for our components segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 include the impact of the $80.0 million
reduction in our module collection and recycling liability. See Note 14 Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability to our
consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the change in this liability.

140

Table of Contents
Product Revenue
The following table sets forth the total amounts of solar module and solar power system net sales recognized for the years ended
December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 . For the purposes of the following table, (i) Solar module revenue is composed of total revenues from
the sale of solar modules to third parties, which does not include any systems segment product or service offerings, and (ii) Solar power
system revenue is composed of total revenues from the sale of our PV solar power systems and related products and services, including the
solar modules installed in such solar power systems along with any revenue generated from our PV solar power systems (in thousands):
2015

Solar module revenue

Solar power system revenue
Net sales

$
$

227,461
3,351,534
3,578,995

2014

$
$

228,319
3,162,868
3,391,187

2013

$
$

380,869
2,928,747
3,309,616

The following table presents net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 by geographic region, which is based on
the customer country of invoicing (in thousands):
2015

United States
Germany
India
Australia
France
Canada
United Arab Emirates
Honduras
All other foreign countries
Net sales

3,117,797
63,709
134,462
185,064

6,188

48,773
23,002
3,578,995

2014

3,042,006
121,941
44,118
157,152
8,409
7,085
569

9,907
3,391,187

2013

2,832,102
142,028
8,253
604
35,772
264,573
21,137

5,147
3,309,616

The following table presents long-lived assets, which includes property, plant and equipment, PV solar power systems, and project assets
and deferred project costs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 by geographic region, based on the physical location of the assets (in thousands):
2015

United States
Malaysia
Chile
All other foreign countries
Long-lived assets

141

1,434,891
788,086
270,623
183,354
2,676,954

2014

1,206,333
936,482
103,604
59,664
2,306,083

Table of Contents
24. Concentrations of Risks
Customer Concentration. The following customers each comprised 10% or more of our total net sales and/or 10% or more of our total
accounts receivable during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
2015
% of Total
A/R
NS
Outstanding

Net Sales

Customer
#1
Customer
#2
Customer
#3
Customer
#4
Customer
#5
Customer
#6

1,060,074

30% $

69,452
*
96,956

% of Total
A/R

21%

1,065,862

524,678

26% $

216,296

Net Sales

15%

946,820

2014
% of Total
A/R
NS
Outstanding

48%

*
$

467,941

*
$

31%

15% $
*
14%

18,549

2013
% of Total
A/R

14%

32,612

24%

17,199

13%

% of Total
NS

Net Sales

664,669
*

584,638

20%
*
18%

Net sales and/or accounts receivable to these customers were less than 10% of our total net sales and/or accounts receivable during the
period.

Geographic Risk. During 2015 , our third-party solar modules net sales were predominantly in India and Great Britain, and our solar
power system net sales were predominantly in the United States. This concentration of our net sales in a limited number of geographic regions
exposes us to local economic, public policy, and regulatory risks in such regions.
Production. Our products include components that are available from a limited number of suppliers or sources. Shortages of essential
components could occur due to increases in demand or interruptions of supply, thereby impairing our ability to meet customer demand for our
products. Our solar modules are produced in facilities in Perrysburg, Ohio and Kulim, Malaysia. Damage to or disruption of these facilities
could interrupt our business and impair our ability to generate net sales.

142

Table of Contents
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Set forth below is a list of exhibits that are being filed or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Exhibit
Number

Incorporated by Reference
Date of
Form
File No.
First Filing

Exhibit Description

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of First Solar, Inc.

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of First Solar, Inc.

4.4 Facility Agreement dated May 6, 2008 between First Solar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.,
as borrower, and IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG, as arranger, NATIXIS
Zweigniederlassung Deutschland, as facility agent and original lender, AKA
Ausfuhrkredit-Gesellschaft mbH, as original lender, and NATIXIS Labuan
Branch as security agent
4.5
First Demand Guaranty dated May 6, 2008 by First Solar Inc, as guarantor, in
favor of IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG, NATIXIS Zweigniederlassung
Deutschland, AKA Ausfuhrkredit-Gesellschaft mbH and NATIXIS Labuan
Branch
4.6
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2009, among First Solar, Inc., First
Solar Manufacturing GmbH, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America and The Royal Bank of
Scotland plc, as Documentation Agents, and Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands
Branch, as Syndication Agent
4.7
Charge of Company Shares, dated as of September 4, 2009, between First Solar,
Inc., as Chargor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Security Agent, relating to
66% of the shares of First Solar FE Holdings Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)
4.8
German Share Pledge Agreements, dated as of September 4, 2009, between First
Solar, Inc., First Solar Holdings GmbH, First Solar Manufacturing GmbH, First
Solar GmbH, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
4.9
Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2009, by First
Solar, Inc. in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
4.10
Guarantee, dated as of September 8, 2009, between First Solar Holdings GmbH,
First Solar GmbH, First Solar Manufacturing GmbH, as German Guarantors, and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
4.11
Assignment Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2009, between First Solar
Holdings GmbH and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
4.12
Assignment Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2009, between First Solar
GmbH and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
4.13
Assignment Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2009, between First Solar
Manufacturing GmbH and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative
Agent
4.14
Security Trust Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2009, between First Solar,
Inc., First Solar Holdings GmbH, First Solar GmbH, First Solar Manufacturing
GmbH, as Security Grantors, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative
Agent, and the other Secured Parties party thereto
4.15
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2010, among
First Solar, Inc., the borrowing subsidiaries party thereto, the lenders party
thereto, Bank of America N.A. and The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, as
documentation agents, Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch, as syndication
agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent
4.16
Facility Agreement dated as of August 3, 2011 among First Solar Malaysia Sdn.
Bhd., Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, as arranger and original lender,
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Luxembourg Branch, as facility agent and
security agent, and Natixis Zweigniederlassung Deutschland, as arranger and
original lender

143

Exhibit
Number

S-1/A

333-135574

9/18/06

3.1

8-K

001-33156

5/12/08

10.1

8-K

001-33156

5/12/08

10.2

8-K

001-33156

9/10/09

10.1

8-K

001-33156

9/10/09

10.2

8-K

001-33156

9/10/09

10.3

8-K

001-33156

9/10/09

10.4

8-K

001-33156

9/10/09

10.5

8-K

001-33156

9/10/09

10.6

8-K

001-33156

9/10/09

10.7

8-K

001-33156

9/10/09

10.8

8-K

001-33156

9/10/09

10.9

8-K

001-33156

10/20/10

10.1

10-Q

001-33156

8/5/11

10.1

Filed
Herewith

Table of Contents
4.17

4.18

4.19

4.20
4.21

4.22

4.23

4.24

4.25

4.26

4.27

4.28
4.29

10.1
10.2

First Demand Guaranty, dated as of August 3, 2011, among First

Solar, Inc., First Solar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and Commerzbank
Aktiengesellschaft, Luxembourg Branch, as facility agent and
security agent
First Amendment, dated as of May 6, 2011, to the Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2010, among
First Solar, Inc., the borrowing subsidiaries party thereto, the
lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. and The Royal Bank
of Scotland plc, as documentation agents, Credit Suisse, Cayman
Islands Branch, as syndication agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A., as administrative agent
Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2011, among First
Solar Manufacturing GmbH, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft,
Luxembourg Branch, as security agent, and the additional finance
parties party thereto
Guarantee Agreement, dates as of May 18, 2011, among First
Solar, Inc., First Solar Manufacturing GmbH and Commerzbank
Aktiengesellschaft, Luxembourg Branch
Facility Agreement, dated June 30, 2011, among First Solar
Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., as borrower, First Solar, Inc., as guarantor,
CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank
Berhad and RHB Investment Bank Berhad, as arrangers, CIMB
Investment Bank Berhad as facility agent and security agent, and
the original lenders party thereto
Second Amendment and Waiver, dated as of June 30, 2011, to the
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15,
2010, among First Solar, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Bank of
America, N.A. and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as
documentation agents, Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch, as
syndication agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
administrative agent
Amendment Letter, dated as of November 8, 2011, to the Facility
Agreement, dated June 30, 2011, among First Solar Malaysia Sdn.
Bhd., as borrower, First Solar, Inc., as guarantor, CIMB Investment
Bank Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad and RHB
Investment Bank Berhad, as arrangers, CIMB Investment Bank
Berhad as facility agent and security agent, and the original lenders
party thereto
Third Amendment, dated as of October 23, 2012 to the Amended
and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 15, 2010,
among First Solar, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Bank of America,
N.A. and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as documentation
agents, Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch, as syndication
agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent
Amendment dated as of November 7, 2012 to the Export
Financing Facility Agreement dated May 6, 2008 (as amended, the
Malaysian Facility Agreement) among FS Malaysia, the lenders
party thereto, and Natixis Zweigniederlassung Deutschland, as
Facility Agent.
Fourth Amendment dated as of July 15, 2013, to the Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2010, among
First Solar, Inc., the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.
Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated
as of July 15, 2013, by First Solar, Inc., First Solar Electric, LLC,
First Solar Electric (California), Inc. and First Solar Development,
LLC in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative
agent
Second Amendment to the Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement

10-Q

001-33156

8/5/11

10.2

8-K

001-33156

5/12/11

10.1

8-K

001-33156

5/24/11

10.1

8-K

001-33156

5/24/11

10.2

8-K

001-33156

7/7/11

10.1

8-K

001-33156

7/14/11

10.1

10-K

001-33156

2/29/12

10.1

8-K

001-33156

10/26/12

10.1

10-K

001-33156

2/27/13

4.25

8-K

001-33156

7/15/13

10.1

8-K

001-33156

7/15/13

10.2

10-Q

001-33156

8/7/13

4.1

Fifth Amendment, dated as of June 3, 2015, to the Amended and

Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, among
First Solar, Inc., the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A., as administrative agent
Amendment to the Framework Agreement dated April 10, 2006 on
the Sale and Purchase of Solar Modules between First Solar GmbH
and Blitzstrom GmbH
Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan

8-K

001-33156

8/6/15

10.1

10-K

001-33156

3/16/07

10.02

10-Q

001-33156

5/1/09

10.2

10.3

Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement

S-1/A

144

333-135574

10/25/06

10.15

Table of Contents
10.4

Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement

10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10

10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21

10-K

001-33156

2/27/13

10.20

First Solar, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan

DEF 14A

001-33156

4/20/10

App. A

First Solar, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan

DEF 14A

001-33156

4/20/10

App. B

Employment Agreement, dated March 15, 2011, and Change in

Control Severance Agreement, dated April 4, 2011 between First
Solar, Inc. and Mark Widmar
Employment Agreement, dated March 14, 2012, and Change in
Control Severance Agreement, dated March 19, 2012 between
First Solar, Inc. and James Hughes
Form of Key Senior Talent Equity Performance Program Grant
Notice
Amendment to Employment Agreement, effective as of May 3,
2012, between First Solar, Inc. and James Hughes, and
Amendment to Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation
Agreement, effective as of May 3, 2012, between First Solar, Inc.
and James Hughes.
Employment Agreement, effective July 1, 2012, and Change in
Control Severance Agreement, effective July 1, 2012 between
First Solar, Inc. and Georges Antoun
Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement, effective as of
March 15, 2011, between First Solar, Inc. and Mark Widmar
Change in Control Severance Agreement, effective as of July 1,
2012, between First Solar, Inc. and Georges Antoun
Amendment to Change in Control Severance Agreement

10-Q

001-33156

5/5/11

10.3

10-Q

001-33156

5/4/12

10.1

10-Q

001-33156

5/4/12

10.2

8-K

001-33156

5/11/12

10.1

10-Q

001-33156

8/3/12

10.1

10-Q

001-33156

5/7/13

10.2

10-Q

001-33156

5/7/13

10.3

10-Q

001-33156

8/7/13

10.1

Employment Agreement, effective September 9, 2013, and

Change in Control Severance Agreement, effective September 9,
2013 between First Solar, Inc. and Joseph Kishkill
Employment Agreement, effective March 3, 2014, and Change in
Control Severance Agreement, effective March 3, 2014 between
First Solar, Inc. and Paul Kaleta
Amended and Restated Corporate Governance Guidelines dated
February 18, 2016
Restricted Cash Assignment of Deposits

10-K

001-33156

2/25/15

10.25

10-K

001-33156

2/26/14

10.1

10-Q

001-33156

8/6/14

10.2

Master Formation Agreement by and between First Solar, Inc. and

SunPower Corporation as of March 10, 2015
First Solar, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan

8-K

001-33156

3/11/15

2.1

DEF 14A

001-33156

4/8/15

App. A

10-Q

001-33156

8/5/15

10.1

10-Q

001-33156

8/5/15

10.2

10-Q

001-33156

8/5/15

14.1

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of

8Point3 Operating Company, LLC as of June 24, 2015
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
8Point3 Holding Company, LLC as of June 24, 2015
Employment Agreement, effective as of July 25, 2011, and
Change in Control Severance Agreement, effective as of October
25, 2011 and amended as of August 1, 2013, between First Solar,
Inc. and Philip Tymen deJong
Employment Agreement, effective as of May 1, 2012, and Change
in Control Severance Agreement, effective as of May 1, 2012 and
amended as of August 1, 2013, between First Solar, Inc. and Raffi
Garabedian
Employment Agreement, effective as of December 31, 2012 and
amended as of April 8, 2013, and Change in Control Severance
Agreement, effective as of December 31, 2012 and amended as of
August 1, 2013, between First Solar, Inc. and Timothy Rebhorn
Employment Agreement, effective as of February 17, 2016, and
Change in Control Severance Agreement, effective as of February
17, 2016 between First Solar, Inc. and Chris Bueter
Code of Ethics

21.1

List of Subsidiaries of First Solar, Inc.

23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a14(a) and 15d-14(a), as amended
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a14(a) and 15d-14(a), as amended

10.22
10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26

31.01
31.02

145

14.1

Table of Contents
32.01 *

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial

Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.DEF

XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBLR Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document

101.INS

Confidential treatment has been requested and granted for portions of this exhibit.

This exhibit shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the
liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language
in any filings.
146

EXHIBIT 3.2

BYLAWS
OF
FIRST SOLAR, INC.
(hereinafter called the Corporation)
AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF FEBRUARY 18, 2016
ARTICLE I
Meetings of Stockholders
Section 1. Place of Meetings . Meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such time and place, either
within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or the
Chairman of the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice
thereof. Adjournments of meetings may be held at the place at which the meeting adjourned is being held, or at any
other place determined by the Board of Directors, whether or not a quorum shall have been present at such meeting.
Section 2. Annual Meetings. To the extent required by applicable law or the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, an annual meeting of the stockholders for the election of directors and
for the transaction of such other business as shall have been properly brought before the meeting shall be held at such
time and on such date as shall be determined by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting.
Section 3. Special Meetings. Unless otherwise prescribed by law or by the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation with
respect to special meetings of the holders thereof, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be
called at any time only by the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law or by the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, notice of each meeting of the stockholders, whether annual or special, shall be
given not less than ten days nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled
to notice of the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States mail,
postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholders address as it appears on the records of the
Corporation. Each such notice shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting and, in the case of a special
meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Notice of any meeting of the stockholders shall not be
required to be given to any stockholder who shall waive notice thereof as provided

2
in Section 2 of Article VI of these Bylaws. Notice of adjournment of a meeting of the stockholders need not be given if
the time and place to which it is adjourned are announced at such meeting, unless the adjournment is for more than 30
days or, after adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting.
Section 5. Quorum; Adjournment. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law or by the Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, the holders of a majority in total voting power of the
outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders, present in person or
represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any annual or special meeting of the
stockholders; provided , however , that where a separate vote by a class or series of capital stock is required, the holders
of a majority in total voting power of the outstanding capital stock of such class or series, present in person or
represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to such vote on such matter. The
chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders who are present
in person or by proxy may adjourn the meeting from time to time whether or not a quorum is present. In the event that a
quorum does not exist with respect to any vote to be taken by a particular class or series, the chairman of the meeting or
the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders of such class or series who are present in
person or by proxy may adjourn the meeting with respect to the vote(s) to be taken by such class or series. At any such
adjourned meeting at which a quorum may be present, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the meeting as originally called. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a
new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder
entitled to vote at the meeting not less than ten nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, unless a different
period is prescribed by applicable law.
Section 6. Voting. Unless otherwise required by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, any question brought before any meeting of the stockholders shall be decided by the
vote of the holders of a majority of the stock represented and voting on such question. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the election of directors shall be determined in accordance with Section 3(b) of Article II of these Bylaws. Each
stockholder represented at a meeting of the stockholders shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of the capital
stock entitled to vote thereat held by such stockholder. Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy.
Section 7. Order of Business. (a) At every meeting of stockholders, the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, or in such persons absence or at such persons direction, any person appointed by the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, shall act as chairman of the meeting. The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of the
meeting, but in the absence of the Secretary of the Corporation, the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to
act as secretary of the meeting.
(a) Annual Meetings. (i) Except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation, nominations of persons for

3
election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders at any annual
meeting of the stockholders may be made only (A) pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting (or any supplement
thereto), (B) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (C) by any stockholder of the Corporation (1) who is a
holder of record at the time of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 7 and at the time of the annual
meeting of the stockholders, (2) who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting and (3) who complies with the procedures
set forth in this Section 7. The immediately preceding sentence shall be the exclusive means for stockholders to make
nominations or to bring other business proposals before an annual meeting of stockholders (other than matters properly
brought under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (such act, and all rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, the Exchange Act), and included in the Corporations notice of meeting).
(i)
Except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Corporation, for nominations to be properly made at and proposals of other business to be properly brought before an
annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to this Section 7, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof,
which notice must comply with the requirements of Article I, Section 7(b)(iii) (including, in the case of nominations,
timely delivery of the completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Article I, Section
7(b)(vi) hereof), and timely updates and supplements thereof, in writing to the Secretary, and such other business must
otherwise be a proper matter for stockholder action under applicable law. To be timely, a stockholders notice must be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of
business on the 90th day and not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior to the anniversary date of
the immediately preceding annual meeting; provided , however , that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is
more than 30 days earlier or more than 60 days later than such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely
must be so delivered or received not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting
and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day
following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. In no event shall the public
announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any
time period) for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above. In addition, to be considered timely, a
stockholders notice shall further be updated and supplemented, if necessary, so that the information provided or
required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for the meeting and as of the date
that is 10 business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and
supplement shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation by the later of the
close of business on the fifth business day after the record date for the meeting or the deadline for the delivery of the
stockholders notice, in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date, and not later
than the close of business on the eighth business day prior to the date for the meeting or any adjournment or
postponement thereof in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of 10 business days prior to the
meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Any notice of a nomination shall include a

4
representation that the stockholder will properly notify the Corporation in writing of any subsequent change in the
information provided or required to be provided.
(ii)
Any stockholders notice to the Secretary of the Corporation pursuant to Article I, Section 7 must
include in writing the following, as applicable:
(A) in any case, as to the stockholders giving the notice and the beneficial owner(s) on whose behalf
the nomination or proposal is made, (1) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporations books, of each such
stockholder proposing such business or nomination and the name and address of each such beneficial owner and of
their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert therewith; (2) the class or series and number of shares
of the Corporation which are, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially or owned of record by such stockholder or
stockholders, such beneficial owner and their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert therewith; (3)
description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, profit
interests, options, warrants, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares)
involving any such stockholder or stockholders or such beneficial owners, directly or indirectly, whether or not such
instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in underlying shares of capital stock of the Corporation, the effect or
intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price change for, or maintain, increase or decrease
the voting power of, such stockholder or such beneficial owners with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation; (4) a
representation that the applicable stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such
annual meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at such meeting to propose such business and (5) a
representation whether the applicable stockholder intends to solicit proxies in support of such stockholders proposal;
(B) as to a notice relating to any business other than a nomination of a director or directors that such
stockholders propose to bring before the meeting, as to such other business, (1) a brief description of the business
desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (2)
the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, in the event
that such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws of the Corporation, the language of the proposed
amendment) and (3) any material interest in such business of any such stockholder or any such beneficial owner on
whose behalf the proposal is made;
(C) as to a notice relating to the nomination of a director or directors, as to each person, if any, whom
such stockholders propose to elect or nominate for election or reelection to the Board of Directors, in addition to the
matters set forth in paragraph (A) above with respect to such proposed nominee, (1) the name, age, business address
and residence address of such person; (2) the principal occupation or employment of such person; (3) all information
relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of
directors in a contested election or is otherwise required pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act (including
such

5
persons written consent to being named in a proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and
(4) a description of all arrangements or understandings between any such stockholder or any such beneficial owner or
any of their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert therewith and each nominee and any other
person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by
such stockholder; and
(D)
with respect to each person, if any, whom such stockholders propose to elect or nominate for
election or reelection to the Board of Directors, in addition to the matters set forth in paragraphs (A) and (C) above, any
notice given to the Corporation must also include a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement
as specified by Article I, Section 7(b)(vi) hereof. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such
other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed
nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholders
understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee.
(iii)
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7 of Article I, if the stockholder (or a
qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to
present an item of business or is no longer a holder of record on the date of such meeting, such proposed business shall
not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For
purposes of this Section 7 of Article I, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a
duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such
stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the
meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable
reproduction of such writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.
(iv)
Notwithstanding anything in paragraph (a)(i) above to the contrary, in the event that the number
of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors at an annual meeting of the stockholders is increased and there is no
public announcement naming all of the nominees for directors or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors
made by the Corporation earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of
the immediately preceding annual meeting, a stockholders notice required by this Section 7 shall also be considered
timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to or
mailed to and received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of
business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.
(v)
To be eligible to be a nominee for election or reelection as a director of the Corporation, a person
must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice or other request under this Section 7
of Article I of these

6
Bylaws and under the Certificate of Incorporation) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation
a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any
other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the
Secretary upon written request), and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary
upon written request) that such person (1) is not and will not become a party to (i) any agreement, arrangement or
understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if
elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a Voting Commitment) that has not
been disclosed to the Corporation or (ii) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such persons ability
to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such persons fiduciary duties under applicable law, (2) is not
and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the
Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with
service or action as a director that has not been disclosed therein, (3) in such persons individual capacity and on behalf
of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director
of the Corporation, and will comply, with all applicable corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and
stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation and (4) will abide by the requirements of
Section 7 of Article I.
(b) Special Meetings. (i) Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders
as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting. Nominations of persons
for election to the Board of Directors may only be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to
be elected pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting (A) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (B)
provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder
who (1) is a stockholder of record at the time of the giving of notice of the special meeting and at the time of the special
meeting, (2) who is entitled to vote at the special meeting and (3) who complies with the procedures set forth in this
Section 7 and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation as to such nomination. The
immediately preceding sentence shall be the exclusive means for stockholders to make nominations before a special
meeting of stockholders (other than matters properly brought under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and included in
the Corporations notice of meeting).
(ii) In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one
or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder may nominate a person or persons (as the case may
be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporations notice of meeting, provided that the stockholder
gives timely notice thereof, which notice must comply with the requirements of Article I, Section 7(b)(iii) (including
timely delivery of the completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Article I, Section
7(b)(vi) hereof), and timely updates and supplements thereof, in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be
timely, a stockholders notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the

7
principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior to such
special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the
10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. In no event shall
the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period (or
extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above. In addition, to be considered
timely, a stockholders notice shall further be updated and supplemented, if necessary, so that the information provided
or required to be provided in such stockholders notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for the meeting
and as of the date that is 10 business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such
update and supplement shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation by the
later of the close of business on the fifth business day after the record date for the meeting or the deadline for the
delivery of the stockholders notice, in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date,
and not later than the close of business on the eighth business day prior to the date for the meeting or any adjournment
or postponement thereof in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of 10 business days prior to
the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Any such notice shall include a representation that the
stockholder will properly notify the Corporation in writing of any subsequent change in the information provided or
required to be provided.
(c)
General. (i) Except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation, only such persons who are nominated in accordance with this Section 7 shall be
eligible to serve as directors of the Corporation and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders
as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 7. The
Chairman of a meeting shall refuse to permit any business to be brought before the meeting which fails to comply with
the foregoing or if a stockholder solicits proxies in support of such stockholders nominee or proposal without such
stockholder having made the representation required by clause (A)(5) of paragraph (b)(iii) above.
(i)
For purposes of these Bylaws, public announcement shall mean disclosure in a press release
reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(ii)
Notwithstanding the provisions of these Bylaws, a stockholder shall also comply with all
applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to the matters set forth in these Bylaws; provided, however,
that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act are not intended to and shall not limit the separate and
additional requirements set forth in these Bylaws with respect to nominations or proposals as to any other business to
be considered pursuant to Section 7 of Article I. Nothing in this Section 7 of Article I shall be deemed to affect any
rights of (A) stockholders to request inclusion of proposals or nominations in the Corporations proxy statement
pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or (B) the holders of any series of Preferred Stock if and to the extent

8
provided for under the law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (or any
designation of Preferred Stock issued thereunder)or these Bylaws.
Section 2. Meeting by Means of Remote Communication. If authorized by the Board of Directors in
its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, stockholders and
proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication, participate
in a meeting of stockholders and be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders whether such
meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication; provided , however , that (i)
the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote
at such meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) the Corporation shall
implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate
in such meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the
proceedings of such meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings and (iii) if any stockholder or
proxyholder votes or takes other action at such meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or
other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.
Section 3. List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the
stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of the stockholders, a
complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address
of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to
examination by any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period
of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place
shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The
list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be
inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present.
Section 4.
Stock Ledger. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall constitute the list required by
Section 9 of this Article I and shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock
ledger or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
Section 5.
Inspection of Election. The Corporation may, and at the request of any stockholder or if
required by law shall, before or at each meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of elections to act at
the meeting and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate
inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of the
stockholders, the chairman of the meeting may, and at the request of any stockholder or if required by law shall,
appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Unless otherwise required by law, inspectors may be officers,
employees or agents of the Corporation. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall

9
take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his
or her ability. The inspector or inspectors so appointed or designated shall (i) ascertain the number of outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Corporation and the voting power of each such share, (ii) determine the shares of capital
stock of the Corporation represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots, (iii) count all votes and
ballots, (iv) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any
determination by the inspectors and (v) certify their determination of the number of shares of capital stock of the
Corporation represented at the meeting and such inspectors count of all votes and ballots. Such certification and report
shall specify such other information as may be required by law. In determining the validity and counting of proxies and
ballots cast at any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, the inspectors may consider such information as is
permitted by applicable law. No person who is a candidate for an office at an election may serve as an inspector at such
election.
ARTICLE II
Directors
Section 1.
Duties and Powers. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the
direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts
and things as are not by statute or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws,
conferred upon or reserved to the stockholders.
Section 2. Number of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation shall not be less or more
than the range specified in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, the exact number
of directors to be such number as may be set from time to time within the limits set forth above by resolution adopted
by affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. As used in these Bylaws, the term entire Board
means the total number of directors that the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies or unfilled newly
created directorships.
Section 3. Qualification and Election of Directors. (a) Directors need not be stockholders or citizens
or residents of the United States of America. Each of the directors shall hold office until his resignation or removal in
the manner hereinafter provided.
(b) Election of Directors. (i) Except as otherwise required by statute or by the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, each person to be elected as a director shall be elected by a majority of
the votes cast with respect to such persons election; provided , however , that in a Contested Election, directors shall
be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders by the holders of shares of capital stock of the
Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class. For purposes of this Section 3(b), (A) a person
shall be considered to have received a majority

10
of the votes cast with respect to such persons election only if the number of votes cast for such persons election
exceeds the number of votes cast against such persons election, with abstentions and broker non-votes not
counted as a vote cast either for or against such persons election, (B) Contested Election shall mean any election
for directors in which the number of nominees for director exceeds the number of Board seats open for election, and
(C) Uncontested Election shall mean any election for directors other than a Contested Election.
(ii) If an incumbent director receives less than a majority of the votes cast with respect to such directors
election in an Uncontested Election, such director shall promptly tender his or her resignation to the Chairman of the
Board of Directors for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee. No later than 90 days following
the receipt of any such tendered resignation, (A) the Board of Directors shall, taking into account any recommendation
by the Nominating and Governance Committee, take formal action with respect thereto (which action may include
accepting or rejecting such tendered resignation, or taking other action considered appropriate) and (B) the Corporation
shall publicly disclose the Board of Directors decision and, in the event that the Board of Directors does not accept
such tendered resignation, the rationale for such decision. The Nominating and Governance Committee, in making any
recommendation under this Section 3(b), and the Board of Directors, in making any decision under this Section 3(b),
may consider any factors or other information they consider appropriate or relevant.
Section 4. Resignations. Subject to Section 3(b) of this Article II, (a) any director may resign at any
time;(b) such resignation shall be made in writing, and shall take effect at the time specified therein, and if no time be
specified, at the time of its receipt by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the
Secretary; and (c)unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to
make it effective.
Section 5.
Removal. Directors may only be removed as provided in the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation.
Section 6.
Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships. Vacancies and newly created directorships
resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in
office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until
their earlier resignation or removal.
Section 7. Chairman of the Board of Directors. The directors shall elect one of the members of the
Board of Directors to be Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall perform
such duties as are specified in these Bylaws and any such additional duties that may from time to time be assigned by
the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors may, but need not be, an officer of the Corporation.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors may be removed from such position by the Board of Directors at any time.

11
Section 8.
Annual Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet for the election of officers and the
transaction of other business as soon as practicable after each annual meeting of the stockholders, and no notice of such
meeting shall be necessary in order legally to constitute the meeting; provided , however , that a quorum is present.
Such meeting may be held at any other time or place specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for regular
meetings of the Board of Directors.
Section 9.
Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special,
either within or without the State of Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such time
and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors. The Secretary, or in his or her
absence any other officer of the Corporation, shall give each director notice of the time and place of holding of regular
meetings of the Board of Directors by mail at least five days before the meeting, or by facsimile, telegram, cable,
electronic transmission or personal service at least two days before the meeting, unless such notice requirement is
waived in writing or by electronic transmission by such director.
Section 10.
Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the
Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, and shall be called by the Secretary of the
Corporation upon the written request of not less than a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in
office. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as shall be designated in the
notice of the meeting. The Secretary, or in his or her absence any other officer of the Corporation, shall give each
director notice of the time and place of holding of special meetings of the Board of Directors by mail at least five days
before the meeting, or by facsimile, telegram, cable, electronic transmission or personal service at least two days before
the meeting, unless such notice requirement is waived in writing or by electronic transmission by such director. Unless
otherwise stated in the notice thereof, any and all business shall be transacted at any meeting without specification of
such business in the notice.
Section 11.
Quorum. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting
at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of
the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other
than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
Section 12.
Actions of Board of Directors. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of
the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if all the members of the Board of Directors then in office
consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and such writing or writings or electronic transmission or
transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of

12
Directors. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form
if the minutes are maintained in electronic form. The date on which an electronic transmission is transmitted shall be
deemed to be the date on which consent was given for the applicable action, even if such electronic transmission is
subsequently followed by a written consent that is dated after such date of transmission.
Section 13. Organization. Meetings shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
or in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, by such other person as the directors may select. The
Board of Directors shall keep written minutes of its meetings. The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of
the meeting, but in the absence of the Secretary of the Corporation, the chairman of the meeting may appoint any
person to act as secretary of the meeting.
Section 14.
Meeting by Means of Conference Telephone. Unless otherwise provided by law, the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, members of the Board of Directors may
participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of a conference telephone or similar communications
equipment that enables all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other, and participation in a meeting
pursuant to this Section 14 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 15. Compensation. Each director, other than directors who are officers or employees of the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation such amount per annum and
such fees (payable in cash, stock and equity) for attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors or of committees of
the Board of Directors, or both, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine. Each director shall be
entitled to receive from the Corporation reimbursement for the reasonable expenses incurred by such person in
connection with the performance of such persons duties as director. Nothing herein contained, however, shall be
construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity as an officer, agent or otherwise,
and receiving compensation therefor.
ARTICLE III
Committees
Section 1. Constitution and Powers. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, the Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may, by resolution
of a simple majority of its members, designate one or more committees. Initially, the Corporation shall have the
following committees of the Board of Directors: the nominating and corporate governance committee, the audit
committee and the compensation committee. Each committee shall consist of one or more directors of the Corporation.
Except as provided by applicable law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or
these Bylaws, the Board of Directors, by a simple majority vote of its members, shall have the right from time to time
to delegate to or to remove from any board committee the authority to approve any matters which would not otherwise
require a higher vote than a simple majority vote

13
of the Board of Directors. Except as required by applicable law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
of the Corporation or these Bylaws, for those matters that require a higher vote of the Board of Directors than a simple
majority vote, the Board of Directors, by such requisite higher vote, shall have the right from time to time to delegate to
or to remove from any board committee the authority to approve any such matters requiring such requisite higher vote.
Section 2.
Organization of Committees. (a) The Board of Directors may designate one or more
directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting
of such committee and (b) in the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members
thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may
unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in place of any such absent or
disqualified member. Each committee that may be established by the Board of Directors may fix its own rules and
procedures. All committees so appointed shall keep regular minutes of the transactions of their meetings and shall be
responsible to the Board of Directors for the conduct of the enterprises and affairs entrusted to them. Notice of
meetings of committees, other than of regular meetings provided for by such rules, shall be given to committee
members.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
Section 1. General. The officers of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and
shall include a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, one or more Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer.
The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also appoint a Chief Accounting Officer, one or more Vice Presidents
(including Executive and Senior Vice Presidents), Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers or Assistant Controllers as
it may deem proper. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws; provided , however , that no officer shall execute,
acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity if such instrument is required by law, the Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or these Bylaws to be executed, acknowledged or verified
by two or more officers. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders or directors of the Corporation.
Section 2. Election. The Board of Directors shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold
their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to
time by the Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and
qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal.
Section 3.
Removal. Any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board of
Directors at any meeting thereof or by any superior officer upon whom such power may be conferred by the Board of
Directors.

14
Section 4. Resignation. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice to the Board of Directors,
the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary of the Corporation in writing or by
electronic transmission. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time therein specified or if no time is specified,
immediately. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to
make it effective.
Section 5. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification
or any other cause may be filled at any time by the Board of Directors, or if such officer was appointed by the Chief
Executive Officer, then by the Chief Executive Officer.
Section 6. Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation. Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice
of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the
name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Secretary of the
Corporation and any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such
officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in
which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights
and powers incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have
exercised and possessed if present, in each case subject to having obtained the requisite Board of Directors and
stockholders approvals with respect to any such matter. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time
confer like powers upon any other person or persons.
Section 7.
Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall have
such powers and shall perform such duties as are specified in Section 7 of Article II of these Bylaws.
Section 8.
Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall exercise general and active
supervision over and management of the property, affairs and business of the Corporation and shall authorize other
officers of the Corporation to exercise such powers as he, in his discretion, may deem to be in the best interests of the
Corporation. The Chief Executive Officer may preside at meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors in the
absence or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer shall, in general,
perform all duties incident to the office of Chief Executive Officer and shall have such other duties as the Board of
Directors may from time to time prescribe. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer
may enter into and execute in the name of the Corporation contracts and other obligations which implement policies
established by the Board of Directors.
Section 9. President. Any President shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as the Board
of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or these Bylaws may from time to time prescribe. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, Presidents may enter into and execute in the name of the Corporation contracts and other
obligations

15
pertaining to the regular course of their duties which implement policies established by the Board of Directors.
Section 10. Vice President. Any Vice President shall have such duties as the Board of Directors, the
Chief Executive Officer, his superior officer or these Bylaws may from time to time prescribe. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, Vice Presidents may enter into and execute in the name of the Corporation contracts and
other obligations pertaining to the regular course of their duties which implement policies established by the Board of
Directors.
Section 11. Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall be the principal financial officer
of the Corporation and shall have such powers and perform such duties as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive
Officer or these Bylaws may from time to time prescribe. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Chief
Financial Officer may sign and execute contracts and other obligations pertaining to the regular course of his or her
duties which implement policies established by the Board of Directors.
Section 12.
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporation funds and securities
and shall keep full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation. He or she
shall deposit all moneys and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositaries as
may be designated by the Board of Directors. He or she shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered
by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer, taking proper vouchers for such
disbursements.
Section 13.
Chief Accounting Officer. The Chief Accounting Officer, if any, shall serve as the
principal accounting officer of the Corporation, unless such role is performed by the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief
Accounting Officer shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation regarding the
Corporations accounting matters and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive
Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or these Bylaws may from time to time prescribe.
Section 14.
Secretary. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the
stockholders and directors and all other notices required by law or by these Bylaws, and in case of his or her absence or
refusal or neglect so to do, any such notice may be given by any person thereunto directed by the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the directors or stockholders, upon whose request the meeting is called
as provided in these Bylaws. He or she shall record all the proceedings of the meetings of the Board of Directors, any
committees thereof and the stockholders of the Corporation in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall perform
such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or
the Chief Executive Officer. He or she shall have the custody of the seal of the Corporation and shall affix the same to
all instruments requiring it, when authorized by the

16
Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, and attest the same.
Section 15.
Assistant Treasurers, Assistant Controllers and Assistant Secretaries. Any Assistant
Treasurers, Assistant Controllers and Assistant Secretaries shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors, the
Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer, Secretary or these
Bylaws may from time to time prescribe. An Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Controller or Assistant Secretary need not be
an officer of the Corporation and shall not be deemed an officer of the Corporation unless so designated by the Board
of Directors.
Section 16.
Bank Accounts. In addition to such bank accounts as may be authorized in the usual
manner by resolution of the Board of Directors, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer, with approval of the Chief
Executive Officer, may authorize such bank accounts to be opened or maintained in the name and on behalf of the
Corporation as the Treasurer shall deem necessary or appropriate; provided , however , that payments from such bank
accounts are to be made upon and according to the check of the Corporation as shall be specified in the written
instructions of the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation with the approval
of the Chief Executive Officer.
ARTICLE V
Stock
Section 1. Form of Certificates. Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a
certificate signed, in the name of the Corporation (i) by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive
Officer or a President or a Vice President and (ii) by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by him or her in the Corporation.
Section 2.
Signatures. Where a certificate is countersigned by (a) a transfer agent other than the
Corporation or its employee, or (b) a registrar other than the Corporation or its employee, any other signature on the
certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile
signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such
certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent
or registrar at the date of issue.
Section 3. Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place
of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making
of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When
authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to
the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to
advertise the same in such manner

17
as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity
against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost,
stolen or destroyed.
Section 4.
Transfers. Except as otherwise prescribed by applicable law or by the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, and subject to any transfer restrictions applicable thereto and
conspicuously noted on the stock certificate, stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed in
these Bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the
certificate or by such persons duly authorized attorney appointed by a power of attorney duly executed and filed with
the Secretary of the Corporation or a transfer agent of the Corporation, and upon surrender of the certificate or
certificates for such stock properly endorsed. Every certificate exchanged, returned or surrendered shall be marked
Canceled, with the date of cancellation, by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or the transfer
agent thereof. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation, its stockholders or creditors for any
purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom
transferred.
Section 5.
Transfer Agent and Registrar. The Board of Directors may appoint one or more transfer
agents and one or more registrars and may require all certificates for shares to bear the manual or facsimile signature or
signatures of any of them.
Section 6. Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to (i)
notice of or to vote at any meeting of the stockholders or any adjournment thereof, (ii) unless otherwise provided in the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, express consent to corporate action by written
consent without a meeting, (iii) receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or
entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or (iv) for the purpose of any
other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which shall not precede the date upon which the
resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors and which record date shall, unless otherwise
required by law, not be: (a) in the case of clause (i) above, more than 60 nor less than ten days before the date of such
meeting, (b) in the case of clause (ii) above, more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the
record date was adopted by the Board of Directors and (c) in the case of clauses (iii) and (iv), more than 60 days prior
to such action. If no record date is fixed: (x) the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote
at a meeting of the stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is
given, or if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held;
(y) the record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a
meeting (unless otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation),
when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required under the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, as amended from time to time (the General Corporation Law ), shall be the first day on which a signed
written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its
registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business or

18
an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are
recorded; and when prior action by the Board of Directors is required under the General Corporation Law, the record
date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the
close of business on the date on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action; and (c) the
record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the
Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of
or to vote at a meeting of the stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided , however , that the
Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
Section 7. Beneficial Owners. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a
person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable
for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize
any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall
have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.
Section 8.
Regulations. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law or in the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, the Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to
make all such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer, registration, cancellation
and replacement of certificates representing stock of the Corporation.
ARTICLE VI
Notices
Section 1. Notices. Whenever written notice is required by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to be given to any director or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail,
addressed to such director or stockholder, at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage
thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United
States mail. Written notice may also be given personally or by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission.
Any notice given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed to have been given upon confirmation of receipt by the
addressee.
Section 2.
Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by law, the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to be given to any director or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing,
signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed
equivalent thereto. Attendance of a director or a stockholder in person or by proxy at such a meeting shall constitute a
waiver of notice to such director or stockholder of such meeting, except when such director or stockholder attends the
meeting for the express purpose of objecting

19
at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened.
ARTICLE VII
General Provisions
Section 1. Books and Records. The books and records of the Corporation may be kept at such places
within or without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
Section 2.
Dividends. Subject to the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, if any, dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at
any meeting, and may be paid in cash or in property. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any
funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its
absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for
repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may
modify or abolish any such reserve.
Section 3.
Disbursements. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be
signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time
designate.
Section 4. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on December 31 of each year, or
such other period as may be adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Section 5.
Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the
Corporation, the year of its organization and the words Corporate Seal, Delaware. The seal may be used by causing it
or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
Section 6. Saving Clause. These Bylaws are subject to the provisions of the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation and applicable law. If any provision of these Bylaws is inconsistent with
the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or the General Corporation Law, such
provision shall be invalid only to the extent of such conflict, and such conflict shall not affect the validity of any other
provision of these Bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII
Indemnification
Section 1. Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than those by or in the Right of
the Corporation. Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII,

20
the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an
action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent
of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses
(including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or
her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any
action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he
or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 2. Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation.
Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the
Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee
or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against
expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense or
settlement of such action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in
or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only
to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.
Section 3.
Authorization of Indemnification. Any indemnification under this Article VIII (unless
ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the
applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or Section 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be. Such
determination shall be made (a) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or
proceeding, even though less than a quorum, (b) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such
directors, even though less than a quorum, (c) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by
independent

21
legal counsel in a written opinion or (d) by the stockholders. To the extent, however, that a director, officer, employee
or agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding
described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she shall be indemnified against expenses
(including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith, without the
necessity of authorization in the specific case.
Section 4.
Good Faith Defined. For purposes of any determination under Section 3 of this Article
VIII, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, if his or her action is based on good faith reliance on the
records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to him by the officers
of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the
Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another
enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care
by the Corporation or another enterprise. The term another enterprise as used in this Section 4 shall mean any other
corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person is or
was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent. The provisions of this Section 4
shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have
met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.
Section 5.
Indemnification by a Court. Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific
case under Section 3 of this Article VIII, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any
director, officer, employee or agent may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware for
indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under Section 1 and 2 of this Article VIII. The basis of such
indemnification by a court shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the director, officer, employee
or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in
Sections 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be. Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under
Section 3 of this Article VIII nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or
create a presumption that the director, officer, employee or agent seeking indemnification has not met any applicable
standard of conduct. Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 shall be given to the
Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application. If successful, in whole or in part, the director, officer,
employee or agent seeking indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application.
Section 6.
Expenses Payable in Advance. Expenses incurred in defending or investigating a
threatened or pending action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of
such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director, officer, employee or
agent

22
to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as
authorized in this Article VIII.
Section 7.
Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification
and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any
other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any Bylaw,
agreement, contract, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or pursuant to the direction (howsoever embodied)
of any court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in
another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification of the persons
specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law. The provisions of
this Article VIII shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 1 or
2 of this Article VIII but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the
Delaware General Corporation Law or otherwise.
Section 8. Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person
who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee
benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such
capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the
obligation to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of this Article VIII.
Section 9. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Article VIII, references to the Corporation shall
include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent)
absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and
authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as
a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or
other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or
surviving corporation as he or she would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had
continued. For purposes of this Article VIII, references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person
with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the Corporation shall include any
service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by,
such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and
a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants
and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner not opposed to the best
interests of the Corporation as referred to in this Article VIII.

23
Section 10.
Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification and
advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VIII shall, unless otherwise provided when
authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure
to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
Section 11. Limitation on Indemnification. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article VIII to
the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 5 of this
Article VIII), the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent in connection
with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or
consented to by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
ARTICLE IX
Amendments
Section 1. Amendment, etc. The Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend or repeal
Bylaws. Bylaws adopted by the Board of Directors may be repealed or changed, and new Bylaws made, by the
stockholders, and the stockholders may prescribe that any Bylaw made by them shall not be altered, amended or
repealed by the Board of Directors.

EXHIBIT 10.17

FIRST SOLAR, INC.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
A.

B.

The Roles of the Board of Directors and Management

1.

The Board of Directors - The business of First Solar, Inc. (the Company) shall be conducted under the
oversight of the Board of Directors (the Board). The Board shall select the Chief Executive Officer
(the CEO) and delegate to the CEO the authority and responsibility to manage the Companys
operations. The Board may select a Chairman of the Board (the Chairman). The day-to-day
management of the Company, including the preparation of financial statements and short- and long-term
strategic planning, is the responsibility of the Companys management. The primary responsibility of
the Board is to oversee and review managements performance of these functions.

2.

Management - The CEO and senior management shall be responsible for running the Companys
business operations.

Board Composition and Leadership

1.

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer - The Board shall have the authority to decide
whether the Board shall have a Chairman and whether the positions of Chairman and CEO should be
held by the same person and shall determine the best arrangement for the Company and its stockholders
in light of all relevant and changing circumstances.

2.

Size of the Board - The number of directors should not exceed a number that can function efficiently.
The Nominating and Governance Committee shall consider and make recommendations to the Board
concerning the appropriate size and needs of the Board.

3.

Board Independence - The independence of a director is determined according to the Sarbanes-Oxley

Act of 2002, the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the listing
standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market. The independence requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market
include a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not an employee of the Company and has
not engaged in various types of business dealings with the Company. Because it is not possible to
anticipate or explicitly provide for all potential conflicts of interest that may affect independence, the
Board is also responsible for making an affirmative determination as to each independent director that
no relationships exist which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of
independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making these determinations,
the Board will review information provided by the directors and the Company with regard to each
Directors business and personal activities as they may relate to the Company and the Companys
management.

4.

Board Membership Criteria - The Nominating and Governance Committee shall periodically review
with the Board the appropriate skills and characteristics required of Board members given the current
Board composition. It is the intent of the Board that the Board will be comprised of individuals who
have distinguished records of leadership and success in their area of activity and who will make
substantial contributions to Board operations and effectively represent the interests of the stockholders.

Last Revision Effective February 18, 2016

Adopted as of October 3, 2006

The Boards assessment of Board candidates includes, but is not limited to, consideration of (i) roles and
contributions valuable to the business community; (ii) personal qualities of leadership, character,
judgment and whether the candidate possesses and maintains throughout service on the Board a
reputation in the community at large of integrity, trust, respect, competence and adherence to the highest
ethical standards; (iii) relevant knowledge and diversity of background and experience in such areas as
business, technology, finance and accounting, marketing, government and other disciplines relevant to
the Companys business; and (iv) whether the candidate is free of conflicts and has the time required for
preparation, participation and attendance at all meetings (the Board Membership Criteria). A directors
qualifications in light of these criteria shall be considered at least each time the director is re-nominated
for Board membership.
5.

Selection of New Director Candidates - The Nominating and Governance Committee shall screen and
recommend for selection candidates to the Board.

6.

Director Orientation and Continuing Education - The Company shall provide directors with an
orientation and education program to familiarize them with the Companys business operations and
plans, industry trends and corporate governance practices, as well as ongoing education on issues facing
the Company and on subjects that would assist the directors in discharging their duties.

7.

Directors Who Experience Change in Present Job Responsibilities or Other Relevant Circumstances When there is a significant change in the directors principal occupation or business affiliation, or other
circumstances arise which may raise questions about the directors continuing qualifications in relation
to the Board Membership Criteria set forth above, then the director shall tender her/his resignation or
the Nominating and Governance Committee shall ask for such tender. The Nominating and Governance
Committee shall consider the tendered resignation and recommend to the Board the action to be taken.

8.

Service On Other For-Profit Boards - Independent directors are encouraged to evaluate carefully the
time required to serve on other boards (excluding the boards of non-profit organizations) taking into
account board attendance, preparation, participation and effectiveness on these boards. Independent
directors must advise the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee before accepting an
invitation to serve on another board to enable the Company to determine whether (i) any regulatory
issues or potential conflicts are raised by the director accepting such an invitation and (ii) the director
will have the time required for preparation, participation and attendance at meetings of the Board of the
Company. Independent directors should not serve on more than five other boards of public companies in
addition to the Board of the Company.

9.

Board Compensation Review - The Compensation Committee shall periodically receive reports on the
status of Board compensation in relation to other comparable U.S. companies and shall be responsible
for recommending to the Board changes in compensation for non-employee directors. In recommending
Board compensation, the Compensation Committee shall be guided by three goals: compensation should
fairly pay directors for work required for a company of our size and scope; (ii) compensation should
align directors interests with the long-term interests of the Companys stockholders; and (iii) the
structure of the compensation should be clearly disclosed to the Companys stockholders.

Adopted as of October 3, 2006

Last Revision Effective February 18, 2016

2

C.

D.

Board Operations
1.

Selection of Agenda Items for Board Meetings - Annually, the Chairman and the CEO will propose for
the Boards approval a schedule for Board and Committee meetings for the upcoming year. Before each
meeting, the Chairman and CEO will prepare an agenda which will be circulated to the Board in
advance. Management will review proposed agenda items that fall within the scope of responsibilities of
a Board committee with the chair of that committee. Any Board member may ask to include items on
the agenda.

2.

Board Materials Distributed in Advance - Board members shall receive materials related to agenda
items in advance of Board meetings so that the directors may prepare to discuss the items at the
meeting. Sensitive subjects may be discussed at the meeting without distributing written materials in
advance or at the meeting.

3.

Director Responsibilities - Directors must exercise their business judgment to act in the best interests of
the stockholders and the Company. In discharging this obligation, directors reasonably may rely on the
Companys senior executives and its advisors and auditors. Directors are expected to attend and
participate in substantially all meetings of the Board and of committees on which they serve, to spend
the time needed to prepare for meetings and to meet as frequently as necessary to discharge their
responsibilities.

4.

Board Presentations and Access to Employees - Members of senior management may be invited to
attend part or all of a Board or Board committee meeting in order to participate in discussions.
Generally, presentation of matters to be considered by the Board or Board committee are made by the
executive responsible for that area of the Companys operations. Board members shall have complete
access to all other members of management and Company employees.

5.

Board Access to Independent Advisors - The Board and its committees may seek advice from outside
advisors as appropriate. The Board shall have sole authority to approve related fees and retention terms.

6.

Executive Sessions of Non-Management Directors - The independent directors shall meet on a regular
basis (at least twice per year) outside the presence of the non-independent directors.

Board Committees
1.

Committees - The current Board committees are Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Governance,
Project Development and Technology.

2.

Assignment and Term of Service of Committee Members - The Board shall be responsible for the
appointment of committee members and chairs, based on recommendations of the Nominating and
Governance Committee. The Board at its first meeting following the annual meeting of stockholders
shall elect the members of each committee.

3.

Agenda, Frequency, Length and Reports of Committee Meetings - The chair of each committee shall
approve the agenda, length of and attendance at each committee meeting and shall determine the
frequency of meetings. Materials related to agenda items shall be given to the committee members
sufficiently in advance to allow the members to prepare for discussing

Adopted as of October 3, 2006

Last Revision Effective February 18, 2016

3

the items at the meeting. The committee chairs shall report a summary of their meeting to the Board
following each regular committee meeting, as requested.

E.

4.

Membership - Only directors meeting the membership requirements of the applicable committee charter
may serve on a committee.

5.

Responsibilities - The Board shall periodically review the responsibilities of each committee and
approve the committee charters, copies of which are attached to these guidelines.

Board and Management Evaluation

1.

Formal Evaluation of the CEO - The Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Chairman and
the CEO, shall set annual and long-term performance goals for the Company. The Chair of the
Compensation Committee shall lead the discussion of the CEOs performance relative to such goals
with the independent directors and communicate the Boards evaluation to the CEO. The Compensation
Committee will use the evaluation as a factor when determining the compensation of the CEO.

2.

Board Self-Assessment - The Board shall conduct an annual self-evaluation to determine whether it and
its committees are functioning effectively. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall solicit
comments from all directors and share those comments with the Board. Based on the comments and
further discussion, the Board shall make an assessment specifically reviewing areas in which the Board
and/or management believes improvements could be made to increase the effectiveness of the Board
and its committees.

3.

Succession Planning - The Board shall periodically review the Companys plans regarding succession of
the CEO and other senior executive positions. To assist the Board, the CEO shall annually assess senior
executives and their succession potential. The CEO shall also provide the Board with an assessment of
persons considered potential successors to certain senior executive positions.

4.

Management Development - The CEO shall periodically report to the Board on the Companys program
for management development.

Adopted as of October 3, 2006

Last Revision Effective February 18, 2016

4

EXHIBIT 10.23

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this "Agreement") is made as of July 25, 2011 by and between First Solar, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation having its principal office at 350 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Tempe, Arizona 85281
(hereinafter, " Employer ") and Philip Tymen deJong (hereinafter, " Employee ").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Employee is presently employed by Employer;
WHEREAS, Employer and Employee wish to enter into an agreement relating to the employment of Employee
by Employer.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, and the mutual covenants, terms and
conditions set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Employer and Employee hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. Employment
1.1 Term; At-Will Nature of Employment. The term of this Agreement (the "Term") shall commence as of July 25, 2011 and
shall end on the date Employee's employment with Employer terminates for any reason. Employer employs Employee as a fulltime, at-will employee, and Employee accepts such employment with Employer as a full-time, at-will employee. Employer or
Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and with or without notice,
subject to the provisions of this Agreement.
1.2 Position and Duties of Employee . Employee shall be employed under this Agreement in the initial capacity of Employer's
Senior Vice President, Operations. In this position, Employee initially shall report to Employer's Chief Executive Officer (the
"Supervisor"). Employee agrees to diligently and faithfully perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to
Employee by the Supervisor (as may exist from time to time) (and to the extent, not then the Supervisor, Employer's Chief
Executive Officer), consistent with Employee's position with Employer. Employee recognizes the necessity for established
policies and procedures pertaining to Employer's business operations, and Employers right to change, revoke or supplement
such policies and procedures at any time, in Employer's sole discretion. Employee agrees to comply with such policies and
procedures, including those contained in any manuals or handbooks, as may be amended from time to time in the sole
discretion of Employer. Employee shall be based in Tempe, Arizona but shall be required to travel to such locations as shall be
required to fulfill the responsibilities of his position.
1.3 No Salary or Benefits Continuation beyond Termination . Except as may be required by applicable law or as otherwise
specified in this Agreement, Employer shall not be liable to Employee for any salary or benefits continuation beyond the date of
Employees cessation of employment with Employer.
1.4 Termination of Employment . Employee's employment with Employer shall terminate upon the earliest of: (a) Employee's
death; (b) unless waived by Employer, Employee's "Disability'', (which for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean either a
physical or mental condition (as determined by a
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qualified physician mutually agreeable to Employer and Employee) which renders Employee unable, for a period of at least six
(6) months, effectively to perform the obligations, duties and responsibilities of Employee's employment with Employer); (c)
the termination of Employee's employment by Employer for Cause (as hereinafter defined); (d) Employee's resignation; and (e)
the termination of Employee's employment by Employer without Cause. As used herein, "Cause" shall mean Employer's good
faith determination of: (i) Employee's dishonest, fraudulent or illegal conduct relating to the business of Employer; (ii)
Employee's willful breach or habitual neglect of Employee's duties or obligations in connection with Employee's employment;
(iii) Employee's misappropriation of Employer funds; (iv) Employee's conviction of a felony or any other criminal offense
involving fraud or dishonesty, whether or not relating to the business of Employer or Employee's employment with Employer;
(v) Employee's excessive use of alcohol; (vi) Employee's unlawful use of controlled substances or other addictive behavior; (vii)
Employee's unethical business conduct; (viii) Employee's breach of any statutory or common law duty of royalty to Employer;
or (ix) Employee's material breach of this Agreement, the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement between Employer
and Employee entered into on the date hereof or as may be amended from time to time (the ''Non-Competition Agreement" ), the
Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Agreement between Employer and Employee entered into on December 16, 2009 or as
may be amended from time to time (the " Confidentiality Agreement "). Upon termination of Employee's employment with
Employer for any reason, Employee will promptly return to Employer all materials in any form acquired by Employee as a
result of such employment with Employer, and all property of Employer.
1.5 Severance Payments and Vacation Pay.
(a) Vacation Pay in the Event of a Termination of Employment . In the event of the termination of Employee's
employment with Employer for any reason, Employee shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the Severance Payments
described in Section l .5(b) below, if any, the dollar value of any earned but unused (and unforfeited) vacation. Such dollar value
shall be paid to Employee within fifteen (15) days following the date of termination of employment.
(b)

Severance Payments in the Case of a Termination Without Cause.

(i) Severance Payments . If Employee's employment is terminated by Employer without Cause then,
subject to (A) Employee's satisfaction of the Release Condition described in Section 1.5(b)(ii) below, and (B) Employee's
mitigation obligation described in Section 1.5(b)(iii) below, Employee shall be entitled to continuation of Employee's Base
Salary (as defined in Section 2.1) (such salary continuation, the "Severance Payments" ) for a period of 12 months (which period
shall commence on the thirty-sixth (36th) day following the date employment terminates) in accordance with Employer's regular
payroll practices and procedures.
(ii) Release Condition . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Severance Payments shall
be due or made to Employee hereunder unless (i) Employee shall have executed and delivered a general release in favor of
Employer and its affiliates, (which release shall be submitted to Employee for his review by the date of Employee's termination
of employment (or shortly thereafter), be substantially in the form of the Separation Agreement and Release attached hereto as
Exhibit A and otherwise be satisfactory to Employer) and (ii) the Release Effective Date shall have occurred on or before the
thirty-sixth (36tli) day following the date employment terminates. The " Release Effective Date " shall be the date the general
release becomes effective and irrevocable.

First Solar, Inc.

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(iii) Mitigation . Severance Payments shall be reduced by any compensation that Employee earns from
employment or self-employment during the twelve (12) months : following such termination of employment. Employee agrees
to notify Employer of the amounts of such compensation earned.
(c) Medical Insurance . If Employee's employment is terminated by Employer without Cause, Employer will
provide or pay the cost of continuing the medical coverage provided by Employer to Employee and his dependents during his
employment at the same or a comparable coverage level, for a period beginning on the date of termination and ending on the
earlier of (i) the date that is twelve (12) months following such termination and (ii) the date that Employee is covered under a
medical benefits plan of a subsequent employer. Employee agrees to make a timely COBRA election, to the extent requested by
Employer, to facilitate Employers provision of continuation coverage. Except as permitted by Section 409A (as defined below),
the continued benefits provided to Employee pursuant to this Section 1.5(c) during any calendar year will not affect the
continued benefits to be provided to Employee pursuant to this Section l.5(c) in any other calendar year.
(d) Equity Award Vesting . In the event of (i) the termination of Employee's employment with Employer due to
Employee's death, (ii) the termination of Employee's employment with Employer due to Disability, or (iii) the termination of
Employee's employment by Employer without Cause, Employee shall on the date of such termination of employment be credited
immediately with an additional twelve (12) months' vesting under the stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock
and other equity or equity-based compensation of Employer granted to Employee in the course of his employment with Employer
under this Agreement (collectively, " Equity Awards "). The shares of Employer underlying any restricted stock units that become
vested pursuant to this Section l .5(d) shall be payable on the vesting date. Any of Employee's stock options and stock
appreciation rights that become vested pursuant to this Section 1.5(d) shall be exercisable immediately upon vesting, and any
such stock options and stock appreciation rights and any of Employee's stock options and stock appreciation rights that are
otherwise vested and exercisable as of Employee's termination of employment shall remain exercisable for ninety (90) days
following Employee's termination of employment (or such longer period as shall be provided by the applicable award
agreement), provided that, if during such period Employee is under any trading restriction due to a lockup agreement or closed
trading window such period shall be tolled during the period of such trading restriction, and . provided, further, that in no event
shall any stock option or stock appreciation right continue to be exercisable after the original expiration date of such stock option
or stock appreciation right. If the terms of this Agreement are contrary to or conflict with the terms of any document or
agreement addressing or governing the Equity Awards, the terms of this Agreement shall apply except that . no provision in this
Agreement shall operate to extend the term of any stock . option or stock appreciation right beyond its original expiration date.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 1.5(d) to the contrary, if Employee's employment with Employer is terminated without
Cause and the Release Effective Date shall not occur, Employee shall forfeit any Equity Awards which vested in accordance with
this Section and Employee shall execute such documents and take such actions as are necessary to effect this forfeiture. In
addition, pending the Release Effective Date, Employer shall adopt restrictions on the liquidity and transferability of shares
acquired pursuant to Equity Awards which vest under this Section 1.5(d).
ARTICLE II. Compensation
2.1 Base Salary. Employee shall be compensated at an annual base salary of Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($350,000) (the " Base Salary '') while Employee is employed by Employer under this Agreement, subject to such annual
increases that Employer may, in its sole discretion, determine to be
First Solar, Inc.
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appropriate . Such Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Employer's standard policies and shall be subject to applicable
tax withholding requirements.
2.2 Annual Bonus Eligibility. Employee shall be eligible to participate in Employer's . Annual bonus program under which
Employee's target bonus shall equal fifty percent (50%) of Employee's Base Salary. Payment of any bonus shall depend upon
individual and company performance, all as determined by Employer in its sole discretion. The terms of the annual bonus
program shall be developed by Employer and communicated to Employee as soon as practicable after the beginning of each year
.
2.3 Benefits; Vacation . Employee shall be eligible to receive all benefits as are available to similarly situated employees of
Employer generally, and any other benefits that Employer may, in its sole discretion, elect to grant to Employee from time to
time. In addition, Employee shall be entitled to four (4) weeks paid vacation per full calendar year, which shall accrue in
accordance with Employer's policies applicable to similarly situated employees of Employer.
2.4 Reimbursement of Business Expenses . Employee may incur reasonable expenses in the course of employment hereunder for
which Employee shall be eligible for reimbursement or advances in accordance with Employer's standard policy therefor.
2.5
Equity Grants , Subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of Employer's Board of Directors, Employee shall
be eligible for equity grants and other long-term incentives.
ARTICLE III. Absence of Restrictions
3.1
Employee hereby represents and warrants to Employer that Employee has full power, authority and legal right to enter
into this Agreement and to carry out all obligations and duties hereunder and that the execution, delivery and performance by
Employee of this Agreement will not violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under, any agreements or other
understandings to which Employee is a party or by which Employee may be bound or affected, including any order, judgment or
decree of any court or governmental agency. Employee further represents and warrants to Employer that Employee is free to
accept employment with Employer as contemplated herein and that Employee has no prior or other obligations or commitments
of any kind to any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, entity or business organization that would in any way
hinder or interfere with Employee's acceptance of, or the full performance of, Employee's duties hereunder.
ARTICLE IV. Miscellaneous
4.1 Withholding . Any payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to applicable federal, state and local tax reporting
and withholding requirements.
4.2 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State
of Delaware without reference to the principles of conflicts of laws. Any judicial action commenced relating in any way to this
Agreement including the enforcement, interpretation or performance of this Agreement, shall be commenced and maintained in a
court of competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County, Arizona. In any action to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing
party shall be entitled to recover its litigation costs, including its attorneys' fees. The parties hereby waive and relinquish any
right to a jury trial and agree that any dispute shall be heard and resolved by a court and without a jury. The parties further agree
that the dispute resolution, including any discovery, shall be
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accelerated and expedited to the extent possible. Each party's agreements in this Section 4.2 are made in consideration of the
other party's agreements in this Section 4.2, as well as in other portions of this Agreement.
4.3 No Waiver . The failure of Employer or Employee to insist in any one or more instances upon performance of any terms,
covenants and conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any rights granted hereunder
or of the future performance of any such terms, covenants or conditions.
4.4 Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given if personally delivered, delivered by facsimile transmission or by courier or mailed, registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid as follows:
If to Employer:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street
Suite 600
Tempe, Arizona 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to Employee:

To Employee's then current address on file with Employer

Or at such other address or addresses as any such party may have furnished to the other party in writing in a manner provided in
this Section 4.4.
4.5 Assignability and Binding Effect . This Agreement is for personal services and is therefore not assignable by Employee.
This Agreement may be assigned by Employer to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Employer. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the parties, their successors, assigns, heirs, executors and legal representatives. If there shall be a successor to
Employer or Employer shall assign this Agreement, then as used in this Agreement, (a) the term "Employer" shall mean
Employer as hereinbefore defined and any successor or any permitted assignee, as applicable, to which this Agreement is
assigned and (b) the term "Board" shall mean the Board as hereinbefore defined and the board of directors or equivalent
governing body of any successor or any permitted assignee, as applicable, to which this Agreement is assigned.
4.6 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Non-Competition Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement set forth the entire
agreement between Employer and Employee regarding the terms of Employee's employment and supersede all prior agreements
between Employer and Employee covering the terms of Employee's employment, including the prior non-competition and nonsolicitation agreement entered into between Employer and Employee. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except
in a written instrument signed by Employer and Employee identifying this Agreement and stating the intention to amend or
modify it.
4.7 Severability . If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any of the restrictions or language in this
Agreement are for any reason invalid or unenforceable, the parties desire and agree that the court revise any such restrictions or
language, including reducing any time or geographic area, so as to render them valid and enforceable to the fullest extent
allowed by law. If any restriction or language in this Agreement is for any reason invalid or unenforceable and cannot by law be
revised
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so as to render it valid and enforceable, then the parties desire and agree that the court strike only the invalid and unenforceable
language and enforce the balance of this Agreement to the fullest extent allowed by law. Employer and Employee agree that the
invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement.
4.8 Construction . As used in this Agreement, words such as "herein," "hereinafter," "hereby" and hereunder," and the words of
like import refer to this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise. The words "include," "includes" and "including" shall
be deemed to be followed by the phrase ''without limitation".
4.9 Survival . The rights and obligations of the parties under the provisions of this Agreement, including Sections 1.5, this
Article IV and Article V, shall survive and remain binding and enforceable, notwithstanding the termination of Employee's
employment for any reason, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended benefits of such provisions.
ARTICLE V. Section 409A
5.1 In General . It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder as in effect from time to time (collectively, " Section 409A "), and all
provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes
or penalties under Section 409A.
5.2 No Alienation, Set-offs, Etc . Neither Employee nor any creditor or beneficiary of Employee shall have the right to subject
any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable under this Agreement or under any other plan, policy,
arrangement or agreement of or with Employer or any of its affiliates (this Agreement and such other plans, policies,
arrangements and agreements, the " Employer Plans ") to any anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge,
encumbrance, attachment or garnishment. Except as permitted under Section 409A, any deferred compensation (within the
meaning of Section 409A) payable to or for the benefit of Employee under any Employer Plan may not be reduced by, or offset
against, any amount owing by Employee to Employer or any of its affiliates.
5.3 Possible Six-Month Delay . If, at the time of Employee's separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A), (a)
Employee shall be a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A and using the identification methodology selected
by Employer from time to time) and (b) Employer shall make a good faith determination that an amount payable under an
Employer Plan constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) the payment of which is required to be
delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A in order to avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A,
then Employer (or an affiliate thereof, as applicable) shall not pay such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but
shall instead accumulate such amount and pay it, without interest, on the first day of the seventh month following such
separation from service.
5.4 Treatment of Installments . For purposes of Section 409A, each of the installments of continued Base Salary referred to in
Section 1.5(b) shall be deemed to be a separate payment as permitted under Treas. Reg. Sec. l.409A-2(b)(2)(iii).

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employer has caused this Agreement to be executed by one of its duly authorized officers and
Employee has individually executed this Agreement, each intending to be legally bound, as of the date first above written.
EMPLOYEE:
/s/ Philip Tymen deJong
Philip Tymen deJong
EMPLOYER:
First Solar, Inc.
By: /s/ Carol Campbell
Name Printed: Carol Campbell
Title: EVP, Human Resources

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Exhibit A
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
I. Release. For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
undersigned, with the intention of binding himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does
hereby release - and forever discharge First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company'' ), and its present and
former officers, directors, executives, agents, employees, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, successors, predecessors
and assigns (collectively, the "Released Parties" ), from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, demands, rights,
damages, debts, accounts, suits, expenses, attorneys' fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in law, equity, or
otherwise, whether now known or unknown (collectively, the "Claims" ), which the undersigned now _ has, owns or
.Quolls, or has at any time heretofore had, owned or held against any Released Party, arising out of or in any way
connected with the undersigned's employment relationship with the Company, its subsidiaries, predecessors or affiliated
entities, or the termination thereof, under any Federal, state or local statute, rule, or regulation, or principle of common,
tort or contract law, including but not limited to, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 201
et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended (the "FMLA" ), 29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., Title VII of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of
1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 621 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
12101 et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended, 29 U.S.C . 2101 et seq.,
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq., the Genetic
Information Nondiscrimination Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000ff, et s eq., and any other equivalent or similar Federal, state, or
local statute; provided, however, that nothing herein shall release the Company (a) of its obligations under that certain
Employment Agreement to which the undersigned is a party and pursuant to which this Separation Agreement and
Release is being executed and delivered, (b) from any claims by the undersigned arising out of any director and officer
indemnification or insurance obligations in favor of the undersigned (c) from any director and officer indemnification
obligations under the Company's by-laws, and (d) from any claim for benefits under the First Solar, Inc. 401(k) Plan.
The undersigned understands that, as a result of executing this Separation Agreement and Release, he/she will not have
the right to assert that the Company or any other Released Party unlawfully terminated his/her employment or violated
any of his/her rights in connection with his/her employment or otherwise.
The undersigned affirms that he/she has not filed or caused to be filed, and presently is not a party to, any Claim,
complaint or action against any Released Party in any forum or form and that he/she knows of no facts which may lead
to any Claim, complaint or action being filed against any Released Party in any forum by the undersigned or by any
agency, group, or class persons. The undersigned further affirms that he/she has been paid and/or has received all leave
(paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he/she may be entitled and that
no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to him/her from
the Company and its subsidiaries, except as specifically provided in this Separation Agreement and Release. The
undersigned furthermore affirms that he/she has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases and has been
provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested under the FMLA. If any agency or court assumes jurisdiction
of any such Claim, complaint or action against any Released Party on behalf of the undersigned, the undersigned will
request such agency or court to withdraw the matter.
The undersigned further declares and represents that he/she has carefully read and fully understands
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the terms of this Separation Agreement and Release and that he/she has been advised and had the opportunity to seek
the advice and assistance of counsel with regard to this Separation Agreement and Release, that he/she may take up to
and including 21 days from receipt of this Separation Agreement and Release, to consider whether to sign this
Separation Agreement and Release, that he/she may revoke this Separation Agreement and Release within seven
calendar days after signing it by delivering to the Company written notification of revocation, and that he/she
knowingly and voluntarily, of his/her own free will, without any duress, being fully informed and after due deliberate
action, accepts the terms of and signs the same as his/her own free act.
II. Protected Rights. The Company and the undersigned agree that nothing in this Separation Agreement and Release is
intended to or shall be construed to affect, limit or otherwise interfere with any non-waivable right of the undersigned
under any Federal, state or local law, including the right to file a charge or participate in an investigation or proceeding
conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ( "EEOC" ) or to exercise any other right that cannot be
waived under applicable law. The undersigned is releasing, however, his/her right to any monetary recovery or relief
should the EEOC or - any other agency pursue Claims on his/her behalf. Further, should the EEOC or any other agency
obtain monetary relief on his/her behalf, the undersigned assigns to the Company all rights to such relief.
III. Equitable Remedies. The undersigned acknowledges that a violation by the undersigned of any of the covenants
contained in this Agreement would cause irreparable damage to the Company and its subsidiaries in an amount that
would be material but not readily ascertainable, and that any remedy at law (including the payment of damages) would
be inadequate. Accordingly, the undersigned agrees that, notwithstanding any provision of this Separation Agreement
and Release to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled (without the necessity of showing economic loss or other
actual damage) to injunctive relief (including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and/or permanent
injunctions) in any court of competent jurisdiction for any actual or threatened breach of any of the covenants set forth
in this Agreement in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies it may have.
IV. Return of Property. The undersigned shall return to the Company on or before [TERMINATION DATE], all
property of the Company in the undersigned's possession or subject to the undersigned's control, including without
limitation any laptop computers, keys, credit cards, cellular telephones and files. The undersigned shall not alter any of
the - company's records or computer files in any way after [TERMINATION DATE].
V. Severability. If any term or provision of this Separation Agreement and Release is invalid, illegal or incapable of
being enforced by any applicable law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Separation Agreement
and Release shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and legal substance of the
transactions contemplated by this Separation Agreement and Release is not affected in any manner materially adverse
to any party.
VI. GOVERNING LAW. THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE
IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND
PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.

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Effective on the eighth calendar day following the date set forth below.
FIRST SOLAR, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
EMPLOYEE
[NAME]
Date
Signed:

deJong Sample Release Agreement

(rev. 7/25/11)

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this Agreement ), dated as of
October 25, 2011, between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company ), and Philip Tymen deJong (the
Executive ).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS the Executive is a skilled and dedicated employee of the Company who has important
management responsibilities and talents that benefit the Company;
WHEREAS the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board ) considers it essential to the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) will
have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change in
Control (as defined below); and
WHEREAS the Board believes that it is imperative to diminish the distraction of the Executive
inherently present by the uncertainties and risks created by the circumstances surrounding a Change in Control, and to
ensure the Executives full attention to the Company and its Subsidiaries during any such period of uncertainty.
AGREEMENT:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained
herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings
set forth below:
(a) Accrued Rights shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iv).
(b) Affiliate(s) means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such
specified Person.
(c) Annual Base Salary shall mean the greater of the Executives annual rate of base salary in effect
(i) immediately prior to the Change in Control Date and (ii) immediately prior to the Termination Date.
(d) Annual Bonus shall mean the target annual cash bonus the Executive is eligible to earn (assuming
one hundred percent (100%) fulfillment of all elements of the formula under which such bonus would have been
calculated) for the year in which the Termination Date occurs.
(e) Bonus Amount means, as of the Termination Date, the greater of (i) the Annual Bonus and (ii) the
average of the annual cash bonuses payable to the Executive in respect of the three (3) calendar years immediately
preceding the calendar year that includes the Termination Date
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or, if the Executive has not been employed for three (3) full calendar years preceding the calendar year that includes the
Termination Date, the average of the annual cash bonuses payable to the Executive for the number of full calendar
years prior to the Termination Date that he has been employed.
(f) Cause means the occurrence of any one of the following: (i) the Executive is convicted of, or
pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, (A) a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or misappropriation of the assets of
the Company or a Subsidiary or (B) any felony (or the equivalent of such a misdemeanor or felony in a jurisdiction
outside of the United States); (ii) the Executive commits one or more acts or omissions constituting gross negligence,
fraud or other gross misconduct that the Company reasonably and in good faith determines has a materially detrimental
effect on the Company; (iii) the Executive continually and willfully fails, for at least fourteen (14) days following
written notice from the Company, to perform substantially the Executives employment duties (other than as a result of
incapacity due to physical or mental illness or after delivery by the Executive of a Notice of Termination for Good
Reason); or (iv) the Executive commits a gross violation of any of the Companys material policies (including the
Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as in effect from time to time) that the Company reasonably and in
good faith determines is materially detrimental to the best interests of the Company. The termination of employment of
the Executive for Cause shall not be effective unless and until there has been delivered to the Executive a copy of a
resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board
(excluding the Executive) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is
provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the
Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in clause
(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
(g) Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, were members of the Board (the Incumbent Directors ) cease for
any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a member of
the Board subsequent to the Effective Date whose appointment or election, or nomination for election, by the
Companys stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors shall be considered
as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for purposes of this proviso, any such individual
whose assumption of office after the Effective Date occurs as a result of an actual or threatened proxy contest with
respect to election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on
behalf of any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) (each, a Person ) other than the
Board or any Specified Shareholder;
(ii) the consummation of (A) a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate
transaction involving (1) the Company or (2) any of its Subsidiaries, but in the case of this clause (2) only if Company
Voting Securities (as defined below) are issued or issuable in connection with such transaction or (B) a sale or other
disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Company (each of the events referred to in clause (A) or (B) being

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hereinafter referred to as a Reorganization ), unless, immediately following such Reorganization, (x) all or
substantially all the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act) of shares of the Companys common stock or other securities eligible to vote for the election
of the Board outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of such Reorganization (such securities, the
Company Voting Securities ) beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of
the then outstanding voting securities of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Reorganization (including a
corporation or other entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all the
Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) (the Continuing Entity ) in substantially the
same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to the consummation of such Reorganization, of the
outstanding Company Voting Securities (excluding any outstanding voting securities of the Continuing Entity that such
beneficial owners hold immediately following the consummation of such Reorganization as a result of their ownership
prior to such consummation of voting securities of any corporation or other entity involved in or forming part of such
Reorganization other than the Company or a Subsidiary), (y) no Person (excluding (i) any employee benefit plan (or
related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Continuing Entity or any corporation or other entity controlled by the
Continuing Entity and (ii) any Specified Shareholder) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, twenty percent (20%) or
more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Continuing Entity and (z) at least a
majority of the members of the board of directors or other governing body of the Continuing Entity were Incumbent
Directors at the time of the execution of the definitive agreement providing for such Reorganization or, in the absence
of such an agreement, at the time at which approval of the Board was obtained for such Reorganization;
(iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company,
unless such liquidation or dissolution is part of a transaction or series of transactions described in Section 1(g)(ii) that
does not otherwise constitute a Change in Control; or
(iv) any Person, corporation or other entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the
Exchange Act) other than any Specified Shareholder becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities
of the Company representing a percentage of the combined voting power of the Company Voting Securities that is
equal to or greater than the greater of (A) twenty percent (20%) and (B) the percentage of the combined voting power
of the Company Voting Securities beneficially owned directly or indirectly by all the Specified Shareholders at such
time; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1(g)(iv) only (and not for purposes of Sections 1(g)(i)
through (iii)), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (1) any acquisition by the Company
or any Subsidiary, (2) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the
Company or any Subsidiary, (3) any acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding such Company Voting Securities
pursuant to an offering of such securities and (4) any acquisition pursuant to a Reorganization that does not constitute a
Change in Control for purposes of Section 1(g)(ii).
(h) Change in Control Date means the date on which a Change in Control occurs.

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(i) COBRA shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iii).
(j) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor
statute thereto, and the regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect from time to time.
(k) Company Voting Securities shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
(l) Continuing Entity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
(m) Disability shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b)(ii).
(n) Effective Date shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.
(o) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any
successor statute thereto, and the regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect from time to time.
(p) Executive Tax Year shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iii).
(q) Good Reason means, without the Executives express written consent, the occurrence of any one
or more of the following:
(i) any material reduction in the authority, duties or responsibilities held by the Executive immediately prior to
the Change in Control Date;
(ii) any material reduction in the annual base salary or annual incentive opportunity of the Executive as in effect
immediately prior to the Change in Control Date;
(iii) any change of the Executives principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from
the Executives principal place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control Date;
(iv) any failure of the Company to pay the Executive any compensation when due;
(v) delivery by the Company or any Subsidiary of a written notice to the Executive of the intent to terminate the
Executives employment for any reason, other than Cause, death or Disability, in each case in accordance with this
Agreement, regardless of whether such termination is intended to become effective during or after the Protection
Period; or
(vi) any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy the requirements of Section 9(c).
The Executives right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executives
incapacity due to physical or mental illness. A termination of employment by

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the Executive for Good Reason for purposes of this Agreement shall be effectuated by giving the Company written
notice ( Notice of Termination for Good Reason ) of the termination setting forth in reasonable detail the specific
conduct of the Company that constitutes Good Reason and the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the
Executive relied, provided that such notice must be delivered to the Company no later than ninety (90) days after the
occurrence of the event or events constituting Good Reason and the Company must be provided with at least thirty (30)
days following the delivery of such Notice of Termination for Good Reason to cure such event or events. If such event
or events are cured during such period, then the Executive will not be permitted to terminate employment for Good
Reason as the result of such event or events. If the Company does not cure such event or events in such period, the
termination of employment by the Executive for Good Reason shall be effective on the thirtieth (30 th ) day following
the date when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, unless the Company elects to treat such termination
as effective as of an earlier date; provided, however, that so long as an event that constitutes Good Reason occurs
during the Protection Period and the Executive delivers the Notice of Termination for Good Reason within ninety (90)
days following the occurrence of such event, the Company is provided with at least thirty (30) days following the
delivery of such Notice of Termination for Good Reason to cure such event, and the Executive terminates his
employment as of the thirtieth (30 th ) day following the date when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given
(or as of an earlier date chosen by the Company), then for purposes of the payments, benefits and other entitlements set
forth herein, the termination of the Executives employment pursuant thereto shall be deemed to occur during the
Protection Period.
(r) Incumbent Directors shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(i).
(s) Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(q).
(t) Person shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(i).
(u) Protection Period means the period commencing on the Change in Control Date and ending on
the second anniversary thereof.
(v) Qualifying Termination means any termination of the Executives employment (i) by the
Company, other than for Cause, death or Disability, that is effective (or with respect to which the Executive is given
written notice) during the Protection Period, (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason during the Protection Period or (iii)
by the Company that is effective prior to the Change in Control Date, other than for Cause, death or Disability, at the
request or direction of a third party who took action that caused, or is involved in or a party to, a Change in Control.
(w) Release shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(vi).
(x) Release Effective Date shall mean the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable.
(y) Reorganization shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).

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(z) Specified Shareholder shall mean any of (i) the Estate of John T. Walton and its beneficiaries, (ii)
JCL Holdings, LLC and its beneficiaries, (iii) Michael J. Ahearn and any of his immediate family, (iv) any Person
directly or indirectly controlled by any of the foregoing and (v) any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of any of the
foregoing.
(aa) Subsidiary means any entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, possesses 50% or
more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock.
(bb) Successor shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(c).
(cc) Termination Date means the date on which the termination of the Executives employment, in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, is effective, provided that in the event of a Qualifying Termination
described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof, the Termination Date shall be deemed to be the Change in Control
Date.
SECTION 2. Effectiveness and Term . This Agreement shall become effective as of the date hereof (the
Effective Date ) and shall remain in effect until the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date, except that,
beginning on the second anniversary of the Effective Date and on each anniversary thereafter, the term of this
Agreement shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period, unless the Company or the Executive
provides the other party with sixty (60) days prior written notice before the applicable anniversary that the term of this
Agreement shall not be so extended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Change in Control during the
term of this Agreement (whether the original term or the term as extended), this Agreement shall not thereafter
terminate, and the term hereof shall be extended, until the Company and its Subsidiaries have performed all their
obligations hereunder with no future performance being possible; provided, however, that this Agreement shall only be
effective with respect to the first Change in Control that occurs during the term of this Agreement.
SECTION 3. Impact of a Change in Control on Equity Compensation Awards . Effective as of the
Change in Control Date, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, other than any such provision that expressly
provides that this Section 3 of this Agreement does not apply (which provision shall be given full force and effect), in
any of the Companys equity-based, equity-related or other long-term incentive compensation plans, practices, policies
and programs (including the Companys 2010 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan) or any award agreements
thereunder, (a) all outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights and similar rights and awards then held by the
Executive that are unexercisable or otherwise unvested shall automatically become fully vested and immediately
exercisable, as the case may be, (b) all outstanding equity-based, equity-related and other long-term incentive awards
then held by the Executive that are subject to performance-based vesting criteria shall automatically become fully
vested and earned at a deemed performance level equal to the maximum performance level with respect to such awards
and (c) all other outstanding equity-based, equity-related and long-term incentive awards, to the extent not covered by
the foregoing clause (a) or (b), then held by the Executive that are unvested or subject to restrictions or forfeiture shall
automatically become fully vested and all restrictions and forfeiture provisions related thereto shall lapse.
SECTION 4. Termination of Employment .

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(a) Qualifying Termination . In the event of a Qualifying Termination, the Executive shall be entitled,
subject to Section 4(a)(vi), to the following payments and benefits:
(i) Severance Pay . The Company shall pay the Executive, in a lump-sum cash payment on tenth (10 th )
business day after the Release Effective Date, an amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (A) the Executives Annual
Base Salary (which, as defined, is determined without regard to any reduction giving rise to Good Reason) and (B) the
Bonus Amount; provided, however, that such amount shall be paid in lieu of, and the Executive hereby waives the right
to receive, any other cash severance payment the Executive is otherwise eligible to receive upon termination of
employment under any severance plan, practice, policy or program of the Company or any Subsidiary or under any
agreement between the Company and the Executive and, in the event of a Qualifying Termination described in clause
(iii) of the definition thereof, the severance payment payable pursuant to this Section 4(a)(i) shall be reduced by the
amount of any other such severance payments previously paid to the Executive.
(ii) Prorated Annual Bonus . The Company shall pay the Executive, in a lump-sum cash payment on the tenth
(10 th ) business day after Release Effective Date, an amount equal to the product of (A) the Executives Annual Bonus
and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the Companys fiscal year containing the
Termination Date that the Executive was employed by the Company or any Affiliate, and the denominator of which is
three hundred sixty-five (365).
(iii) Continued Welfare Benefits . The Company shall, at its option, either (A) continue to provide medical, life
insurance, accident insurance and disability benefits to the Executive and the Executives spouse and dependents at
least equal to the benefits provided by the Company and its Subsidiaries generally to other active peer executives of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, or (B) pay Executive the cost of obtaining equivalent coverage, in the case of each of
clauses (A) and (B), for a period of time commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the date that is eighteen
(18) months after the Termination Date; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another
employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer-provided plan, the
medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during
such applicable period of eligibility. Any provision of benefits pursuant to this Section 4(a)(iii) in one (1) tax year of
the Executive (the Executive Tax Year ) shall not affect the amount of such benefits to be provided in any other
Executive Tax Year. The right to such benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.
Executive agrees to make (and to cause his dependents to make) a timely election under the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ( COBRA ) to the extent requested by Employer, to facilitate
Employers provision of continuation coverage.
(iv) Accrued Rights . The Executive shall be entitled to (A) payments of any unpaid salary, bonuses or other
amounts earned or accrued through the Termination Date and reimbursement of any unreimbursed business expenses
incurred through the Termination Date, (B) any payments explicitly set forth in any other benefit plans, practices,
policies and programs in which the Executive participates, and (C) any payments the Company is or becomes obligated
to

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make pursuant to Sections 6 and 11 (the rights to such payments, the Accrued Rights ). The Accrued Rights payable
pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv)(A) and Section 4(a)(iv)(B) shall be payable on their respective otherwise scheduled
payment dates, provided that any amounts payable in respect of accrued but unused vacation shall be paid in a lump
sum within 15 days following the Termination Date. The Accrued Rights payable pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv)(C) shall
be payable at the times set forth in the applicable Section hereof.
(v) Outplacement . The Company shall reimburse the Executive for individual outplacement services to be
provided by a firm of the Executives choice or, at the Executives election, provide the Executive with the use of office
space, office supplies, and secretarial assistance satisfactory to the Executive. The aggregate expenditures of the
Company pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000). Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement, the outplacement benefits under this Section 4(a)(v) shall be provided to the Executive
for no longer than the one-year period following the Termination Date, and the amount of any outplacement benefits or
office space, office supplies and secretarial assistance provided to the Executive in any Executive Tax Year shall not
affect the amount of any such outplacement benefits or office space, office supplies and secretarial assistance provided
to the Executive in any other Executive Tax Year.
(vi) Release of Claims . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, unless on or prior to
the tenth (10 th ) business day prior to March 15 of the year following the year in which the Termination Date occurs,
the Executive has executed and delivered a Separation Agreement and Release (the Release ) substantially in the
form of Exhibit A to the employment agreement between the Executive and the Company and the Release Effective
Date shall have occurred, (A) no payments shall be paid or made available to the Executive under Section 4(a)(i) or
4(a)(ii), (B) the Company shall be relieved of all obligations to provide or make available any further benefits to the
Executive pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) and 4(a)(v) and (C) the Executive shall be required to repay the Company, in
cash, within five business days after written demand is made therefor by the Company, an amount equal to the value of
any benefits received by the Executive pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) and 4(a)(v) prior to such date.
(b) Termination on Account of Death or Disability; Non-Qualifying Termination .
(i) In the event of any termination of Executives employment other than a Qualifying Termination, the
Executive shall not be entitled to any additional payments or benefits from the Company under this Agreement, other
than payments or benefits with respect to the Accrued Rights.
(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall be deemed to have a Disability in the event of the
Executives absence for a period of 180 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to a physical or mental
condition, illness or injury that is determined to be total and permanent by a physician mutually acceptable to the
Company and the Executive or the Executives legal representative (such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld)
after such physician has completed an examination of the Executive. The Executive agrees to make himself available
for such examination upon the reasonable request of the Company, and the Company shall be responsible for the cost of
such examination.

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SECTION 5. Section 409A .

(a) It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code, as
amended, and the regulations thereunder as in effect from time to time (collectively, Section 409A ), and all
provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted either to (i) exempt any compensation from the
application of Section 409A, or (ii) comply with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A.
(b) Neither the Executive nor any creditor or beneficiary of the Executive shall have the right to
subject any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable under this Agreement or under any
other plan, policy, arrangement or agreement of or with the Company or any of its Affiliates (this Agreement and such
other plans, policies, arrangements and agreements, the Company Plans ) to any anticipation, alienation, sale,
transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or garnishment. Except as permitted under Section 409A, any
deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable to or for the benefit of the Executive under any
Company Plan may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by the Executive to the Company or any of
its Affiliates.
(c) If, at the time of the Executives separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A), (i)
the Executive shall be a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A and using the identification
methodology selected by the Company from time to time) and (ii) the Company shall make a good faith determination
that an amount payable under a Company Plan constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section
409A) the payment of which is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A to
avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A, then the Company (or an Affiliate thereof, as applicable) shall not pay
such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but shall instead accumulate such amount and pay it, without
interest, on the first day of the seventh month following such separation from service.
SECTION 6. No Mitigation or Offset; Enforcement of this Agreement .
(a) The Companys obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to
perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other
claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be
obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the
Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Agreement, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.
(b) The Company shall reimburse, upon the Executives demand, any and all reasonable legal fees and
expenses that the Executive may incur in good faith prior to the second anniversary of the expiration of the term of this
Agreement as a result of any contest, dispute or proceeding (regardless of whether formal legal proceedings are ever
commenced and regardless of the outcome thereof and including all stages of any contest, dispute or proceeding) by the
Company, the Executive or any other Person with respect to the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any
provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of

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any contest by the Executive regarding the amount of any payment owed pursuant to this Agreement), and shall
indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any tax (including any excise tax) imposed on the
Executive as a result of payment by the Company of such legal fees and expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Agreement, (i) any reimbursement for any fees and expenses under this Section 6 shall be made
promptly and no later than the end of the Executive Tax Year following the Executive Tax Year in which the fees or
expenses are incurred, (ii) the amount of fees and expenses eligible for reimbursement under this Section 6 during any
Executive Tax Year shall not affect the fees and expenses eligible for reimbursement in another Executive Tax Year, (iii)
no right to reimbursement under this Section 6 shall be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other payment or
benefit, and (iv) no tax gross up payments shall be made by the Company under this Section 6 after the end of the
Executive Tax Year following the Executive Tax Year in which the related taxes are remitted.
SECTION 7. Non-Exclusivity of Rights . Except as specifically provided in Section 4(a)(i), nothing in
this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executives continuing or future participation in any plan, practice, policy or
program provided by the Company or a Subsidiary for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything in this
Agreement limit or otherwise affect any rights the Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the
Company or a Subsidiary. Vested benefits and other amounts that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under
any incentive compensation (including any equity award agreement), deferred compensation, retirement, pension or
other plan, practice, policy or program of, or any contract or agreement with, the Company or a Subsidiary shall be
payable in accordance with the terms of each such plan, practice, policy, program, contract or agreement, as the case
may be, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
SECTION 8. Withholding . The Company may deduct and withhold from any amounts payable under
this Agreement such Federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes as are required to be withheld pursuant to any
applicable law or regulation.
SECTION 9. Assignment .
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company,
shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and any
assignment in violation of this Agreement shall be void.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 9(a), this Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder
shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts
would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein,
shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executives devisee, legatee or other designee or,
should there be no such designee, to the Executives estate.
(c) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger,
consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company (a Successor ) to
assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same

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extent that the Company would have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. If there shall be
a Successor, (i) the term Company shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any Successor and any
permitted assignee to which this Agreement is assigned and (ii) the term Board shall mean the Board as hereinbefore
defined and the board of directors or equivalent governing body of any Successor and any permitted assignee to which
this Agreement is assigned.
SECTION 10. Dispute Resolution .
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Executive and the Company each hereby
irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court of Delaware (or, if subject matter
jurisdiction in that court is not available, in any state court located within the city of Wilmington, Delaware) over any
dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the
parties undertake not to commence any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in a forum
other than a forum described in this Section 10(a); provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude the Company
or the Executive from bringing any suit, action or proceeding in any other court for the purposes of enforcing the
provisions of this Section 10 or enforcing any judgment obtained by the Company or the Executive.
(b) The agreement of the parties to the forum described in Section 10(a) is independent of the law that
may be applied in any suit, action or proceeding and the parties agree to such forum even if such forum may under
applicable law choose to apply non-forum law. The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law, any objection that they now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such suit,
action or proceeding brought in an applicable court described in Section 10(a), and the parties agree that they shall not
attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court. The
parties agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, a final and non-appealable judgment in any suit,
action or proceeding brought in any applicable court described in Section 10(a) shall be conclusive and binding upon
the parties and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction.
(c) The parties hereto irrevocably consent to the service of any and all process in any suit, action or
proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement by the mailing of copies of such process to such party at such
partys address specified in Section 17.
(d) Each party hereto hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may
have to a trial by jury in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each
party hereto (i) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or
otherwise, that such party would not, in the event of any suit, action or proceeding, seek to enforce the foregoing
waiver and (ii) acknowledges that it and the other parties hereto have been induced to enter into this Agreement by,
among other things, the mutual waiver and certifications in this Section 10(d).
SECTION 11. Default in Payment . Any payment not made within ten (10) business days after it is due
in accordance with this Agreement shall thereafter bear interest, compounded

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annually, at the prime rate in effect from time to time at Citibank, N.A., or any successor thereto. Such interest shall be
payable at the same time as the corresponding payment is payable.
SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE
IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND
PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.
SECTION 13. Amendment; No Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified,
waived or discharged except by a written document signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of the
Company. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not
be considered a waiver of such partys rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence
to that term or any other term of this Agreement. Except as provided in Section 1(q), no failure or delay by either party
in exercising any right or power hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of
any such right or power, or any abandonment of any steps to enforce such right or power, preclude any other or further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise,
express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party that are not set forth
expressly in this Agreement.
SECTION 14. Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of
being enforced by any applicable law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nonetheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon any such determination that any
term or provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to
modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable
manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest
extent possible.
SECTION 15. Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in
respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of
any party hereto, and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is
hereby terminated and canceled. None of the parties shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any
representations and warranties or covenants relating to such subject matter except as specifically set forth herein.
SECTION 16. Survival . The rights and obligations of the parties under the provisions of this
Agreement, including Sections 6, 10, 11 and 12, shall survive and remain binding and enforceable, notwithstanding the
expiration of the Protection Period or the term of this Agreement, the termination of the Executives employment with
the Company for any reason or any settlement of the financial rights and obligations arising from the Executives
employment, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended benefits of such provisions.

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SECTION 17. Notices . All notices or other communications required or permitted by this Agreement
will be made in writing and all such notices or communications will be deemed to have been duly given when delivered
or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to Employer:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street
Suite 600
Tempe, Arizona 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to Employee:

To Employee's then current address on file with Employer

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that
notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
SECTION 18. Headings and References . The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience
only and neither constitute a part of this Agreement nor affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement. When a reference in this Agreement is made to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this
Agreement unless otherwise indicated.
SECTION 19. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including
via facsimile), each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.
SECTION 20. Interpretation . For purposes of this Agreement, the words include and including, and
variations thereof, shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation but rather shall be deemed to be followed by the words
without limitation. The term or is not exclusive. The word extent in the phrase to the extent shall mean the
degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply if.
SECTION 21. Time of the Essence . The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that time is of the
essence in the performance of the obligations of this Agreement and that the parties shall strictly adhere to any
timelines herein.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties as of the date first written
above.
FIRST SOLAR, INC.,
By:
/s/ Robert J. Gillette
Name: Robert J. Gillette
Title: Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Philip Tymen deJong
Philip Tymen deJong

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Amendment to Change in Control Severance Agreement

This Amendment is effective as of August 1, 2013 by and between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company ) and Philip Tymen de Jong (the Executive ).
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive are party to a Change in Control Severance Agreement dated as of
October 25, 2011 (the CIC Agreement ) and desire to amend certain provisions of the CIC Agreement comply with,
and avoid penalties under, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder ( Section 409A );
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing promises and the mutual covenants, terms and
conditions set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Executive hereby agree that
the CIC Agreement is amended as provided herein.
1. Notwithstanding the definition of Change in Control provided in the CIC Agreement, the occurrence of any
of the events specified in such definition shall only constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the CIC
Agreement if such event constitutes, as applicable, a change in ownership or effective control of a corporation
or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of a corporation within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).
2. Notwithstanding Section 4(a)(i) and 4(a)(iii) of the CIC Agreement, in the event of a Qualifying Termination
described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof (i.e., certain terminations without Cause prior to a Change in
Control), (A) the severance payment described in Section 4(a)(i) of the CIC Agreement shall be reduced by the
aggregate amount of any Severance Payments (within the meaning of the Employment Agreement) paid or
payable to the Executive pursuant to the Employment Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein or
in the CIC Agreement shall waive or alter the payment terms of any Severance Payments payable pursuant to
the Employment Agreement) and (B) the 18-month period described in Section 4(a)(iii) shall be reduced by the
period of time that the Executive receives any benefits pursuant to Section 1.5(c) of the Employment
Agreement.
3. To the extent required by Section 409A, any payment or benefit pursuant to the CIC Agreement that would be
considered deferred compensation subject to, and not exempt from, Section 409A, payable or provided upon a
termination of the Executives employment shall only be paid or provided to the Executive upon the
Executives separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A).
4. Except as provided above, the CIC Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

August 1, 2013

FIRST SOLAR, INC.

by

/s/ Carol Campbell

Name: Carol Campbell
Title: EVP, Human Resourc

EXHIBIT 10.24

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this " Agreement ") is made effective as of May 1, 2012, by and between First Solar, Inc., a
Delaware corporation having its principal office at 350 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Tempe, Arizona 85281 (hereinafter, "
Employer ") and Raffi Garabedian (hereinafter, " Employee ").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Employer and Employee wish to enter into an agreement relating to the employment of Employee by Employer.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, and the mutual covenants, terms and conditions set forth herein,
and intending to be legally bound hereby, Employer and Employee hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. Employment
1.1 Term; At-Will Nature of Employment . The term of this Agreement (the " Term ") shall commence as of May 1, 2012 (the "
Start Date ") and shall end on the date Employee's employment with Employer terminates for any reason. As of the Start Date,
Employer shall employ Employee as a full-time, at-will employee, and Employee shall accept employment with Employer as a
full-time, at-will employee. Employer or Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time and for any reason, with or without
cause and with or without notice, subject to the provisions of this Agreement.
1.2 Position and Duties of Employee . Employer hereby employs Employee in the initial capacity of Chief Technology Officer
for Employer and Employee hereby accepts such position. In this position, Employee initially shall report to Employer's Chief
Executive Officer (the " Supervisor "). Employee agrees to diligently and faithfully perform such duties as may from time to time
be assigned to Employee by the Supervisor, consistent with Employees position with Employer. Employee recognizes the
necessity for established policies and procedures pertaining to Employer's business operations, and Employer's right to change,
revoke or supplement such policies and procedures at any time, in Employer's sole discretion. Employee agrees to comply with
such policies and procedures, including those contained in any manuals or handbooks, as may be amended from time to time in
the sole discretion of Employer. Employee initially shall be based in Santa Clara, California but shall be required to travel to such
locations as shall be required to fulfill the responsibilities of his position.
1.3 No Salary or Benefits Continuation Beyond Termination . Except as may be required by applicable law or as otherwise
specified in this Agreement, or the Change in Control Severance Agreement between Employer and Employee dated as of the date
hereof or as may be amended from time to time (the " Change in Control Agreement "), Employer shall not be liable to Employee
for any salary or benefits continuation beyond the date of Employee's cessation of employment with Employer.
1.4 Termination of Employment . Employee's employment with Employer shall terminate upon the earliest of: (a) Employee's
death; (b) unless waived by Employer, Employee's " Disability '', (which for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean either a
physical or mental condition (as determined

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by a qualified physician mutually agreeable to Employer and Employee) which renders Employee unable, for a period of at least
six (6) months, effectively to perform the obligations, duties and responsibilities of Employee's employment with Employer); (c)
the termination of Employee's employment by Employer for Cause (as hereinafter defined); (d) Employee's resignation; and (e)
the termination of Employee's employment by Employer without Cause. As used herein, " Cause " shall mean Employer's good
faith determination of: (i) Employee's dishonest, fraudulent or illegal conduct relating to the business of Employer; (ii) Employee's
willful breach or habitual neglect of Employee's duties or obligations in connection with Employee's employment; (iii)
Employee's misappropriation of Employer funds; (iv) Employee's conviction of a felony or any other criminal offense involving
fraud or dishonesty, whether or not relating to the business of Employer or Employee's employment with Employer; (v)
Employee's excessive use of alcohol; (vi) Employee's unlawful use of controlled substances or other addictive behavior; (vii)
Employee's unethical business conduct; (viii) Employee's breach of any statutory or common law duty of loyalty to Employer; or
(ix) Employee's material breach of this Agreement, Intellectual Property Agreement between Employer and Employee entered into
on the date hereof or as may be amended from time to time (the " Intellectual Property Agreement ") or the Change in Control
Agreement. Upon termination of Employee's employment with Employer for any reason, Employee will promptly return to
Employer all materials in any form acquired by Employee as a result of such employment with Employer, and all property of
Employer.
1.5 Severance Payments and Vacation Pay.
(a) Vacation Pay in the Event of a Termination of Employment . In the event of the termination of Employee's employment with
Employer for any reason, Employee shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the Severance Payments described in Section l.5(b)
below, if any, the dollar value of any earned but unused (and unforfeited) vacation. Such dollar value shall be paid to Employee
within fifteen (15) days following the date of termination of employment.
(b) Severance Payments in the Case of a Termination Without Cause.
(i) Severance Payments . If Employee's employment is terminated by Employer without Cause, then, subject to (A) the Change in
Control Agreement (which shall apply in lieu of this Agreement in the event employment is terminated without Cause following a
Change in Control), and (B) Employee's satisfaction of the Release Condition described in Section l.5(b)(ii) below, Employee
shall be entitled to continuation of Employee's Base Salary (as defined in Section 2.2) (such salary continuation, the " Severance
Payments ") for a period of 12 months (which period shall commence on the thirty-sixth (36th) day following the date
employment terminates) in accordance with Employer's regular payroll practices and procedures.
(ii) Release Condition . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Severance Payments shall be due or made to
Employee hereunder unless (i) Employee shall have executed and delivered a general release in favor of Employer and its
affiliates, (which release shall be submitted to Employee for his review by the date of Employee's termination of employment (or
shortly thereafter), be substantially in the form of the Separation Agreement and Release attached hereto as Exhibit A and
otherwise be satisfactory to Employer) and (ii) the Release Effective Date shall have occurred on or before the thirty-sixth (36tli)
day following the date employment terminates. The " Release Effective Date " shall be the date the general release becomes
effective and irrevocable.

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(c) Medical Insurance . If Employee's employment is terminated by Employer without Cause, Employer will provide or pay the
cost of continuing the medical coverage provided by Employer to Employee and his dependents during his employment at the
same or a comparable coverage level, for a period beginning on the date of termination and ending on the earlier of (i) the date
that is twelve (12) months following such termination and (ii) the date that Employee is covered under a medical benefits plan of a
subsequent employer. Employee agrees to make a timely COBRA election, to the extent requested by Employer, to facilitate
Employer's provision of continuation coverage. Except as permitted by Section 409A (as defined below), the continued benefits
provided to Employee pursuant to this Section l.5(c) during any calendar year will not affect the continued benefits to be provided
to Employee pursuant to this Section l.5(c) in any other calendar year.
(d) Equity Award Vesting . In the event of (A) the termination of Employee's employment with Employer due to Employee's death,
(B) the termination of Employee's employment with Employer due to Disability, or (C) the termination of Employee's
employment by Employer without Cause, then Employee shall on the date of such termination of employment immediately
receive an additional twelve (12) months' vesting credit with respect to the stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock
and other equity or equity-based compensation of Employer granted to Employee in the course of his employment with Employer.
The shares of Employer underlying any restricted stock units that become vested pursuant to this Section 1.5(d) shall be payable
on the vesting date. Any of Employees stock options and stock appreciation rights that become vested pursuant to this Section
1.5(d) shall be exercisable immediately upon vesting. Employee will have one (1) year and ninety (90) days after termination of
employment without Cause, for Good Reason, death or Disability to exercise any vested stock options or other equity
compensation, provided, that, if during such period Employee is under any trading restriction due to a lockup agreement or closed
trading window such period shall be tolled during the period of such trading restriction, and provided, further, that in no event
shall any stock option or stock appreciation right continue to be exercisable after the original expiration date of such stock option
or stock appreciation right.
ARTICLE II. Compensation
2.1 Base Salary . Employee shall be compensated at an annual base salary of $375,000 (the " Base Salary '') while Employee is
employed by Employer under this Agreement, subject to such annual increases that Employer may, in its sole discretion,
determine to be appropriate. Such Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Employer's standard policies and shall be subject
to applicable tax withholding requirements.
2.3 Annual Bonus Eligibility. Employee shall be eligible to participate in Employer's annual bonus program under which
Employees target bonus shall equal sixty-five percent (65%) of Employee's Base Salary. Payment of any bonus shall depend
upon individual and company performance, all as determined by Employer in its sole discretion and shall be subject to claw back
under applicable law. The terms of the annual bonus program shall be developed by Employer and communicated to Employee as
soon as practicable after the beginning of each year.
2.4 Benefits; Vacation . Employee shall be eligible to receive all benefits as are available to similarly situated employees of
Employer generally, and any other benefits that Employer may, in its sole discretion, elect to grant to Employee from time to time.
In addition, Employee shall be entitled to four (4) weeks paid vacation per year, which shall be pro-rated for the first partial year
of employment and shall accrue in accordance with Employer's policies applicable to similarly situated employees of Employer.

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2.5 Reimbursement of Business Expenses . Employee may incur reasonable expenses in the course of employment hereunder for
which Employee shall be eligible for reimbursement or advances in accordance with Employer's standard policy therefor.
2.6 Equity Grants . Subject to approval by the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board), Employee shall be eligible
for future equity grants and other long-term incentives.
ARTICLE III. Absence of Restrictions
3.1 Employee hereby represents and warrants to Employer that Employee has full power, authority and legal right to enter into this
Agreement and to carry out all obligations and duties hereunder and that the execution, delivery and performance by Employee of
this Agreement will not violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under, any agreements or other understandings to which
Employee is a party or by which Employee may be bound or affected, including any order, judgment or decree of any court or
governmental agency. Employee further represents and warrants to Employer that Employee is free to accept employment with
Employer as contemplated herein and that Employee has no prior or other obligations or commitments of any kind to any person,
firm, partnership, association, corporation, entity or business organization that would in any way hinder or interfere with
Employee's acceptance of, or the full performance of, Employee's duties hereunder.
ARTICLE IV. Miscellaneous
4.1 Withholding . Any payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to applicable federal, state and local tax reporting
and withholding requirements.
4.2 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of
Delaware without reference to the principles of conflicts of laws. Any judicial action commenced relating in any way to this
Agreement including the enforcement, interpretation or performance of this Agreement, shall be commenced and maintained in a
court of competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County, Arizona. In any action to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party
shall be entitled to recover its litigation costs, including its attorneys' fees. The parties hereby waive and relinquish any right to a
jury trial and agree that any dispute shall be heard and resolved by a court and without a jury. The parties further agree that the
dispute resolution, including any discovery, shall be accelerated and expedited to the extent possible. Each party's agreements in
this Section 4.2 are made in consideration of the other party's agreements in this Section 4.2, as well as in other portions of this
Agreement.
4.3 No Waiver . The failure of Employer or Employee to insist in any one or more instances upon performance of any terms,
covenants and conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any rights granted hereunder
or of the future performance of any such terms, covenants or conditions.
4.4 Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given if personally delivered, delivered by facsimile transmission or by courier or mailed, registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid as follows:

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If to Employer:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street
Suite 600
Tempe, Arizona 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to Employee:

To Employee's then current address on file with Employer

Or at such other address or addresses as any such party may have furnished to the other party in writing in a manner provided in
this Section 4.4.
4.5 Assignability and Binding Effect . This Agreement is for personal services and is therefore not assignable by Employee. This
Agreement may be assigned by Employer to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or
otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Employer. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties, their successors, assigns, heirs, executors and legal representatives. If there shall be a successor to Employer
or Employer shall assign this Agreement, then as used in this Agreement, (a) the term "Employer" shall mean Employer as
hereinbefore defined and any successor or any permitted assignee, as applicable, to which this Agreement is assigned and (b) the
term "Board" shall mean the Board as hereinbefore defined and the board of directors or equivalent governing body of any
successor or any permitted assignee, as applicable, to which this Agreement is assigned.
4.6 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Change in Control Agreement and the Intellectual Property Agreement set forth the
entire agreement between Employer and Employee regarding the terms of Employee's employment and supersede all prior
agreements between Employer and Employee covering the terms of Employee's employment, including without limitation, the
Prior Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a written instrument signed by Employer and
Employee identifying this Agreement and stating the intention to amend or modify it.
4.7 Severability . If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any of the restrictions or language in this Agreement
are for any reason invalid or unenforceable, the parties desire and agree that the court revise any such restrictions or language,
including reducing any time or geographic area, so as to render them valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. If
any restriction or language in this Agreement is for any reason invalid or unenforceable and cannot by law be revised so as to
render it valid and enforceable, then the parties desire and agree that the court strike only the invalid and unenforceable language
and enforce the balance of this Agreement to the fullest extent allowed by law. Employer and Employee agree that the invalidity
or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement.
4.8 Construction . As used in this Agreement, words such as "herein," "hereinafter," "hereby" and "hereunder," and the words of
like import refer to this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise. The words "include," "includes" and "including" shall
be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation".
4.9 Survival . The rights and obligations of the parties under the provisions of this Agreement, including Sections 1.5, this Article
IV and Article V, shall survive and remain binding and enforceable, notwithstanding the termination of Employee's employment
for any reason, to the

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extent necessary to preserve the intended benefits of such provisions.

ARTICLE V. Section 409A
5.1 In General . It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder as in effect from time to time (collectively, " Section 409A "), and all provisions
of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties
under Section 409A.
5.2 No Alienation, Set-offs, Etc. Neither Employee nor any creditor or beneficiary of Employee shall have the right to subject any
deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable under this Agreement or under any other plan, policy,
arrangement or agreement of or with Employer or any of its affiliates (this Agreement and such other plans, policies, arrangements
and agreements, the " Employer Plans ") to any anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance,
attachment or garnishment. Except as permitted under Section 409A, any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section
409A) payable to or for the benefit of Employee under any Employer Plan may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount
owing by Employee to Employer or any of its affiliates.
5.3 Possible Six-Month Delay . If, at the time of Employee's separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A), (a)
Employee shall be a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A and using the identification methodology selected
by Employer from time to time) and (b) Employer shall make a good faith determination that an amount payable under an
Employer Plan constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) the payment of which is required to be
delayed pursuant to 1he six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A in order to avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A,
then Employer {or an affiliate thereof, as applicable) shall not pay such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but shall
instead accumulate such amount and pay it, without interest, on the first day of the seventh month following such separation from
service.
5.4 Treatment of Installments . For purposes of Section 409A, each of the installments of continued Base Salary referred to in
Section l .5(b) shal1 be deemed to be a separate payment as permitted under Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii).

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employer bas caused this Agreement to be executed by one of its duly authorized officers and
Employee has individually executed this Agreement, each intending to be legally bound, as of the date first above written.
EMPLOYEE:
/s/ Raffi Garabedian
Raffi Garabedian
EMPLOYER:
First Solar, Inc.
By: /s/ Carol Campbell
Name Printed: Carol Campbell
Title: EVP, Human Resources

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Exhibit A
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
I. Release . For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned,
with the intention of binding himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does hereby release and forever
discharge First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its present and former officers, directors, executives, agents, employees,
affiliated companies, subsidiaries, successors, predecessors and assigns (collectively, the " Released Parties "), from any and all
claims, actions, causes of action, demands, rights, damages, debts, accounts, suits, expenses, attorneys' fees and liabilities of
whatever kind or nature in law, equity, or otherwise, whether now known or unknown (collectively, the " Claims "), which the
undersigned now has, owns or holds, or has at any time heretofore had, owned or held against any Released Party, arising out of or
in any way connected with the undersigned's employment relationship with the Company, its subsidiaries, predecessors or
affiliated entities (collectively, the "Company"), or the termination thereof, under any Federal, state or local statute, rule, or
regulation, or principle of common, tort, contract or constitutional law, including but not limited to, the Fair Labor Standards Act
of 1938, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 201 et seq., the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended 29 U.S.C. 602(d), the Family and
Medical Leave Act of 1993 ("FMLA"), as amended, 29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 621 et seq.,
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination
Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000ff; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.,
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq., the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
as amended (particularly 18 U.S.C. 1513(e) prohibiting retaliation against whistleblowers), and any other equivalent or similar
Federal, state, or local statute; provided, however, that nothing herein shall release the Company (a) from its obligations under that
certain Employment Agreement/Change in Control Severance Agreement to which the undersigned is a party and pursuant to
which this Separation Agreement and Release is being executed and delivered, (b) from any claims by the undersigned arising out
of any director and officer indemnification or insurance obligations in favor of the undersigned, (c) from any director and officer
indemnification obligations under the Company's by-laws, and (d) from any claim for benefits under the First Solar, Inc. 401(k)
Plan. The undersigned understands that, as a result of executing this Separation Agreement and Release, he/she will not have the
right to assert that the Company or any other Released Party unlawfully terminated his/her employment or violated any of his/her
rights in connection with his/her employment or otherwise.
The undersigned affirms that he /she has not filed or caused to be filed, and presently is not a party to, any Claim, complaint or
action against any Released Party in any forum or form and that he/she knows of no facts which may lead to any Claim, complaint
or action being filed against any Released Party in any forum by the undersigned or by any agency, group, or class persons. The
undersigned further affirms that he/she has _ been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages,
bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he/she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation,
wages, bonuses, c ommissions and/or benefits are due to him/her from the Company and its subsidiaries, except as specifically
provided in this Separation Agreement and Release. The undersigned furthermore affirms that he/she has no known workplace
injuries or occupational diseases and
Garabedian Sample Release

(rev. 3/28/12)

has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested under the FMLA. If any agency or court assumes jurisdiction of
any such Claim, complaint or action against any Released Party on behalf of the undersigned, the undersigned will request such
agency or court to withdraw the matter.
The undersigned further declares and represents that he/she has carefully read and fully understands the terms of this Separation
Agreement and Release and that he/she has been advised and had the opportunity to seek the advice and assistance of counsel with
regard to this Separation Agreement and Release, that he/she may take up to and including 21 days from receipt of this Separation
Agreement and Release, to consider whether to sign this Separation Agreement and Release, that he/she may revoke this
Separation Agreement and Release within seven calendar days after signing it by delivering to the Company written notification of
revocation, and that he/she knowingly and voluntarily, of his/her own free will, without any duress, being fully informed and after
due deliberate action, accepts the terms of and signs the same as his/her own free act. [To effect a full and complete general
release as described above, the undersigned expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits of Section 1542 of the Civil
Code of the State of California, and the undersigned does so understanding and acknowledging the significance and consequence
of specifically waiving Section 1542. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California states as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of
executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.
Thus, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1542, and to implement a full and complete release and discharge of the Released
Parties, the undersigned expressly acknowledges this Separation Agreement and Release is intended to include in its effect,
without limitation, all Claims the undersigned does not know or suspect to exist in the undersigned's favor at the time of signing
this Separation Agreement and Release, and that this Separation Agreement and
Release contemplates the extinguishment of any such Claim or Claims.] 1
1

Only include for employees who were employed by the Company or its subsidiaries in California.

II. Protected Rights . The Company and the undersigned agree that nothing in this Separation Agreement and Release is intended
to or shall be construed to affect, limit or otherwise interfere with any non-waivable right of the undersigned under any Federal,
state or local law, including the right to file a charge or participate in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (" EEOC ") or to exercise any other right that cannot be waived under applicable law. The
undersigned is releasing, however, his/her right to any monetary recovery or relief should the EEOC or any other agency pursue
Claims on his/her behalf. Further, should the EEOC or any other agency obtain monetary relief on his/her behalf, the undersigned
assigns to the Company all rights to such relief.
III. Equitable Remedies . The undersigned acknowledges that a violation by the undersigned of any of the covenants contained in
this Separation Agreement and Release would cause irreparable damage to the Company in an amount that would be - material but
not readily ascertainable, and that any remedy at law (including the payment of damages) would be inadequate . Accordingly, the
undersigned agrees that, notwithstanding any provision of this
Garabedian Sample Release

(rev. 3/28/12)

Separation Agreement and Release to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled (without the necessity of showing economic loss
or other actual damage) to injunctive relief (including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and/or permanent
injunctions) in any court of competent jurisdiction for any actual or threatened breach of any of the covenants set forth in this
Separation Agreement and Release in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies it may have.
IV. Return of Property . The undersigned shall return to the Company on or before DATE, all property of the Company in the
undersigned's possession or subject to the undersigned's control, including without limitation any laptop computers, keys, credit
cards, cellular telephones and files. The undersigned represents that he/she has not, and shall not, alter any of the Company's
records or computer files in any way after DATE.
V. Severability . If any term or provision of this Separation Agreement and Release is invalid, illegal or incapable of being
enforced by any applicable law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Separation Agreement and Release
shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated by
this Separation Agreement and Release is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party.
VI. GOVERNING LAW . THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE IN
THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE
OF THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.
Effective on the eighth calendar day following the date set forth below.
FIRST SOLAR, INC.

EMPLOYEE
Raffi Garabedian
Date:

Garabedian Sample Release

(rev. 3/28/12)

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this " Agreement "), dated as of May 1, 2012, between
First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the " Company ''), and Raffi Garabedian (the " Executive ").
RECITALS:
WHEREAS the Executive is a skilled and dedicated employee of the Company who has important management
responsibilities and talents that benefit the Company;
WHEREAS the Board of Directors of the Company (the " Board ") considers it essential to the best interests of the Company
and its stockholders to assure that the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) will have the continued dedication of the Executive,
notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined below); and
WHEREAS the Board believes that it is imperative to diminish the distraction of the Executive inherently present by the
uncertainties and risks created by the circumstances surrounding a Change in Control, and to ensure the Executive's full attention to the
Company and its Subsidiaries during any such period of uncertainty.
AGREEMENT:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained herein, and intending to
be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1 . Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) " Accrued Rights " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iv).
(b) " Affiliate(s) " means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or
more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person.
(c) " Annual Base Salary " shall mean the greater of the Executive's annual rate of base salary in effect (i) immediately prior
to the Change in Control Date and (ii) immediately prior to the Termination Date.
(d) " Annual Bonus " shall mean the target annual cash bonus the Executive is eligible to earn (assuming one hundred percent
(100%) fulfillment of all elements of the formula under which such bonus would have been calculated) for the year in which the Termination
Date occurs.
(e) " Bonus Amount " means, as of the Termination Date, the greater of (i) the Annual Bonus and (ii) the average of the
annual cash bonuses payable to the Executive in respect of the three (3) calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year that includes
the Termination Date or, if the Executive has not been employed for three (3) full calendar years preceding the calendar year that includes the
Termination Date, the average of the annual cash bonuses payable to the Executive for the number of full calendar years prior to the
Termination Date that he has been employed.
(f) " Cause " means the occurrence of any one of the following: (i) the Executive is convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo
contendere to, (A) a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or misappropriation of the assets of the Company or a Subsidiary or (B) any
felony (or the equivalent of such a misdemeanor or felony in a jurisdiction outside of the United States); (ii) the Executive commits one or
more
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acts or omissions constituting gross negligence, fraud or other gross misconduct that the Company reasonably and in good faith determines has
a materially detrimental effect on the Company; (iii) the Executive continually arid willfully fails, for at least fourteen (14) days following
written notice from the Company, to perform substantially the Executive's employment duties (other than as a result of incapacity due to
physical or mental illness or after delivery by the Executive of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason); or (iv) the Executive commits a
gross violation of any of the Company's material policies (including the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as in effect from
time to time) that the Company reasonably and in good faith determines is materially detrimental to the best interests of the Company. The
termination of employment of the Executive for Cause shall not be effective unless and until there has been delivered to the Executive a copy
of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board (excluding the Executive)
at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an
opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of
the conduct described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
(g) " Change in Control " means the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, were members of the Board (the " Incumbent Directors ") cease for any
reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a member of the Board subsequent to the
Effective Date whose appointment or election, or nomination for election, by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a
majority of the Incumbent Directors shall be considered as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for purposes of
this proviso, any such _ individual whose assumption of office after the Effective Date occurs as a result of an actual or threatened proxy
contest with respect to election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any
"person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) (each, a "Person") other than the Board or any Specified Shareholder;
(ii) the consummation of (A) a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate
transaction involving (1) the Company or (2) any of its Subsidiaries, but in the case of this clause (2) only if Company Voting Securities (as
defined below) are issued or issuable in connection with . such ' transaction or (B) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets
of the Company (each of the events referred to in clause (A) or (B) being hereinafter referred to as a " Reorganization "), unless, immediately
following such Reorganization, (x) all or substantially all the individuals and entities who were the "beneficial owners" (as such term is defined
in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of shares of the Company's common stock or other securities eligible to vote for the election of the
Board outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of such Reorganization (such securities, the " Company Voting Securities ")
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the
corporation or other entity resulting from such Reorganization (including a corporation or other entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns
the Company or all or substantially all the Company's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) (the " Continuing Entity ") in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to the consummation of such Reorganization, of the outstanding
Company Voting Securities (excluding any outstanding voting securities of the Continuing Entity that such beneficial owners hold immediately
following the consummation of such Reorganization as a result of their ownership prior to such consummation of voting securities of any
corporation or other entity involved in or forming part of such Reorganization other than the Company or a Subsidiary), (y) no Person
(excluding (i) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Continuing Entity or any corporation or other entity
controlled by the Continuing Entity and (ii) any Specified Shareholder) beneficially owns , directly or indirectly, twenty percent (20%) or
more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Continuing Entity and (z) at least a majority of the members
of the board of directors or other governing body of the Continuing Entity were Incumbent Directors at the time of the execution of the
definitive agreement providing for such Reorganization or, in the absence of such an agreement, at the time at which approval of the Board was
obtained for such Reorganization;

First Solar, Inc.

Page 5

(iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, unless
such liquidation or dissolution is part of a transaction or series of transactions described in Section 1(g)(ii) that does not otherwise constitute a
Change in Control; or
(iv) any Person, corporation or other entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the
Exchange Act) other than any Specified Shareholder becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company
representing a percentage of the combined voting power of the Company Voting Securities that is equal to or greater than the greater of (A)
twenty percent (20%) and (B) the percentage of the combined voting power of the Company Voting Securities beneficially owned directly or
indirectly by all the Specified Shareholders at such time; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section l(g)(iv) only (and not for purposes
of Sections l(g)(i) through (iii)), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (1) any acquisition by the Company or any
Subsidiary, (2) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (3)
any acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding such Company Voting Securities pursuant to an offering of such securities and (4) any
acquisition pursuant to a Reorganization that does not constitute a Change in Control for purposes of Section l(g)(ii).
(h) " Change in Control Date " means the date on which a Change in Control
(i) " COBRA " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iii).
(j) " Code " means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute thereto, and
the regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect from time to time.
(k) " Company Voting Securities " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
(l) " Continuing Entity '' shall have the meaning set forth in Section l(g)(ii).
(m) " Disability '' shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b)(ii).
(n) " Effective Date " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.
(o) " Exchange Act " means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute
thereto, and the regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect from time to time.
(p) " Executive Tax Year " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iii).
(q) " Good Reason " means, without the Executive's express written consent, the occurrence of any one or more of the
following:
(i) any material reduction in the authority, duties or responsibilities held by the Executive immediately prior to the
Change in Control Date;
(ii) any material reduction in the annual base salary or annual incentive opportunity of the Executive as in effect
immediately prior to the Change in Control Date;
(iii) any change of the Executive's principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the
Executive's principal place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control Date;
(iv) any failure of the Company to pay the Executive any compensation when due;
(v) delivery by the Company or any Subsidiary of a written notice to the Executive of the intent to terminate the
Executive's employment for any reason, other than Cause, death or Disability,
First Solar, Inc.
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in each case in accordance with this Agreement, regardless of whether such termination is intended to become effective during or after the
Protection Period; or
(vi) any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy the requirements of Section 9(c).
The Executive's right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive's incapacity due to
physical or mental illness. A termination of employment by the Executive for Good Reason for purposes of this Agreement shall be effectuated
by giving the Company written notice (''Notice of Termination for Good Reason") of the termination setting forth in reasonable detail the
specific conduct of the Company that constitutes Good Reason and the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the Executive relied,
provided that such notice must be delivered to the Company no later than ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the event or events
constituting Good Reason and the Company must be provided with at least thirty (30) days following the delivery of such Notice of
Termination for Good Reason to cure such event or events. If such event or events are cured during such period, then the Executive will not be
permitted to terminate employment for Good Reason as the result of such event or events. If the Company does not cure such event or events in
such period, the termination of employment by the Executive for Good Reason shall be effective on the thirtieth (30th) day following the date
when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, unless the Company elects to treat such termination as effective as of an earlier date;
provided, however, that so long as an event that constitutes Good Reason occurs during the Protection Period and the Executive delivers the
Notice of Termination for Good Reason within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of such event, the Company is provided with at least
thirty (30) days following the delivery of such Notice of Termination for Good Reason to cure such event, and the Executive terminates his
employment as of the thirtieth (30th) day following the date when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given (or as of an earlier date
chosen by the Company), then for purposes of the payments, benefits and other entitlements set forth herein, the termination of the Executive's
employment pursuant thereto shall be deemed to occur during the Protection Period.
(r) " Incumbent Directors " shall have the meaning set forth in Section l(g)(i).
(s) '' Notice of Termination for Good Reason " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(q).
(t) " Person " shall have the meaning set forth in Section l (g)(i).
(u) " Protection Period " means the period commencing on the Change in Control Date and ending on the second anniversary
thereof.
(v) " Qualifying Termination " means any termination of the Executive's employment (i) by the Company, other than for
Cause, death or Disability, that is effective (or with respect to which the Executive is given written notice) during the Protection Period, (ii) by
the Executive for Good Reason during the Protection Period or (iii) by the Company that is effective prior to the Change in Control Date, other
than for Cause, death or Disability, at the request or direction of a third party who took action that caused, or is involved in or a party to, a
Change in Control.
(w) " Release " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(vi).
(x) " Release Effective Date " shall mean the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable.
(y) " Reorganization " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
(z) " Specified Shareholder '' shall mean any of (i) the Estate of John T. Walton and its beneficiaries, (ii) JCL Holdings, LLC
and its beneficiaries, (iii) Michael J. Ahearn and any of his immediate
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family, (iv) any Person directly or indirectly controlled by any of the foregoing and (v) any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of any of the
foregoing.
(aa) " Subsidiary '' means any entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, possesses 50% or more of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock.
(bb)

" Successor " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(c).

(cc) ' 'Termination Date " means the date on which the termination of the Executive's employment, in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement, is effective, provided that in the event of a Qualifying Termination described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof,
the Termination Date shall be deemed to be the Change in Control Date.
SECTION 2. Effectiveness and Term . This Agreement shall become effective as of the date hereof (the " Effective Date ")
and shall remain in effect until the third (3rd) anniversary of the Effective Date, except that, beginning on the second anniversary of the
Effective Date and on each anniversary thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period,
unless the Company or the Executive provides the other party with sixty (60) days' prior written notice before the applicable anniversary that
the term of this Agreement shall not be so extended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Change in Control during the term of this
Agreement (whether the original term or the term as extended), this Agreement shall not thereafter terminate, and the term hereof shall be
extended, until the Company and its Subsidiaries have performed all their obligations hereunder with no future performance being possible;
provided, however, that this Agreement shall only be effective with respect to the first Change in Control that occurs during the term of this
Agreement.
SECTION 3. Impact of a Change in Control on Equity Compensation Awards . Effective as of the Change in Control Date,
notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, other than any such provision that expressly provides that this Section 3 of this Agreement does
not apply (which provision shall be given full force and effect), in any of the Company's equity based, equity-related or other long-term
incentive compensation plans, practices, policies and programs (including the Company's 2010 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan) or any
award agreements thereunder, (a) all outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights and similar rights and awards then held by the
Executive that are unexercisable or otherwise unvested shall automatically become fully vested and immediately exercisable, as the case may
be, (b) all outstanding equity-based, equity-related and other long-term incentive awards then held by the Executive that are subject to
performance-based vesting criteria shall automatically become fully vested and earned at a deemed performance level equal to the maximum
performance level with respect to such awards and (c) all other outstanding equity-based, equity-related and long-term incentive awards, to the
extent not covered by the foregoing clause (a) or (b), then held by the Executive that are unvested or subject to restrictions or forfeiture shall
automatically become fully vested and all restrictions and forfeiture provisions related thereto shall lapse.
SECTION 4. Termination of Employment .
(a) Qualifying Termination .
In the event of a Qualifying Termination, the Executive shall be entitled, subject to Section
4(a)(vi), to the following payments and benefits:
(i) Severance Pay . The Company shall pay the Executive, in a lump-sum cash payment on tenth (10th) business day
after the Release Effective Date, an amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (A) the Executive's Annual Base Salary (which, as defined, is
determined without regard to any reduction giving rise to Good Reason) and (B) the Bonus Amount; provided, however, that such amount shall
be paid in lieu of, and the Executive hereby waives the right to receive, any other cash severance payment the Executive is otherwise eligible to
receive upon termination of employment under any severance plan, practice, policy or program of the Company or any Subsidiary or under any
agreement between the Company and the Executive and, in the event of a Qualifying Termination described in clause (iii) of the definition
thereof, the severance payment payable pursuant to this Section 4(a)(i) shall be reduced by the amount of any other such severance
First Solar, Inc.
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payments previously paid to the Executive.

(ii) Prorated Annual Bonus . The Company shall pay the Executive, in a lump-sum cash payment on the tenth (10th)
business day after Release Effective Date, an amount equal to the product of (A) the Executive's Annual Bonus and (B) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of days in the Company's fiscal year containing the Termination Date that the Executive was employed by
the Company or any Affiliate, and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365).
(iii) Continued Welfare Benefits . The Company shall, at its option, either (A) continue to provide medical, life
insurance, accident insurance and disability benefits to the Executive and the Executive's spouse and dependents at least equal to the benefits
provided by the Company and its Subsidiaries generally to other active peer executives of the Company and its Subsidiaries, or (B) pay
Executive the cost of obtaining equivalent coverage, in the case of each of clauses (A) and (B), for a period of time commencing on the
Termination Date and ending on the date that is eighteen (18) months after the Termination Date; provided, however, that if the Executive
becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer-provided plan,
the medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable
period of eligibility. Any provision of benefits pursuant to this Section 4(a)(iii) in one (1) tax year of the Executive (the " Executive Tax Year ")
shall not affect the amount of such benefits to be provided in any other Executive Tax Year. The right to such benefits shall not be subject to
liquidation or exchange for any other benefit. Executive agrees to make (and to cause his dependents to make) a timely election under the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (" C OBRA") to the extent requested by Employer, to facilitate
Employer's provision of continuation coverage.
(iv) Accrued Rights . The Executive shall be entitled to (A) payments of any unpaid salary, bonuses or other
amounts earned or accrued through the Termination Date and reimbursement of any unreimbursed business expenses incurred through the
Termination Date, (B) any payments explicitly set forth in any other benefit plans, practices, policies and programs in which the Executive
participates, and (C) any payments the Company is or becomes obligated to make pursuant to Sections 6 and 11 (the rights to such payments,
the " Accrued Rights "). The Accrued Rights payable pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv)(A) and Section 4(a)(iv)(B) shall be payable on their
respective otherwise scheduled payment dates, provided that any amounts payable in respect of accrued but unused vacation shall be paid in a
lump sum within 15 days following the Termination Date. The Accrued Rights payable pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv)(C) shall be payable at the
times set forth in the applicable Section hereof.
(v) Outplacement . The Company shall reimburse the Executive for individual outplacement services to be provided
by a firm of the Executive's choice or, at the Executive's election, provide the Executive with the use of office space, office supplies, and
secretarial assistance satisfactory to the Executive. The aggregate expenditures of the Company pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed
Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the outplacement benefits under this Section
4(a)(v) shall be provided to the Executive for no longer than the one-year period following the Termination Date, and the amount ' of any
outplacement benefits or office space, office supplies and secretarial assistance provided to the Executive in any Executive Tax Year shall not
affect the amount of any such outplacement benefits or office space, office supplies and secretarial assistance provided to the Executive in any
other Executive Tax Year.
(vi) Release of Claims . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, unless on or prior to the
tenth (10th) business day prior to March 15 of the year following the year in which the Termination Date occurs, the Executive has executed
and delivered a Separation Agreement and Release (the " Release ") substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the employment agreement
between the Executive and the Company and the Release Effective Date shall have occurred, (A) no payments shall be paid or made available
to the Executive under Section 4(a)(i) or 4(a)(ii), (B) the Company shall be relieved o . f all obligations to provide or make available any
further benefits to the Executive pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) and 4(a)(v) and (C) the Executive shall be required to repay the Company, in cash,
within five business
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days after written demand is made therefor by the Company, an amount equal to the value of any benefits received by the Executive pursuant to
Section 4(a)(iii) and 4(a)(v) prior to such date.
(b) Termination on Account of Death or Disability; Non-Qualifying Termination .
(i) In the event of any termination of Executive's employment other than a Qualifying Termination, the Executive
shall not be entitled to any additional payments or benefits from the Company under this Agreement, other than payments or benefits with
respect to the Accrued Rights.
(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall be deemed to have a " Disability " in the event of the
Executive's absence for a period of 180 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to a physical or mental condition, illness or
injury that is determined to be total and permanent by a physician mutually acceptable to the Company and the Executive or the Executive's
legal representative (such acceptance . not to be unreasonably withheld) after such physician has completed an examination of the Executive.
The Executive agrees to make himself available for such examination upon the reasonable request of the Company, and the Company shall be
responsible for the cost of such examination.
SECTION 5. Section 409A .
(a) It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code, as amended, and the
regulations thereunder as in effect from time to time (collectively, " Section 409A "), and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed
and interpreted either to (i) exempt any compensation from the application of Section 409A, or (ii) comply with the requirements for avoiding
taxes or penalties under Section 409A.
(b) Neither the Executive nor any creditor or beneficiary of the Executive shall have the right to subject any deferred
compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable under this Agreement or under any other plan, policy, arrangement or agreement
of or with the Company or any 9f its Affiliates (this Agreement and such other plans, policies, arrangements and agreements, the " Company
Plans ") to any anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or garnishment. Except as permitted under
Section 409A, any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable to or for the benefit of the Executive under any
Company Plan may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by the Executive to the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(c) If, at the time of the Executive's separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A), (i) the Executive shall be a
specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time)
and (ii) the Company shall make a good faith determination that an amount payable under a Company Plan constitutes deferred compensation
(within the meaning of Section 409A) the payment of which is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section
409A to avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A, then the Company (or an Affiliate thereof, applicable) shall not pay such amount on the
otherwise scheduled payment date but shall instead accumulate such amount and pay . it, without interest, on the first day of the seventh month
following such separation from service.
SECTION 6. No Mitigation or Offset; Enforcement of this Agreement .
(a) The Company's obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations
hereunder shall not be affected by any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action that the Company may have
against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of
mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as otherwise expressly provided
for in this Agreement, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.

First Solar, Inc.

Page 10

(b) The Company shall reimburse, upon the Executive's demand, any and all reasonable legal fees and expenses that the
Executive may incur in good faith prior to the second anniversary of the expiration of the term of this Agreement as a result of any contest,
dispute or proceeding (regardless of whether formal legal proceedings are ever commenced and regardless of the outcome thereof and
including all stages of any contest, dispute or proceeding) by the Company, the Executive or any other Person with respect to the validity or
enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any
contest by the Executive regarding the amount of any payment owed pursuant to this Agreement), and shall indemnify and hold the Executive
harmless, on an after tax basis, for any tax (including any excise tax) imposed on the Executive as a result of payment by the Company of such
legal fees and expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) any reimbursement for any fees and expenses under
this Section 6 shall be made promptly and no later than the end of the Executive Tax Year following the Executive Tax Year in which the fees or
expenses are incurred, (ii) the amount of fees and expenses eligible for reimbursement under this Section 6 during any Executive Tax Year shall
not affect the fees and expenses eligible for reimbursement in another Executive Tax Year, (iii) no right to reimbursement under this Section 6
shall be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other payment or benefit, and (iv) no tax gross up payments shall be made by the Company
under this Section 6 after the end of the Executive Tax Year following the Executive Tax Year in which the related taxes are remitted.
SECTION 7. Non-Exclusivity of Rights . Except as specifically provided in Section 4(a)(i), nothing in this Agreement shall
prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, practice, policy or program provided by the Company or a
Subsidiary for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything in this Agreement limit or otherwise affect any rights the Executive may
have under any contract or agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary. Vested benefits and other amounts that the Executive is otherwise
entitled to receive under any incentive compensation (including any equity award agreement), deferred compensation, retirement, pension or
other plan, practice, policy or program of, or any contract or agreement with, the Company or a Subsidiary shall be payable in accordance with
the terms of each such plan, practice, policy, program, contract or agreement, as the case may be, except as explicitly modified by this
Agreement.
SECTION 8. Withholding . The Company may deduct and withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such
Federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes as are required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
SECTION 9. Assignment .
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be
assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and any assignment in violation of this Agreement
shall be void .
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 9(a), this Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the
benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees,
devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all
such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive's devisee,
legatee or other designee or, should there be no such designee, to the Executive's estate.
(c) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to
all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company (a " Successor ") to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. If there shall be
a Successor, (i) the term "Company" shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any Successor and any permitted assignee to which
this Agreement is assigned and (ii) the term "Board" shall mean the Board as hereinbefore defined and the board of directors or equivalent
governing body of any Successor and any
First Solar, Inc.
Page 11

permitted assignee to which this Agreement is assigned.

SECTION 10. Dispute Resolution .
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Executive and the Company each hereby irrevocably submit to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court of Delaware (or, if subject matter jurisdiction in that court is not available, in any state
court located within the city of Wilmington, Delaware) over any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in this Agreement, the parties undertake not to commence any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement in a forum other than a forum described in this Section 1O(a); provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude the Company
or the Executive from bringing any suit, action or proceeding in any other court for the purposes of enforcing the provisions of this Section 10
or enforcing any judgment obtained by the Company or the Executive.
(b) The agreement of the parties to the forum described in Section lO(a) is independent of the law that may be applied in any
suit, action or proceeding and the parties agree to such forum even if such forum may under applicable law choose to apply non-forum law. The
parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that they now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction or
to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in an applicable court described in Section lO(a), and the parties agree that
they shall not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court. The parties agree
that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, a final and non-appealable judgment in any suit, action or proceeding brought in any
applicable court described in Section l O(a) shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction.
(c) The parties hereto irrevocably consent to the service of any and all process in any suit, action or proceeding arising out of
or relating to this Agreement by the mailing of copies of such process to such party at such party's address specified in Section 17.
(d) Each party hereto hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury
in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each party hereto (i) certifies that no representative,
agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such party would not, in the event of any suit, action or
proceeding, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver and (ii) acknowledges that it and the other parties hereto have been induced to enter into this
Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waiver and certifications in this Section 10(d).
SECTION 11. Default in Payment . Any payment not made within ten (10) business days after it is due in accordance with
this Agreement shall thereafter bear interest, compounded annually, at the prime rate in effect from time to time at Citibank, N.A., or any
successor thereto. Such interest shall be payable at the same time as the corresponding payment is payable.
SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE IN THE STATE OF
DELAWARE, AND THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT IN
ALL RESPECTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.
SECTION 13. Amendment; No Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged
except by a written document signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company. The failure of a party to insist upon strict
adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party's rights or deprive such party of the
right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. Except as provided in Section 1(q), no failure or
delay by either party in exercising any right or power hereunder will operate as
First Solar, Inc.
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a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment of any steps to enforce such right or
power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. No agreements or representations, oral or
otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party that are not set forth expressly in this
Agreement.
SECTION 14. Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by
any applicable law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect so
long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse
to any party. Upon any such determination that any term or provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable
manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
SECTION 15. Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the
subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or
warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto, and any prior agreement of the parties hereto
in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and canceled. None of the parties shall be liable or bound to any other
party in any manner by any representations and warranties or covenants relating to such subject matter except as specifically set forth herein.
SECTION 16. Survival . The rights and obligations of the parties under the provisions of this Agreement, including Sections
6, 10, 11 and 12, shall survive and remain binding and enforceable, notwithstanding the expiration of the Protection Period or the term of this
Agreement, the termination of the Executive's employment with the Company for any reason or any settlement of the financial rights and
obligations arising from the Executive's employment, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended benefits of such provisions.
SECTION 17. Notices . All notices or other communications required or permitted by this Agreement will be made in writing
and all such notices or communications will be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by
United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Company:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street Suite 600
Tempe, AZ 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to the Executive:

To the Executive's then current address on file with the Company

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of
address shall be effective only upon receipt.
SECTION 18. Headings and References . The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and neither
constitute a part of this Agreement nor affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. When a reference in this Agreement
is made to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.
SECTION 19. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including via facsimile), each of
which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
SECTION 20. Interpretation . For purposes of this Agreement, the words "include" and
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"including", and variations thereof, shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation but rather shall be deemed to be followed by the words
"without limitation". The term "or" is not exclusive. The word "extent" in the phrase "to the extent" shall mean the degree to which a subject or
other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply "if".
SECTION 21. Time of the Essence . The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that time is of the essence in the performance
of the obligations of this Agreement and that the parties shall strictly adhere to any timelines herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties as of the date first written above.
FIRST SOLAR, INC.,
By:
/s/ Carol Campbell
Name: Carol Campbell
Title: EVP, Human Resources
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Raffi Garabedian
Raffi Garabedian

First Solar, Inc.

Page 14

Amendment to Change in Control Severance Agreement

This Amendment is effective as of August 1, 2013 by and between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company ) and Raffi Garabedian (the Executive ).
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive are party to a Change in Control Severance Agreement dated as of
May 1, 2012 (the CIC Agreement ) and desire to amend certain provisions of the CIC Agreement comply with, and
avoid penalties under, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the treasury regulations
promulgated thereunder ( Section 409A );
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing promises and the mutual covenants, terms and
conditions set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Executive hereby agree that
the CIC Agreement is amended as provided herein.
1. Notwithstanding the definition of Change in Control provided in the CIC Agreement, the occurrence of any
of the events specified in such definition shall only constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the CIC
Agreement if such event constitutes, as applicable, a change in ownership or effective control of a corporation
or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of a corporation within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).
2. Notwithstanding Section 4(a)(i) and 4(a)(iii) of the CIC Agreement, in the event of a Qualifying Termination
described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof (i.e., certain terminations without Cause prior to a Change in
Control), (A) the severance payment described in Section 4(a)(i) of the CIC Agreement shall be reduced by the
aggregate amount of any Severance Payments (within the meaning of the Employment Agreement) paid or
payable to the Executive pursuant to the Employment Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein or
in the CIC Agreement shall waive or alter the payment terms of any Severance Payments payable pursuant to
the Employment Agreement) and (B) the 18-month period described in Section 4(a)(iii) shall be reduced by the
period of time that the Executive receives any benefits pursuant to Section 1.5(c) of the Employment
Agreement.
3. To the extent required by Section 409A, any payment or benefit pursuant to the CIC Agreement that would be
considered deferred compensation subject to, and not exempt from, Section 409A, payable or provided upon a
termination of the Executives employment shall only be paid or provided to the Executive upon the
Executives separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A).
4. Except as provided above, the CIC Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
First Solar, Inc.
Page 1 of 7
Garabedian Employment Agreement

(rev. 3/28/12)

August 1, 2013

FIRST SOLAR, INC.

by

/s/ Carol Campbell

Name: Carol Campbell
Title: EVP, Human Resourc
/s/ Raffi Garabedian
Raffi Garabedian

EXHIBIT 10.25

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this Agreement ) is made, by and between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware
corporation having its principal office at 350 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Tempe, Arizona 85281 (hereinafter,
Employer ) and Timothy Rebhorn (hereinafter, Employee ).
WITNESSETH :
WHEREAS, Employer and Employee wish to enter into an agreement relating to the employment of
Employee by Employer.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, and the mutual covenants, terms and
conditions set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Employer and Employee hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. Employment
1.1
Term; At-Will Nature of Employment . The term of this Agreement (the Term ) shall commence as of
December 31, 2012 (the Start Date ) and shall end on the date Employees employment with Employer terminates
for any reason. As of the Start Date, Employer shall employ Employee as a full-time, at-will employee, and Employee
shall accept employment with Employer as a full-time, at-will employee. Employer or Employee may terminate this
Agreement at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and with or without notice, subject to the provisions
of this Agreement.
1.2
Position and Duties of Employee . Employer hereby employs Employee in the initial capacity of Senior Vice
President, Project Development for Employer and Employee hereby accepts such position. In this position, Employee
shall report to Employers Chief Executive Officer (the Supervisor ). Employee agrees to diligently and faithfully
perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to Employee by the Supervisor, consistent with Employees
position with Employer. Employee recognizes the necessity for established policies and procedures pertaining to
Employers business operations, and Employers right to change, revoke or supplement such policies and procedures at
any time, in Employers sole discretion. Employee agrees to comply with such policies and procedures, including those
contained in any manuals or handbooks, as may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of Employer.
Employee shall be based in Tempe , Arizona but shall be required to travel to such locations as shall be required to
fulfill the responsibilities of his position.
1.3
No Salary or Benefits Continuation Beyond Termination . Except as may be required by applicable law or as
otherwise specified in this Agreement, or the Change in Control Severance Agreement between Employer and
Employee dated as of the date hereof or as may be amended from time to time (the Change in Control Agreement ),
Employer shall not be liable to Employee
Rebhorn Employment Agreement

for any salary or benefits continuation beyond the date of Employees cessation of employment with Employer.
1.4
Termination of Employment . Employees employment with Employer shall terminate upon the earliest of: (a)
Employees death; (b) unless waived by Employer, Employees Disability , (which for purposes of this Agreement,
shall mean either a physical or mental condition (as determined by a qualified physician mutually agreeable to
Employer and Employee) which renders Employee unable, for a period of at least six (6) months, effectively to perform
the obligations, duties and responsibilities of Employees employment with Employer); (c) the termination of
Employees employment by Employer for Cause (as hereinafter defined); (d) Employees resignation without Good
Reason; (e) the termination of Employees employment by Employer without Cause; and (f) Employees resignation for
Good Reason. As used herein, Cause shall mean Employers good faith determination of: (i) Employees dishonest,
fraudulent or illegal conduct relating to the business of Employer; (ii) Employees willful breach or habitual neglect of
Employees duties or obligations in connection with Employees employment; (iii) Employees misappropriation of
Employer funds; (iv) Employees conviction of a felony or any other criminal offense involving fraud or dishonesty,
whether or not relating to the business of Employer or Employees employment with Employer; (v) Employees
excessive use of alcohol; (vi) Employees unlawful use of controlled substances or other addictive behavior; (vii)
Employees unethical business conduct; (viii) Employees breach of any statutory or common law duty of loyalty to
Employer; or (ix) Employees material breach of this Agreement, the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation
Agreement between Employer and Employee entered into on the date hereof or as may be amended from time to time
(the Non-Competition Agreement ), the Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Agreement between Employer and
Employee entered into on the date hereof or as may be amended from time to time (the Confidentiality Agreement )
or the Change in Control Agreement. Upon termination of Employees employment with Employer for any reason,
Employee will promptly return to Employer all materials in any form acquired by Employee as a result of such
employment with Employer, and all property of Employer. As used herein, Good Reason shall mean the occurrence
of any of the following without Employees consent but only if it occurs on or prior to the second anniversary of the
Start Date, (i) a material reduction in Employees authority, duties or responsibilities, or (ii) a change in Employees
principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the Employees principal place of
employment. As described herein, a resignation shall not be for Good Reason unless Employee shall, within twenty
(20) days after he knows of an event constituting Good Reason advised Employer of his intention to resign for Good
Reason, and Employer shall not have cured such event within ten (10) days following receipt of such notice.
1.5

Severance Payments and Vacation Pay .

(a) Vacation Pay in the Event of a Termination of Employment . In the event of the termination of
Employees employment with Employer for any reason, Employee shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the
Severance Payments described in Section 1.5(b) below, if any, the dollar value of any earned but unused (and
unforfeited) vacation. Such dollar value shall be paid to Employee within fifteen (15) days following the date of
termination of employment.

First Solar, Inc.

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Rebhorn Employment Agreement

(b)

Severance Payments in the Case of a Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good

Reason .
(i) Severance Payments . If Employees employment is terminated by Employer without Cause
or Employee resigns for Good Reason, then, subject to (A) the Change in Control Agreement (which shall apply in lieu
of this Agreement in the event employment is terminated without Cause following a Change in Control), and (B)
Employees satisfaction of the Release Condition described in Section 1.5(b)(ii) below, Employee shall be entitled to
continuation of Employees Base Salary (as defined in Section 2.2) (such salary continuation, the Severance
Payments ) for a period of 12 months (which period shall commence on the thirty-sixth (36 th ) day following the date
employment terminates) in accordance with Employers regular payroll practices and procedures.
(ii) Release Condition . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Severance Payments
shall be due or made to Employee hereunder unless (i) Employee shall have executed and delivered a general release in
favor of Employer and its affiliates, (which release shall be submitted to Employee for his review by the date of
Employees termination of employment (or shortly thereafter), be substantially in the form of the Separation Agreement
and Release attached hereto as Exhibit A and otherwise be satisfactory to Employer) and (ii) the Release Effective
Date shall have occurred on or before the thirty-sixth (36 th ) day following the date employment terminates. The
Release Effective Date shall be the date the general release becomes effective and irrevocable.
(c) Medical Insurance . If Employees employment is terminated by Employer without Cause or due to
Employees resignation for Good Reason, Employer will provide or pay the cost of continuing the medical coverage
provided by Employer to Employee and his dependents during his employment at the same or a comparable coverage
level, for a period beginning on the date of termination and ending on the earlier of (i) the date that is twelve (12)
months following such termination and (ii) the date that Employee is covered under a medical benefits plan of a
subsequent employer. Employee agrees to make a timely COBRA election, to the extent requested by Employer, to
facilitate Employers provision of continuation coverage. Except as permitted by Section 409A (as defined below), the
continued benefits provided to Employee pursuant to this Section 1.5(c) during any calendar year will not affect the
continued benefits to be provided to Employee pursuant to this Section 1.5(c) in any other calendar year.
(d) Equity Award Vesting . In the event of (A) the termination of Employees employment with
Employer due to Employees death, (B) the termination of Employees employment with Employer due to Disability,
(C) the termination of Employees employment by Employer without Cause, or (D) the termination of Employees
employment due to Employees resignation for Good Reason, then Employee shall on the date of such termination of
employment immediately receive an additional twelve (12) months vesting credit with respect to the stock options,
stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other equity or equity-based compensation of Employer granted to
Employee in the course of his employment with Employer. The shares of Employer underlying any restricted stock
units that become vested pursuant to this Section 1.5(d) shall be payable on the vesting date. Any of Employees stock
options and stock appreciation rights that become vested pursuant to this Section 1.5(d) shall be exercisable
immediately upon vesting.
First Solar, Inc.
Page 3 of 8
Rebhorn Employment Agreement

Employee will have one (1) year and ninety (90) days after termination of employment without Cause, for Good
Reason, death or Disability to exercise any vested stock options or other equity compensation other than options
granted as part of the Initial Equity Award, provided, that, if during such period Employee is under any trading
restriction due to a lockup agreement or closed trading window such period shall be tolled during the period of such
trading restriction, and provided, further, that in no event shall any stock option or stock appreciation right continue to
be exercisable after the original expiration date of such stock option or stock appreciation right.
ARTICLE II. Compensation
2.1
Base Salary . Employee shall be compensated at an annual base salary of $330,000 (the Base Salary ) while
Employee is employed by Employer under this Agreement, subject to such annual increases that Employer may, in its
sole discretion, determine to be appropriate. Such Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Employers standard
policies and shall be subject to applicable tax withholding requirements.
2.3
Annual Bonus Eligibility . Employee shall be eligible to participate in Employers annual bonus program
under which Employees target bonus shall equal sixty percent (60%) of Employees Base Salary. Payment of any
bonus shall depend upon individual and company performance, and shall be subject to management discretion and
clawback under applicable law. The terms of the annual bonus program shall be developed by Employer and
communicated to Employee as soon as practicable after the beginning of each year and shall provide Employee with an
opportunity to earn up to two (2) times Employees target bonus.
2.4
Benefits; Vacation . Employee shall be eligible to receive all benefits as are available to similarly situated
employees of Employer generally, and any other benefits that Employer may, in its sole discretion, elect to grant to
Employee from time to time. In addition, Employee shall be entitled to four (4) weeks paid vacation per year, which
shall be pro-rated for the first partial year of employment and shall accrue in accordance with Employers policies
applicable to similarly situated employees of Employer.
2.5
Reimbursement of Business Expenses . Employee may incur reasonable expenses in the course of employment
hereunder for which Employee shall be eligible for reimbursement or advances in accordance with Employers standard
policy therefor.
2.6
Equity Grants . Subject to approval by the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board), (i) Employee
shall receive a sign-on restricted stock unit grant with a grant date value of $450,000 , that shall vest at the rate of 25%
per year, commencing on the anniversary of the grant date, subject to Employees continued employment through the
applicable vesting date; the restricted stock unit grant shall be subject to the accelerated vesting terms of this
Agreement and the Change in Control Severance Agreement, as applicable, and (ii) Employee shall receive a grant of
125,000 performance units under the Key Employee Senior Talent Equity Program (KSTEPP). In addition, subject to
approval by the Board or the Compensation Committee, Employee shall be eligible for future equity grants and other
long-term incentives. Any incentives subject to clawback under applicable law.
First Solar, Inc.
Page 4 of 8
Rebhorn Employment Agreement

2.7
One-Time Sign-On Bonus . Employer shall pay Employee a one-time sign-on bonus of $75,000, less
applicable withholding. If Employees employment terminates on account of his resignation other than for Good
Reason on or before twelve (12) months following the Start Date, Employee shall be required to repay to the Employer
the full amount of the sign-on bonus.
2.8
Relocation . Employee shall be eligible to receive relocation benefits in accordance with Employers standard
relocation policy if associate relocates to Tempe, Arizona.
ARTICLE III. Absence of Restrictions
3.1
Employee hereby represents and warrants to Employer that Employee has full power, authority and legal right
to enter into this Agreement and to carry out all obligations and duties hereunder and that the execution, delivery and
performance by Employee of this Agreement will not violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under, any
agreements or other understandings to which Employee is a party or by which Employee may be bound or affected,
including any order, judgment or decree of any court or governmental agency. Employee further represents and
warrants to Employer that Employee is free to accept employment with Employer as contemplated herein and that
Employee has no prior or other obligations or commitments of any kind to any person, firm, partnership, association,
corporation, entity or business organization that would in any way hinder or interfere with Employees acceptance of,
or the full performance of, Employees duties hereunder.
ARTICLE IV. Miscellaneous
4.1
Withholding . Any payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to applicable federal, state and local
tax reporting and withholding requirements.
4.2
Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the
laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the principles of conflicts of laws. Any judicial action commenced
relating in any way to this Agreement including the enforcement, interpretation or performance of this Agreement, shall
be commenced and maintained in a court of competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County, Arizona. In any action
to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its litigation costs, including its attorneys
fees. The parties hereby waive and relinquish any right to a jury trial and agree that any dispute shall be heard and
resolved by a court and without a jury. The parties further agree that the dispute resolution, including any discovery,
shall be accelerated and expedited to the extent possible. Each partys agreements in this Section 4.2 are made in
consideration of the other partys agreements in this Section 4.2, as well as in other portions of this Agreement.
4.3
No Waiver . The failure of Employer or Employee to insist in any one or more instances upon performance of
any terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any
rights granted hereunder or of the future performance of any such terms, covenants or conditions.

First Solar, Inc.

Page 5 of 8
Rebhorn Employment Agreement

4.4
Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered, delivered by facsimile transmission or by courier or mailed,
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid as follows:
If to Employer:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street
Suite 600
Tempe, Arizona 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to Employee:

To Employees then current address on file with

Employer

Or at such other address or addresses as any such party may have furnished to the other party in writing in a manner
provided in this Section 4.4.
4.5
Assignability and Binding Effect . This Agreement is for personal services and is therefore not assignable by
Employee. This Agreement may be assigned by Employer to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Employer. This Agreement
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors, assigns, heirs, executors and legal
representatives. If there shall be a successor to Employer or Employer shall assign this Agreement, then as used in this
Agreement, (a) the term Employer shall mean Employer as hereinbefore defined and any successor or any permitted
assignee, as applicable, to which this Agreement is assigned and (b) the term Board shall mean the Board as
hereinbefore defined and the board of directors or equivalent governing body of any successor or any permitted
assignee, as applicable, to which this Agreement is assigned.
4.6
Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Change in Control Agreement, the Non-Competition Agreement and
the Confidentiality Agreement set forth the entire agreement between Employer and Employee regarding the terms of
Employees employment and supersede all prior agreements between Employer and Employee covering the terms of
Employees employment, including without limitation, the Prior Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended or
modified except in a written instrument signed by Employer and Employee identifying this Agreement and stating the
intention to amend or modify it.
4.7
Severability . If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any of the restrictions or language in
this Agreement are for any reason invalid or unenforceable, the parties desire and agree that the court revise any such
restrictions or language, including reducing any time or geographic area, so as to render them valid and enforceable to
the fullest extent allowed by law. If any restriction or language in this Agreement is for any reason invalid or
unenforceable and cannot by law be revised so as to render it valid and enforceable, then the parties desire and agree
that the court strike only the invalid and unenforceable language and enforce the balance of this Agreement
First Solar, Inc.
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to the fullest extent allowed by law. Employer and Employee agree that the invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this Agreement shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement.
4.8
Construction . As used in this Agreement, words such as herein, hereinafter, hereby and hereunder,
and the words of like import refer to this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise. The words include,
includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
4.9
Survival . The rights and obligations of the parties under the provisions of this Agreement, including Sections
1.5, this Article IV and Article V, shall survive and remain binding and enforceable, notwithstanding the termination of
Employees employment for any reason, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended benefits of such provisions.
ARTICLE V. Section 409A
5.1
In General . It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder as in effect from time to time (collectively,
Section 409A ), and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the
requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A.
5.2
No Alienation, Set-offs, Etc . Neither Employee nor any creditor or beneficiary of Employee shall have the
right to subject any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable under this Agreement or
under any other plan, policy, arrangement or agreement of or with Employer or any of its affiliates (this Agreement and
such other plans, policies, arrangements and agreements, the Employer Plans ) to any anticipation, alienation, sale,
transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or garnishment. Except as permitted under Section 409A, any
deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable to or for the benefit of Employee under any
Employer Plan may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by Employee to Employer or any of its
affiliates.
5.3
Possible Six-Month Delay . If, at the time of Employees separation from service (within the meaning of
Section 409A), (a) Employee shall be a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A and using the
identification methodology selected by Employer from time to time) and (b) Employer shall make a good faith
determination that an amount payable under an Employer Plan constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning
of Section 409A) the payment of which is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in
Section 409A in order to avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A, then Employer (or an affiliate thereof, as
applicable) shall not pay such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but shall instead accumulate such
amount and pay it, without interest, on the first day of the seventh month following such separation from service.
5.4
Treatment of Installments . For purposes of Section 409A, each of the installments of continued Base Salary
referred to in Section 1.5(b) shall be deemed to be a separate payment as permitted under Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.409A-2(b)
(2)(iii).
First Solar, Inc.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employer has caused this Agreement to be executed by one of its duly authorized officers
and Employee has individually executed this Agreement, each intending to be legally bound, as of the date first above
written.
EMPLOYEE:
/s/ Timothy Rebhorn
Timothy Rebhorn
EMPLOYER:
First Solar, Inc.
By: /s/ Authorized Signatory
Name Printed:
Title:

First Solar, Inc.

Page 8 of 8
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Exhibit A
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
I. Release . For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
undersigned, with the intention of binding himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does
hereby release and forever discharge First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its present and former officers,
directors, executives, agents, employees, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, successors, predecessors and assigns
(collectively, the Released Parties ), from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, demands, rights, damages,
debts, accounts, suits, expenses, attorneys fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in law, equity, or otherwise,
whether now known or unknown (collectively, the Claims ), which the undersigned now has, owns or holds, or has
at any time heretofore had, owned or held against any Released Party, arising out of or in any way connected with the
undersigneds employment relationship with the Company, its subsidiaries, predecessors or affiliated entities
(collectively, the Company), or the termination thereof, under any Federal, state or local statute, rule, or regulation, or
principle of common, tort, contract or constitutional law, including but not limited to, the Fair Labor Standards Act of
1938, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 201 et seq., the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended 29 U.S.C. 602(d), the Family and
Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), as amended, 29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29
U.S.C. 621 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., the
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000ff; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification
Act of 1988, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 2101 et seq., the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, 29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq., the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (particularly 18 U.S.C. 1513(e)
prohibiting retaliation against whistleblowers), and any other equivalent or similar Federal, state, or local statute;
provided, however, that nothing herein shall release the Company (a) from its obligations under that certain
Employment Agreement to which the undersigned is a party and pursuant to which this Separation Agreement and
Release is being executed and delivered, (b) from any claims by the undersigned arising out of any director and officer
indemnification or insurance obligations in favor of the undersigned, (c) from any director and officer indemnification
obligations under the Companys by-laws, and (d) from any claim for benefits under the First Solar, Inc. 401(k) Plan.
The undersigned understands that, as a result of executing this Separation Agreement and Release, he/she will not have
the right to assert that the Company or any other Released Party unlawfully terminated his/her employment or violated
any of his/her rights in connection with his/her employment or otherwise.
The undersigned affirms that he /she has not filed or caused to be filed, and presently is not a party to, any Claim,
complaint or action against any Released Party in any forum or form and that he/she knows of no facts which may lead
to any Claim, complaint or action being filed against any Released Party in any forum by the undersigned or by any
agency, group, or class persons. The undersigned further affirms that he/she has been paid and/or has received all leave
(paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he/she
Rebhorn Sample Release Agreement

may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits
are due to him/her from the Company and its subsidiaries, except as specifically provided in this Separation Agreement
and Release. The undersigned furthermore affirms that he/she has no known workplace injuries or occupational
diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested under the FMLA. If any agency or court
assumes jurisdiction of any such Claim, complaint or action against any Released Party on behalf of the undersigned,
the undersigned will request such agency or court to withdraw the matter.
The undersigned further declares and represents that he/she has carefully read and fully understands the terms of this
Separation Agreement and Release and that he/she has been advised and had the opportunity to seek the advice and
assistance of counsel with regard to this Separation Agreement and Release, that he/she may take up to and including
21 days from receipt of this Separation Agreement and Release, to consider whether to sign this Separation Agreement
and Release, that he/she may revoke this Separation Agreement and Release within seven calendar days after signing it
by delivering to the Company written notification of revocation, and that he/she knowingly and voluntarily, of his/her
own free will, without any duress, being fully informed and after due deliberate action, accepts the terms of and signs
the same as his/her own free act.
II. Protected Rights . The Company and the undersigned agree that nothing in this Separation Agreement and Release is
intended to or shall be construed to affect, limit or otherwise interfere with any non-waivable right of the undersigned
under any Federal, state or local law, including the right to file a charge or participate in an investigation or proceeding
conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ( EEOC ) or to exercise any other right that cannot be
waived under applicable law. The undersigned is releasing, however, his/her right to any monetary recovery or relief
should the EEOC or any other agency pursue Claims on his/her behalf. Further, should the EEOC or any other agency
obtain monetary relief on his/her behalf, the undersigned assigns to the Company all rights to such relief.
III. Equitable Remedies . The undersigned acknowledges that a violation by the undersigned of any of the covenants
contained in this Separation Agreement and Release would cause irreparable damage to the Company in an amount that
would be material but not readily ascertainable, and that any remedy at law (including the payment of damages) would
be inadequate. Accordingly, the undersigned agrees that, notwithstanding any provision of this Separation Agreement
and Release to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled (without the necessity of showing economic loss or other
actual damage) to injunctive relief (including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and/or permanent
injunctions) in any court of competent jurisdiction for any actual or threatened breach of any of the covenants set forth
in this Separation Agreement and Release in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies it may have.
IV. Return of Property . The undersigned shall return to the Company on or before DATE, all property of the Company
in the undersigneds possession or subject to the undersigneds control, including without limitation any laptop
computers, keys, credit cards, cellular telephones and
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files. The undersigned represents that he/she has not, and shall not, alter any of the Companys records or computer
files in any way after DATE.
V. Severability . If any term or provision of this Separation Agreement and Release is invalid, illegal or incapable of
being enforced by any applicable law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Separation Agreement
and Release shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and legal substance of the
transactions contemplated by this Separation Agreement and Release is not affected in any manner materially adverse
to any party.
VI. GOVERNING LAW . THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE
MADE IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION
AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL
BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.
Effective on the eighth calendar day following the date set forth below.

FIRST SOLAR, INC.

EMPLOYEE
Timothy Rebhorn
Date:

.
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Rebhorn Sample Release Agreement

NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

In consideration of Employees (as defined below) entering into at-will employment with Employer (as defined
below) or one of its subsidiary companies, the compensation and benefits provided to Employee including those set
forth in a separate Employment Agreement, Change in Control Agreement and Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
Agreement (the Confidentiality Agreement ) and Employers agreement to provide Employee with access to
Employers confidential information, intellectual property and trade secrets, access to its customers and other promises
made below, Employee enters into the following non-competition and non-solicitation agreement:
This Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement ( Agreement ) is effective by and between Timothy
Rebhorn ( Employee ) and First Solar, Inc. ( Employer ) as of December 31, 2012.
WHEREAS, Employee desires to be employed by Employer and Employer has agreed to employ Employee in
the current position of Employee with Employer;
WHEREAS, because of the nature of Employees duties, in the performance of such duties, Employee will have
access to and will necessarily utilize sensitive, secret and proprietary data and information, the value of which derives
from its secrecy from Employers competitors, which, like Employer, sell products and services throughout the world;
WHEREAS, Employee and Employer acknowledge and agree that Employees conduct in the manner
prohibited by this Agreement during, or for the period specified in this Agreement following the termination of,
Employees employment with Employer, would jeopardize Employers Confidential Information (as defined in the
Confidentiality Agreement) and the goodwill Employer has developed and generated over a period of years, and would
cause Employer to experience unfair competition and immediate, irreparable harm; and
WHEREAS, in consideration of Employers hiring Employee, Employee therefore has agreed to the terms of
this Agreement, the Employment Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement, and specifically to the restrictions
contained herein.
Therefore, Employee and Employer hereby agree as follows:
THE FOLLOWING ARE IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYEE IMPOSED BY EMPLOYER AS
A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. ONCE EMPLOYEE SIGNS THIS AGREEMENT, IT IS BINDING ON
EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEES SIGNATURE ON THIS AGREEMENT SIGNIFIES THAT EMPLOYEE (I) READ
THESE RESTRICTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, (II) UNDERSTANDS THE
AGREEMENTS TERMS, AND (III) ASSENTS TO ABIDE BY THESE RESTRICTIONS.
1. Nature and Period of Restriction. At all times during Employees employment and for a period of twelve
(12) months after the termination of employment (for any reason,
Rebhorn Noncompetition/Nonsolicitation Agreement

including discharge or resignation) with Employer (the Restricted Period ), Employee agrees as follows:
1.1. Employee agrees not to engage or assist, in any way or in any capacity, anywhere in the Territory (as
defined below), either directly or indirectly, (a) in the business of the development, sale, marketing, manufacture or
installation that would be in direct competition with of any type of product sold, developed, marketed, manufactured or
installed by Employer during Employees employment with Employer, including photovoltaic modules, or (b) in any
other activity in direct competition or that would be in direct competition with the business of Employer as that
business exists and is conducted (or with any business planned or seriously considered, of which Employee has
knowledge) during Employees employment with Employer. In addition and in particular, Employee agrees not to sell,
market, provide or distribute, or endeavor to sell, market, provide or distribute, in any way, directly or indirectly, on
behalf of Employee or any other person or entity, any products or services competitive with those of Employer to any
person or entity which is or was an actual or prospective customer of Employer at any time during Employees
employment by Employer. For purposes of this Agreement, Employer acknowledges and agrees that engaging in the
electric power business that uses any generation technology other than solar power is not in competition with
Employer.
1.2. Territory for purposes of this Agreement means Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and
South America.
1.3. Employee agrees not to solicit, recruit, hire, employ or attempt to hire or employ, or assist any other
person or entity in the recruitment or hiring of, any person who is (or was) an employee of Employer, and agrees not to
otherwise urge, induce or seek to induce any person to terminate his employment with Employer.
1.4. The parties understand and agree that the restrictions set forth in the paragraphs in this Section 1 also
extend to Employees recommending or directing any such actual or prospective customers to any other competitive
concerns, or assisting in any way any competitive concerns in soliciting or providing products or services to such
customers, whether or not Employee personally provides any products or services directly to such customers. For
purposes of this Agreement, a prospective customer is one that Employer solicited or with which Employer otherwise
sought to engage in a business transaction during the time that Employee is or was employed by Employer.
1.5. Employee and Employer acknowledge and agree that Employer has expended substantial amounts of
time, money and effort to develop business strategies, customer relationships, employee relationships, trade secrets and
goodwill and to build an effective organization and that Employer has a legitimate business interest and right in
protecting those assets as well as any similar assets that Employer may develop or obtain. Employee and Employer
acknowledge that Employer is entitled to protect and preserve the going concern value of Employer and its business
and trade secrets to the extent permitted by law. Employee acknowledges and agrees the restrictions imposed upon
Employee under this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of Employers legitimate interests,
including Employers Confidential Information, intellectual property, trade secrets and goodwill. Employee and
Employer acknowledge that Employer is engaged in a highly
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Rebhorn Noncompetition/Nonsolicitation Agreement

competitive business, that Employee is expected to serve a key role with Employer, that Employee will have access to
Employers Confidential Information, that Employers business and customers and prospective customers are located
around the world, and that Employee could compete with Employer from virtually any location in the world. Employee
acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions set forth in this Agreement do not impose any substantial hardship on
Employee and that Employee will reasonably be able to earn a livelihood without violating any provision of this
Agreement. Employee acknowledges and agrees that, in addition to Employers agreement to hire her, part of the
consideration for the restrictions in this Section 1 consists of Employers agreement to make severance payments as set
forth in the separate Employment Agreement between Employer and Employee.
1.6. Employee agrees to comply with each of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement in
accordance with its terms, and Employee shall not, and hereby agrees to waive and release any right or claim to,
challenge the reasonableness, validity or enforceability of any of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement.
2. Notice by Employee to Employer. Prior to engaging in any employment or business during the Restricted
Period, Employee agrees to provide prior written notice (by certified mail) to Employer in accordance with Section 6,
stating the description of the activities or position sought to be undertaken by Employee, and to provide such further
information as Employer may reasonably request in connection therewith (including the location where the services
would be performed and the present or former customers or employees of Employer anticipated to receive such
products or services). To the extent Employer reasonably believes that the proposed engagement violates the restrictive
covenants in this Agreement, Employer shall be free to object or not to object, in its unfettered discretion, and the
parties agree that any actions taken or not taken by Employer with respect to any other employees or former employees
shall have no bearing whatsoever on Employers decision or on any questions regarding the enforceability of any of
these restraints with respect to Employee.
3. Notice to Subsequent Employer. Prior to accepting employment with any other person or entity during
the Restricted Period, Employee shall provide such prospective employer with written notice of the provisions of this
Agreement, with a copy of such notice delivered promptly to Employer in accordance with Section 6.
4. Extension of Non-Competition Period in the Event of Breach. It is agreed that the Restricted Period
shall be extended by an amount of time equal to the amount of time during which Employee is in breach of any of the
restrictive covenants set forth above.
5. Judicial Reformation to Render Agreement Enforceable. If it is determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction that any of the restrictions or language in this Agreement are for any reason invalid or unenforceable, the
parties desire and agree that the court revise any such restrictions or language, including reducing any time or
geographic area, so as to render them valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. If any restriction or
language in this Agreement is for any reason invalid or unenforceable and cannot by law be revised so as to render it
valid and enforceable, then the parties desire and agree that the court strike only the invalid and unenforceable
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language and enforce the balance of this Agreement to the fullest extent allowed by law. Employer and Employee agree
that the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the remainder of this
Agreement.
6. Notice. All documents, notices or other communications that are required or permitted to be delivered or
given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly delivered or given when received.
If to Employer:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street
Suite 600
Tempe, AZ 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to Employee:

To Employees then current address on file with Employer

7. Enforcement. Except as expressly stated herein, the covenants contained in this Agreement shall be
construed as independent of any other provision or covenants of any other agreement between Employer and
Employee, and the existence of any claim or cause of action of Employee against Employer, whether predicated on this
Agreement or otherwise, or the actions of Employer with respect to enforcement of similar restrictions as to other
employees, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by Employer of such covenants. Employee acknowledges
and agrees that Employer has invested great time, effort and expense in its business and reputation, that the products
and information of Employer are unique and valuable, and that the services performed by Employee are unique and
extraordinary, and Employee agrees that Employer will suffer immediate, irreparable harm and shall be entitled, upon a
breach or a threatened breach of this Agreement, to emergency, preliminary, and permanent injunctive relief against
such activities, without having to post any bond or other security, and in addition to any other remedies available to
Employer at law or equity. Any specific right or remedy set forth in this Agreement, legal, equitable or otherwise, shall
not be exclusive but shall be cumulative upon all other rights and remedies allowed or by law, including the recovery of
money damages. The failure of Employer to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, or the provisions of any
agreement with any other Employee, shall not constitute a waiver or limit any of Employers rights.
8.
At-Will Employment; Termination. This Agreement does not alter the at-will nature of Employees
employment by Employer, and Employees employment may be terminated by either party, with or without notice and
with or without cause, at any time. In addition to the foregoing provisions of this Agreement, upon Employees
termination, Employee shall cease all identification of Employee with Employer and/or the business, products or
services of Employer, and the use of Employers name, trademarks, trade name or fictitious name. All provisions,
obligations, and restrictions in this Agreement shall survive termination of Employees employment with Employer.
9.
Choice of Law, Choice of Forum . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to
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Rebhorn Noncompetition/Nonsolicitation Agreement

the principles of conflicts of laws. Any judicial action commenced relating in any way to this Agreement including the
enforcement, interpretation, or performance of this Agreement, shall be commenced and maintained in a court of
competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County, Arizona. In any action to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing
party shall be entitled to recover its litigation costs, including its attorneys fees. The parties hereby waive and
relinquish any right to a jury trial and agree that any dispute shall be heard and resolved by a court and without a jury.
The parties further agree that the dispute resolution, including any discovery, shall be accelerated and expedited to the
extent possible. Each partys agreements in this Section 9 are made in consideration of the other partys agreements in
this Section 9, as well as in other portions of this Agreement.
10.

Entire Agreement, Modification and Assignment.

10.1. This Agreement, the Employment Agreement the Confidentiality Agreement and the Change in Control
Agreement comprise the entire agreement relating to the subject matter hereof between the parties and supersede,
cancel, and annul any and all prior agreements or understandings between the parties concerning the subject matter of
the Agreement.
10.2. This Agreement may not be modified orally but may only be modified in a writing executed by both
Employer and Employee.
10.3. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Employer, its successors and assigns, and may be assigned
by Employer. Employees rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned by Employee.
11.
Construction . As used in this Agreement, words such as herein, hereinafter,
hereby and hereunder, and the words of like import refer to this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise.
The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement, effective as of the day and year first
written above.
EMPLOYER:
FIRST SOLAR, INC.

EMPLOYEE:

By: /s/ Authorized Signatory

Its:
Printed Name:

/s/ Timothy Rebhorn

Printed Name: Timothy Rebhorn

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Rebhorn Noncompetition/Nonsolicitation Agreement

First Solar, Inc.

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Agreement
Employee:

Timothy Rebhorn

Place of Signing:

Tempe, Arizona

In consideration of my at-will employment with First Solar, Inc. or one of its subsidiary companies (collectively, the
Company ), for the compensation and benefits provided to me, and for the Companys agreement to provide me with
access to experience, knowledge, and Confidential Information (as defined below) in the course of such employment
relating to the methods, plans, and operations of the Company and its suppliers, clients, and customers I enter into the
following Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Agreement (the Agreement ) and agree as follows:
1. Except for any items I have identified and described in a writing given to the Company and acknowledged
in writing by an officer of the Company on or before the date of this Agreement, which items are specifically excluded
from the operation of the applicable provisions hereof, I do not own, nor have any interest in, any patents, patent
applications, inventions, improvements, methods, discoveries, designs, trade secrets, copyrights, and/or other
patentable or proprietary rights.
2. I will promptly and fully disclose to the Company all developments, inventions, ideas, methods,
discoveries, designs, and innovations (collectively referred to herein as Developments ), whether patentable or not,
relating wholly or in part to my work for the Company or resulting wholly or in part from my use of the Companys
materials or facilities, which I may make or conceive, whether or not during working hours, whether or not using the
Companys materials, whether or not on the Company facilities, alone or with others, at any time during my
employment or within ninety (90) days after termination thereof, and I agree that all such Developments shall be the
exclusive property of the Company, and that I shall have no proprietary, moral or shop rights in connection therewith.
3. I will assign, and do hereby assign, to the Company or the Companys designee, my entire right, title and
interest in and to all such Developments including all trademarks, copyrights, moral rights and mask work rights in or
relating to such Developments, and any patent applications filed and patents granted thereon including those in foreign
countries; and I agree, both during my employment by the Company and thereafter, to execute any patent or other
papers deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company for filing with the United States or any other country covering
such Developments as well as any papers that the Company may consider necessary or helpful in obtaining or
maintaining such patents during the prosecution of patent applications thereon or during the conduct of any
interference, litigation, or any other matter in connection therewith, and to transfer to the Company any such patents
that may be issued in my name. If, for some reason, I am unable to execute such patent or other papers, I hereby
irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its designees and their duly authorized officers and agents, as the
case may be, as my agent and
Rebhorn Confidentiality/Intellectual Property Agreement

attorney in fact to act for and in my behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted
acts in connection with the foregoing. I agree to cooperate with and assist the Company as requested by the Company
to provide documentation reflecting the Companys sole and complete ownership of the Developments. All expenses
incident to the filing of such applications, the prosecution thereof and the conduct of any such interference, litigation,
or other matter will be borne by the Company. This Section 3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
4. Subject to Section 5 below, I will not, either during my employment with the Company or at any time
thereafter, improperly use, disclose or authorize, or assist anyone else to disclose or use or make known for anyones
benefit, any information, knowledge or data of the Company or any supplier, client, or customer of the Company in any
way acquired by me during or as a result of my employment with the Company, whether before or after the date of this
Agreement (hereinafter the Confidential Information), publicly or outside the Company, its subsidiaries, agents,
employees, officers and directors. Such Confidential Information shall include the following:
(a) Information of a business nature including financial information and information about sales,
marketing, purchasing, prices, costs, suppliers and customers;
(b) Information pertaining to future developments including research and development, new product
ideas and developments, strategic plans, and future marketing and merchandising plans and ideas;
(c) Information and material that relate to the Companys manufacturing methods, machines, articles
of manufacture, compositions, inventions, engineering services, technological developments, know-how,
purchasing, accounting, merchandising and licensing;
(d) Trade secrets of the Company, including information and material with respect to the design,
construction, capacity or method of operation of the Companys equipment or products and information
regarding the Companys customers and sales or marketing efforts and strategies;
(e) Software in various stages of development (source code, object code, documentation, diagrams,
flow charts), designs, drawings, specifications, models, data and customer information; and
(f) Any information of the type described above that the Company obtained from another party and
that the Company treats as proprietary or designates as confidential, whether or not owned or developed by the
Company.
5. It is understood and agreed that the term Confidential Information shall not include information that is
generally available to the public, other than through any act or omission on my part in breach of this Agreement.
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6. I acknowledge that: (a) such Confidential Information derives its value to the Company from the fact that it
is maintained as confidential and secret and is not readily available to the general public or the Companys competitors;
(b) the Company undertakes great effort and sufficient measures to maintain the confidentiality and secrecy of such
information; and (c) such Confidential Information is protected and covered by this Agreement regardless of whether or
not such Confidential Information is a trade secret under applicable law. I further acknowledge and agree that the
obligations and restrictions herein are reasonable and necessary to protect the Companys legitimate business interests,
and that this Agreement does not impose an unreasonable or undue burden on me and will not prevent me from earning
a livelihood subsequent to the termination of my employment with the Company. I agree to comply with each of the
restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement in accordance with its terms, and will not, and I hereby agree to
waive and release any right or claim to, challenge the reasonableness, validity or enforceability of any of the restrictive
covenants contained in this Agreement.
7. I will deliver to the Company promptly upon request, and, in any event, on the date of termination of my
employment, all documents, copies thereof and other materials in my possession, including any notes or memoranda
prepared by me, pertaining to the business of the Company, whether or not including any Confidential Information, and
thereafter will promptly deliver to the Company any documents and copies thereof pertaining to the business of the
Company that come into my possession.
8. I represent that I have no agreements with or obligations to others with respect to any innovations,
developments, or information that could conflict with any of the foregoing.
9. If this Agreement is subject to any applicable local laws, and to the extent of inconsistency with such
applicable laws, this Agreement will be construed, to the extent possible, in a manner that is consistent with such
applicable laws. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement, whether in whole or in part,
shall not in any way affect the validity and/or enforceability of any of the other provisions of this Agreement. Any
invalid or unenforceable provision or portion thereof shall be deemed severable to the extent of any such invalidity or
unenforceability. The restrictions contained in this Agreement are reasonable for the purpose of preserving for the
Company and its affiliates the proprietary rights, intangible business value and Confidential Information of the
Company and its affiliates. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any of the restrictions or
language in this Agreement is for any reason invalid or unenforceable, the parties desire and agree that the court revise
any such restrictions or language so as to render it valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. If any
restriction or language in this Agreement is for any reason invalid or unenforceable and cannot by law be revised so as
to render it valid and enforceable, then the parties desire and agree that the court strike only the invalid and
unenforceable language and enforce the balance of this Agreement to the fullest extent allowed by law.
10. I agree that any breach or threatened breach by me of any of the provisions in this Agreement cannot be
remedied solely by the recovery of damages. I expressly agree that upon a threatened breach or violation of any of such
provisions, the Company, in addition to all other
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Rebhorn Confidentiality/Intellectual Property Agreement

remedies, shall be entitled as a matter of right, and without posting a bond or other security, to emergency, preliminary,
and permanent injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. Nothing herein, however, shall be construed as
prohibiting the Company from pursuing, in concert with an injunction or otherwise, any other remedies available at law
or in equity for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages.
11.

This Agreement is made in consideration of my employment with the Company.

12. Upon termination of my employment with the Company, I shall, if requested by the Company, reaffirm
my recognition of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the Companys Confidential Information and
reaffirm all of my obligations set forth herein. The provisions, obligations, and restrictions in this Agreement shall
survive the termination of my employment, and will be binding on me whether or not the Company requests a reaffirmation.
13. This Agreement, my Employment Agreement with the Company (the Employment Agreement ), the
Non-Competition Agreement (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and the Change in Control Agreement (as
defined in the Employment Agreement) represent the full and complete understanding between me and the Company
with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior representations and understandings, whether oral or
written regarding such subject matter. This Agreement may not be changed, modified, released, discharged, abandoned
or otherwise terminated, in whole or in part, except by an instrument in writing signed by both the Company and me.
My obligations under this Agreement shall be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, or other legal
representatives or assigns, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors, and assigns.
14.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
State of Delaware without reference to principles of conflict of laws. Any judicial action commenced relating in any
way to this Agreement including the enforcement, interpretation, or performance of this Agreement, shall be
commenced and maintained in a court of competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County, Arizona. In any action to
enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its litigation costs, including its attorneys fees.
The parties hereby waive and relinquish any right to a jury trial and agree that any dispute shall be heard and resolved
by a court and without a jury. The parties further agree that the dispute resolution, including any discovery, shall be
accelerated and expedited to the extent possible. Each partys agreements in this Section 14 are made in consideration
of the other partys agreements in this Section 14, as well as in other portions of this Agreement.
15.
As used in this Agreement, words such as herein, hereinafter, hereby and hereunder, and the
words of like import refer to this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise. The words include, includes
and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.

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Rebhorn Confidentiality/Intellectual Property Agreement

Signed:

/s/ Timothy Rebhorn

Employee
Print Name: Timothy Rebhorn

Date
Agreed to by First Solar, Inc.
By: /s/ Authorized Signatory
Its:

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Rebhorn Confidentiality/Intellectual Property Agreement

AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Amendment is made effective as of April 8, 2013 by and between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware
corporation having its principal office at 350 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Tempe, Arizona 85281 (hereinafter,
Employer ) and Timothy Rebhorn (hereinafter, Employee ).
WITNESSETH :
WHEREAS, Employer and Employee are party to an Employment Agreement dated December 31, 2012
(the Employment Agreement);
WHEREAS, Employer wishes to recognize revised title and home location and conform Annual Bonus
Eligibility verbiage;
WHEREAS, the parties wish to memorialize this action by amending the Employment Agreement
accordingly;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, and the mutual covenants, terms and
conditions set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Employer and Employee hereby agree that the
Employment Agreement is amended as provided herein:
1. Section 1.2 of the Employment Agreement is amended to replace the title Senior Vice President,
Project Development with the title, Senior Vice President, Business Development-Americas
2. Section 1.2 of the Employment Agreement is amended to replace the location Tempe, Arizona with
the location Houston, Texas
3. Section 2.3 of the Employment Agreement is amended to remove the phrase and shall provide Employee with
an opportunity to earn up to two (2) times Employees target bonus
4. Except as amended above, the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employer has caused this Agreement to be executed by one of its duly authorized officers
and Employee has individually executed this Agreement, each intending to be legally bound, as of the date first above
written.

EMPLOYEE:
/s/ Timothy Rebhorn
Timothy Rebhorn
EMPLOYER:
First Solar, Inc.
By: /s/ Carol Campbell
Name Printed: Carol Campbell
Title: EVP, Human Resources

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this Agreement ), dated as of Month Date, Year,
between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company ), and Timothy Rebhorn (the Executive ).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS the Executive is a skilled and dedicated employee of the Company who has important
management responsibilities and talents that benefit the Company;
WHEREAS the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board ) considers it essential to the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) will
have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change in
Control (as defined below); and
WHEREAS the Board believes that it is imperative to diminish the distraction of the Executive
inherently present by the uncertainties and risks created by the circumstances surrounding a Change in Control, and to
ensure the Executives full attention to the Company and its Subsidiaries during any such period of uncertainty.
AGREEMENT:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained
herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings
set forth below:
(a) Accrued Rights shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iv).
(b) Affiliate(s) means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such
specified Person.
(c) Annual Base Salary shall mean the greater of the Executives annual rate of base salary in effect
(i) immediately prior to the Change in Control Date and (ii) immediately prior to the Termination Date.
(d) Annual Bonus shall mean the target annual cash bonus the Executive is eligible to earn (assuming
one hundred percent (100%) fulfillment of all elements of the formula under which such bonus would have been
calculated) for the year in which the Termination Date occurs.
(e) Bonus Amount means, as of the Termination Date, the greater of (i) the Annual Bonus and (ii) the
average of the annual cash bonuses payable to the Executive in respect of the three (3) calendar years immediately
preceding the calendar year that includes the Termination Date

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or, if the Executive has not been employed for three (3) full calendar years preceding the calendar year that includes the
Termination Date, the average of the annual cash bonuses payable to the Executive for the number of full calendar
years prior to the Termination Date that he has been employed.
(f) Cause means the occurrence of any one of the following: (i) the Executive is convicted of, or
pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, (A) a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or misappropriation of the assets of
the Company or a Subsidiary or (B) any felony (or the equivalent of such a misdemeanor or felony in a jurisdiction
outside of the United States); (ii) the Executive commits one or more acts or omissions constituting gross negligence,
fraud or other gross misconduct that the Company reasonably and in good faith determines has a materially detrimental
effect on the Company; (iii) the Executive continually and willfully fails, for at least fourteen (14) days following
written notice from the Company, to perform substantially the Executives employment duties (other than as a result of
incapacity due to physical or mental illness or after delivery by the Executive of a Notice of Termination for Good
Reason); or (iv) the Executive commits a gross violation of any of the Companys material policies (including the
Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as in effect from time to time) that the Company reasonably and in
good faith determines is materially detrimental to the best interests of the Company. The termination of employment of
the Executive for Cause shall not be effective unless and until there has been delivered to the Executive a copy of a
resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board
(excluding the Executive) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is
provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the
Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in clause
(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
(g) Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, were members of the Board (the Incumbent Directors ) cease for
any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a member of
the Board subsequent to the Effective Date whose appointment or election, or nomination for election, by the
Companys stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors shall be considered
as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for purposes of this proviso, any such individual
whose assumption of office after the Effective Date occurs as a result of an actual or threatened proxy contest with
respect to election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on
behalf of any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) (each, a Person ) other than the
Board or any Specified Shareholder;
(ii) the consummation of (A) a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate
transaction involving (1) the Company or (2) any of its Subsidiaries, but in the case of this clause (2) only if Company
Voting Securities (as defined below) are issued or issuable in connection with such transaction or (B) a sale or other
disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Company (each of the events referred to in clause (A) or (B) being
First Solar, Inc.
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hereinafter referred to as a Reorganization ), unless, immediately following such Reorganization, (x) all or
substantially all the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act) of shares of the Companys common stock or other securities eligible to vote for the election
of the Board outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of such Reorganization (such securities, the
Company Voting Securities ) beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of
the then outstanding voting securities of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Reorganization (including a
corporation or other entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all the
Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) (the Continuing Entity ) in substantially the
same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to the consummation of such Reorganization, of the
outstanding Company Voting Securities (excluding any outstanding voting securities of the Continuing Entity that such
beneficial owners hold immediately following the consummation of such Reorganization as a result of their ownership
prior to such consummation of voting securities of any corporation or other entity involved in or forming part of such
Reorganization other than the Company or a Subsidiary), (y) no Person (excluding (i) any employee benefit plan (or
related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Continuing Entity or any corporation or other entity controlled by the
Continuing Entity and (ii) any Specified Shareholder) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, twenty percent (20%) or
more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Continuing Entity and (z) at least a
majority of the members of the board of directors or other governing body of the Continuing Entity were Incumbent
Directors at the time of the execution of the definitive agreement providing for such Reorganization or, in the absence
of such an agreement, at the time at which approval of the Board was obtained for such Reorganization;
(iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company,
unless such liquidation or dissolution is part of a transaction or series of transactions described in Section 1(g)(ii) that
does not otherwise constitute a Change in Control; or
(iv) any Person, corporation or other entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the
Exchange Act) other than any Specified Shareholder becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities
of the Company representing a percentage of the combined voting power of the Company Voting Securities that is
equal to or greater than the greater of (A) twenty percent (20%) and (B) the percentage of the combined voting power
of the Company Voting Securities beneficially owned directly or indirectly by all the Specified Shareholders at such
time; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1(g)(iv) only (and not for purposes of Sections 1(g)(i)
through (iii)), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (1) any acquisition by the Company
or any Subsidiary, (2) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the
Company or any Subsidiary, (3) any acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding such Company Voting Securities
pursuant to an offering of such securities and (4) any acquisition pursuant to a Reorganization that does not constitute a
Change in Control for purposes of Section 1(g)(ii).
(h) Change in Control Date means the date on which a Change in Control occurs.
First Solar, Inc.
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(i) COBRA shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iii).
(j) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor
statute thereto, and the regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect from time to time.
(k) Company Voting Securities shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
(l) Continuing Entity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
(m) Disability shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b)(ii).
(n) Effective Date shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.
(o) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any
successor statute thereto, and the regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect from time to time.
(p) Executive Tax Year shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iii).
(q) Good Reason means, without the Executives express written consent, the occurrence of any one
or more of the following:
(i) any material reduction in the authority, duties or responsibilities held by the Executive immediately prior to
the Change in Control Date;
(ii) any material reduction in the annual base salary or annual incentive opportunity of the Executive as in effect
immediately prior to the Change in Control Date;
(iii) any change of the Executives principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from
the Executives principal place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control Date;
(iv) any failure of the Company to pay the Executive any compensation when due;
(v) delivery by the Company or any Subsidiary of a written notice to the Executive of the intent to terminate the
Executives employment for any reason, other than Cause, death or Disability, in each case in accordance with this
Agreement, regardless of whether such termination is intended to become effective during or after the Protection
Period; or
(vi) any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy the requirements of Section 9(c).
The Executives right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executives
incapacity due to physical or mental illness. A termination of employment by
First Solar, Inc.
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the Executive for Good Reason for purposes of this Agreement shall be effectuated by giving the Company written
notice ( Notice of Termination for Good Reason ) of the termination setting forth in reasonable detail the specific
conduct of the Company that constitutes Good Reason and the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the
Executive relied, provided that such notice must be delivered to the Company no later than ninety (90) days after the
occurrence of the event or events constituting Good Reason and the Company must be provided with at least thirty (30)
days following the delivery of such Notice of Termination for Good Reason to cure such event or events. If such event
or events are cured during such period, then the Executive will not be permitted to terminate employment for Good
Reason as the result of such event or events. If the Company does not cure such event or events in such period, the
termination of employment by the Executive for Good Reason shall be effective on the thirtieth (30 th ) day following
the date when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, unless the Company elects to treat such termination
as effective as of an earlier date; provided, however, that so long as an event that constitutes Good Reason occurs
during the Protection Period and the Executive delivers the Notice of Termination for Good Reason within ninety (90)
days following the occurrence of such event, the Company is provided with at least thirty (30) days following the
delivery of such Notice of Termination for Good Reason to cure such event, and the Executive terminates his
employment as of the thirtieth (30 th ) day following the date when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given
(or as of an earlier date chosen by the Company), then for purposes of the payments, benefits and other entitlements set
forth herein, the termination of the Executives employment pursuant thereto shall be deemed to occur during the
Protection Period.
(r) Incumbent Directors shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(i).
(s) Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(q).
(t) Person shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(i).
(u) Protection Period means the period commencing on the Change in Control Date and ending on
the second anniversary thereof.
(v) Qualifying Termination means any termination of the Executives employment (i) by the
Company, other than for Cause, death or Disability, that is effective (or with respect to which the Executive is given
written notice) during the Protection Period, (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason during the Protection Period or (iii)
by the Company that is effective prior to the Change in Control Date, other than for Cause, death or Disability, at the
request or direction of a third party who took action that caused, or is involved in or a party to, a Change in Control.
(w) Release shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(vi).
(x) Release Effective Date shall mean the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable.
(y) Reorganization shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
First Solar, Inc.
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(z) Specified Shareholder shall mean any of (i) the Estate of John T. Walton and its beneficiaries, (ii)
JCL Holdings, LLC and its beneficiaries, (iii) Michael J. Ahearn and any of his immediate family, (iv) any Person
directly or indirectly controlled by any of the foregoing and (v) any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of any of the
foregoing.
(aa) Subsidiary means any entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, possesses 50% or
more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock.
(bb) Successor shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(c).
(cc) Termination Date means the date on which the termination of the Executives employment, in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, is effective, provided that in the event of a Qualifying Termination
described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof, the Termination Date shall be deemed to be the Change in Control
Date.
SECTION 2. Effectiveness and Term . This Agreement shall become effective as of the date hereof (the
Effective Date ) and shall remain in effect until the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date, except that,
beginning on the second anniversary of the Effective Date and on each anniversary thereafter, the term of this
Agreement shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period, unless the Company or the Executive
provides the other party with sixty (60) days prior written notice before the applicable anniversary that the term of this
Agreement shall not be so extended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Change in Control during the
term of this Agreement (whether the original term or the term as extended), this Agreement shall not thereafter
terminate, and the term hereof shall be extended, until the Company and its Subsidiaries have performed all their
obligations hereunder with no future performance being possible; provided, however, that this Agreement shall only be
effective with respect to the first Change in Control that occurs during the term of this Agreement.
SECTION 3. Impact of a Change in Control on Equity Compensation Awards . Effective as of the
Change in Control Date, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, other than any such provision that expressly
provides that this Section 3 of this Agreement does not apply (which provision shall be given full force and effect), in
any of the Companys equity-based, equity-related or other long-term incentive compensation plans, practices, policies
and programs (including the Companys 2010 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan) or any award agreements
thereunder, (a) all outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights and similar rights and awards then held by the
Executive that are unexercisable or otherwise unvested shall automatically become fully vested and immediately
exercisable, as the case may be, (b) all outstanding equity-based, equity-related and other long-term incentive awards
then held by the Executive that are subject to performance-based vesting criteria shall automatically become fully
vested and earned at a deemed performance level equal to the maximum performance level with respect to such awards
and (c) all other outstanding equity-based, equity-related and long-term incentive awards, to the extent not covered by
the foregoing clause (a) or (b), then held by the Executive that are unvested or subject to restrictions or forfeiture shall
automatically become fully vested and all restrictions and forfeiture provisions related thereto shall lapse.
SECTION 4. Termination of Employment .
First Solar, Inc.
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(a) Qualifying Termination . In the event of a Qualifying Termination, the Executive shall be entitled,
subject to Section 4(a)(vi), to the following payments and benefits:
(i) Severance Pay . The Company shall pay the Executive, in a lump-sum cash payment on tenth (10 th )
business day after the Release Effective Date, an amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (A) the Executives Annual
Base Salary (which, as defined, is determined without regard to any reduction giving rise to Good Reason) and (B) the
Bonus Amount; provided, however, that such amount shall be paid in lieu of, and the Executive hereby waives the right
to receive, any other cash severance payment the Executive is otherwise eligible to receive upon termination of
employment under any severance plan, practice, policy or program of the Company or any Subsidiary or under any
agreement between the Company and the Executive and, in the event of a Qualifying Termination described in clause
(iii) of the definition thereof, the severance payment payable pursuant to this Section 4(a)(i) shall be reduced by the
amount of any other such severance payments previously paid to the Executive.
(ii) Prorated Annual Bonus . The Company shall pay the Executive, in a lump-sum cash payment on the tenth
(10 th ) business day after Release Effective Date, an amount equal to the product of (A) the Executives Annual Bonus
and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the Companys fiscal year containing the
Termination Date that the Executive was employed by the Company or any Affiliate, and the denominator of which is
three hundred sixty-five (365).
(iii) Continued Welfare Benefits . The Company shall, at its option, either (A) continue to provide medical, life
insurance, accident insurance and disability benefits to the Executive and the Executives spouse and dependents at
least equal to the benefits provided by the Company and its Subsidiaries generally to other active peer executives of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, or (B) pay Executive the cost of obtaining equivalent coverage, in the case of each of
clauses (A) and (B), for a period of time commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the date that is eighteen
(18) months after the Termination Date; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another
employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer-provided plan, the
medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during
such applicable period of eligibility. Any provision of benefits pursuant to this Section 4(a)(iii) in one (1) tax year of
the Executive (the Executive Tax Year ) shall not affect the amount of such benefits to be provided in any other
Executive Tax Year. The right to such benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.
Executive agrees to make (and to cause his dependents to make) a timely election under the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ( COBRA ) to the extent requested by Employer, to facilitate
Employers provision of continuation coverage.
(iv) Accrued Rights . The Executive shall be entitled to (A) payments of any unpaid salary, bonuses or other
amounts earned or accrued through the Termination Date and reimbursement of any unreimbursed business expenses
incurred through the Termination Date, (B) any payments explicitly set forth in any other benefit plans, practices,
policies and programs in which the Executive participates, and (C) any payments the Company is or becomes obligated
to
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make pursuant to Sections 6 and 11 (the rights to such payments, the Accrued Rights ). The Accrued Rights payable
pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv)(A) and Section 4(a)(iv)(B) shall be payable on their respective otherwise scheduled
payment dates, provided that any amounts payable in respect of accrued but unused vacation shall be paid in a lump
sum within 15 days following the Termination Date. The Accrued Rights payable pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv)(C) shall
be payable at the times set forth in the applicable Section hereof.
(v) Outplacement . The Company shall reimburse the Executive for individual outplacement services to be
provided by a firm of the Executives choice or, at the Executives election, provide the Executive with the use of office
space, office supplies, and secretarial assistance satisfactory to the Executive. The aggregate expenditures of the
Company pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000). Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement, the outplacement benefits under this Section 4(a)(v) shall be provided to the Executive
for no longer than the one-year period following the Termination Date, and the amount of any outplacement benefits or
office space, office supplies and secretarial assistance provided to the Executive in any Executive Tax Year shall not
affect the amount of any such outplacement benefits or office space, office supplies and secretarial assistance provided
to the Executive in any other Executive Tax Year.
(vi) Release of Claims . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, unless on or prior to
the tenth (10 th ) business day prior to March 15 of the year following the year in which the Termination Date occurs,
the Executive has executed and delivered a Separation Agreement and Release (the Release ) substantially in the
form of Exhibit A to the employment agreement between the Executive and the Company and the Release Effective
Date shall have occurred, (A) no payments shall be paid or made available to the Executive under Section 4(a)(i) or
4(a)(ii), (B) the Company shall be relieved of all obligations to provide or make available any further benefits to the
Executive pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) and 4(a)(v) and (C) the Executive shall be required to repay the Company, in
cash, within five business days after written demand is made therefor by the Company, an amount equal to the value of
any benefits received by the Executive pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) and 4(a)(v) prior to such date.
(b) Termination on Account of Death or Disability; Non-Qualifying Termination .
(i) In the event of any termination of Executives employment other than a Qualifying Termination, the
Executive shall not be entitled to any additional payments or benefits from the Company under this Agreement, other
than payments or benefits with respect to the Accrued Rights.
(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall be deemed to have a Disability in the event of the
Executives absence for a period of 180 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to a physical or mental
condition, illness or injury that is determined to be total and permanent by a physician mutually acceptable to the
Company and the Executive or the Executives legal representative (such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld)
after such physician has completed an examination of the Executive. The Executive agrees to make himself available
for such examination upon the reasonable request of the Company, and the Company shall be responsible for the cost of
such examination.
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SECTION 5. Section 409A .

(a) It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code, as
amended, and the regulations thereunder as in effect from time to time (collectively, Section 409A ), and all
provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted either to (i) exempt any compensation from the
application of Section 409A, or (ii) comply with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A.
(b) Neither the Executive nor any creditor or beneficiary of the Executive shall have the right to
subject any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable under this Agreement or under any
other plan, policy, arrangement or agreement of or with the Company or any of its Affiliates (this Agreement and such
other plans, policies, arrangements and agreements, the Company Plans ) to any anticipation, alienation, sale,
transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or garnishment. Except as permitted under Section 409A, any
deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable to or for the benefit of the Executive under any
Company Plan may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by the Executive to the Company or any of
its Affiliates.
(c) If, at the time of the Executives separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A), (i)
the Executive shall be a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A and using the identification
methodology selected by the Company from time to time) and (ii) the Company shall make a good faith determination
that an amount payable under a Company Plan constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section
409A) the payment of which is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A to
avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A, then the Company (or an Affiliate thereof, as applicable) shall not pay
such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but shall instead accumulate such amount and pay it, without
interest, on the first day of the seventh month following such separation from service.
SECTION 6. No Mitigation or Offset; Enforcement of this Agreement .
(a) The Companys obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to
perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other
claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be
obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the
Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Agreement, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.
(b) The Company shall reimburse, upon the Executives demand, any and all reasonable legal fees and
expenses that the Executive may incur in good faith prior to the second anniversary of the expiration of the term of this
Agreement as a result of any contest, dispute or proceeding (regardless of whether formal legal proceedings are ever
commenced and regardless of the outcome thereof and including all stages of any contest, dispute or proceeding) by the
Company, the Executive or any other Person with respect to the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any
provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of
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any contest by the Executive regarding the amount of any payment owed pursuant to this Agreement), and shall
indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any tax (including any excise tax) imposed on the
Executive as a result of payment by the Company of such legal fees and expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Agreement, (i) any reimbursement for any fees and expenses under this Section 6 shall be made
promptly and no later than the end of the Executive Tax Year following the Executive Tax Year in which the fees or
expenses are incurred, (ii) the amount of fees and expenses eligible for reimbursement under this Section 6 during any
Executive Tax Year shall not affect the fees and expenses eligible for reimbursement in another Executive Tax Year, (iii)
no right to reimbursement under this Section 6 shall be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other payment or
benefit, and (iv) no tax gross up payments shall be made by the Company under this Section 6 after the end of the
Executive Tax Year following the Executive Tax Year in which the related taxes are remitted.
SECTION 7. Non-Exclusivity of Rights . Except as specifically provided in Section 4(a)(i), nothing in
this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executives continuing or future participation in any plan, practice, policy or
program provided by the Company or a Subsidiary for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything in this
Agreement limit or otherwise affect any rights the Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the
Company or a Subsidiary. Vested benefits and other amounts that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under
any incentive compensation (including any equity award agreement), deferred compensation, retirement, pension or
other plan, practice, policy or program of, or any contract or agreement with, the Company or a Subsidiary shall be
payable in accordance with the terms of each such plan, practice, policy, program, contract or agreement, as the case
may be, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
SECTION 8. Withholding . The Company may deduct and withhold from any amounts payable under
this Agreement such Federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes as are required to be withheld pursuant to any
applicable law or regulation.
SECTION 9. Assignment .
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company,
shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and any
assignment in violation of this Agreement shall be void.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 9(a), this Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder
shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts
would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein,
shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executives devisee, legatee or other designee or,
should there be no such designee, to the Executives estate.
(c) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger,
consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company (a Successor ) to
assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same
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extent that the Company would have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. If there shall be
a Successor, (i) the term Company shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any Successor and any
permitted assignee to which this Agreement is assigned and (ii) the term Board shall mean the Board as hereinbefore
defined and the board of directors or equivalent governing body of any Successor and any permitted assignee to which
this Agreement is assigned.
SECTION 10. Dispute Resolution .
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Executive and the Company each hereby
irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court of Delaware (or, if subject matter
jurisdiction in that court is not available, in any state court located within the city of Wilmington, Delaware) over any
dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the
parties undertake not to commence any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in a forum
other than a forum described in this Section 10(a); provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude the Company
or the Executive from bringing any suit, action or proceeding in any other court for the purposes of enforcing the
provisions of this Section 10 or enforcing any judgment obtained by the Company or the Executive.
(b) The agreement of the parties to the forum described in Section 10(a) is independent of the law that
may be applied in any suit, action or proceeding and the parties agree to such forum even if such forum may under
applicable law choose to apply non-forum law. The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law, any objection that they now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such suit,
action or proceeding brought in an applicable court described in Section 10(a), and the parties agree that they shall not
attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court. The
parties agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, a final and non-appealable judgment in any suit,
action or proceeding brought in any applicable court described in Section 10(a) shall be conclusive and binding upon
the parties and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction.
(c) The parties hereto irrevocably consent to the service of any and all process in any suit, action or
proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement by the mailing of copies of such process to such party at such
partys address specified in Section 17.
(d) Each party hereto hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may
have to a trial by jury in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each
party hereto (i) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or
otherwise, that such party would not, in the event of any suit, action or proceeding, seek to enforce the foregoing
waiver and (ii) acknowledges that it and the other parties hereto have been induced to enter into this Agreement by,
among other things, the mutual waiver and certifications in this Section 10(d).
SECTION 11. Default in Payment . Any payment not made within ten (10) business days after it is due
in accordance with this Agreement shall thereafter bear interest, compounded
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annually, at the prime rate in effect from time to time at Citibank, N.A., or any successor thereto. Such interest shall be
payable at the same time as the corresponding payment is payable.
SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE
IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND
PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.
SECTION 13. Amendment; No Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified,
waived or discharged except by a written document signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of the
Company. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not
be considered a waiver of such partys rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence
to that term or any other term of this Agreement. Except as provided in Section 1(q), no failure or delay by either party
in exercising any right or power hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of
any such right or power, or any abandonment of any steps to enforce such right or power, preclude any other or further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise,
express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party that are not set forth
expressly in this Agreement.
SECTION 14. Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of
being enforced by any applicable law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nonetheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon any such determination that any
term or provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to
modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable
manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest
extent possible.
SECTION 15. Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in
respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of
any party hereto, and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is
hereby terminated and canceled. None of the parties shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any
representations and warranties or covenants relating to such subject matter except as specifically set forth herein.
SECTION 16. Survival . The rights and obligations of the parties under the provisions of this
Agreement, including Sections 6, 10, 11 and 12, shall survive and remain binding and enforceable, notwithstanding the
expiration of the Protection Period or the term of this Agreement, the termination of the Executives employment with
the Company for any reason or any settlement of the financial rights and obligations arising from the Executives
employment, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended benefits of such provisions.
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SECTION 17. Notices . All notices or other communications required or permitted by this Agreement
will be made in writing and all such notices or communications will be deemed to have been duly given when delivered
or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Company:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street
Suite 600
Tempe, AZ 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to the Executive:

To the Executives then current address on file with the Company

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that
notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
SECTION 18. Headings and References . The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience
only and neither constitute a part of this Agreement nor affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement. When a reference in this Agreement is made to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this
Agreement unless otherwise indicated.
SECTION 19. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including
via facsimile), each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.
SECTION 20. Interpretation . For purposes of this Agreement, the words include and including, and
variations thereof, shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation but rather shall be deemed to be followed by the words
without limitation. The term or is not exclusive. The word extent in the phrase to the extent shall mean the
degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply if.
SECTION 21. Time of the Essence . The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that time is of the
essence in the performance of the obligations of this Agreement and that the parties shall strictly adhere to any
timelines herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties as of the date first written
above.
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FIRST SOLAR, INC.,

By:
/s/ James Hughes
Name: James Hughes
Title: Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Timothy Rebhorn
Name: Timothy B Rebhorn
19 December 2012
Date:

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Amendment to Change in Control Severance Agreement

This Amendment is effective as of August 1, 2013 by and between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company ) and Timothy Rebhorn (the Executive ).
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive are party to a Change in Control Severance Agreement dated as of
December 19, 2012 (the CIC Agreement ) and desire to amend certain provisions of the CIC Agreement comply
with, and avoid penalties under, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder ( Section 409A );
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing promises and the mutual covenants, terms and
conditions set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Executive hereby agree that
the CIC Agreement is amended as provided herein.
1. Notwithstanding the definition of Change in Control provided in the CIC Agreement, the occurrence of any
of the events specified in such definition shall only constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the CIC
Agreement if such event constitutes, as applicable, a change in ownership or effective control of a corporation
or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of a corporation within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).
2. Notwithstanding Section 4(a)(i) and 4(a)(iii) of the CIC Agreement, in the event of a Qualifying Termination
described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof (i.e., certain terminations without Cause prior to a Change in
Control), (A) the severance payment described in Section 4(a)(i) of the CIC Agreement shall be reduced by the
aggregate amount of any Severance Payments (within the meaning of the Employment Agreement) paid or
payable to the Executive pursuant to the Employment Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein or
in the CIC Agreement shall waive or alter the payment terms of any Severance Payments payable pursuant to
the Employment Agreement) and (B) the 18-month period described in Section 4(a)(iii) shall be reduced by the
period of time that the Executive receives any benefits pursuant to Section 1.5(c) of the Employment
Agreement.
3. To the extent required by Section 409A, any payment or benefit pursuant to the CIC Agreement that would be
considered deferred compensation subject to, and not exempt from, Section 409A, payable or provided upon a
termination of the Executives employment shall only be paid or provided to the Executive upon the
Executives separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A).
4. Except as provided above, the CIC Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

August 1, 2013

FIRST SOLAR, INC.

by

EXHIBIT 10.26

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this Agreement ) is made by and between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware
corporation having its principal office at 350 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Tempe, Arizona 85281 (hereinafter,
Employer ) and Chris Bueter (hereinafter, Employee ), and is effective as of the Start Date (as defined below).
WITNESSETH :
WHEREAS, Employer and Employee wish to enter into this Agreement relating to the employment of
Employee by Employer.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, and the mutual covenants, terms and
conditions set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Employer and Employee hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. Employment
1.1

Term; Condition Precedent; At-Will Nature of Employment .

(a) Term . The term of this Agreement (the Term ) shall commence as of February 17, 2016 (the
Start Date ) and shall end on the date Employees employment with Employer terminates for any reason.
(b) Condition Precedent . The effectiveness of this Agreement shall be subject to Employer obtaining
a resolution from the Board of Directors of Employer appointing Employee to the position of Executive Vice President
Human Resources.
(c) At Will Nature of Employment . As of the Start Date, Employer shall employ Employee as a fulltime, at-will employee, and Employee shall accept employment with Employer as a full-time, at-will employee.
Employer or Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and with or
without notice, subject to the provisions of this Agreement.
1.2
Position and Duties of Employee . Employer hereby employs Employee in the initial capacity of Executive
Vice President Human Resources for Employer and Employee hereby accepts such position. In this position,
Employee shall report to Employers Chief Executive Officer (the Supervisor ). Employee agrees to diligently and
faithfully perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to Employee by the Supervisor, consistent with
Employees position with Employer. Employee recognizes the necessity for established policies and procedures
pertaining to Employers business operations, and Employers right to change, revoke or supplement such policies and
procedures at any time, in Employers sole discretion. Employee agrees to comply with such policies and procedures,
including those contained in any manuals or handbooks, as may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of
Employer. Employee shall be based in Tempe, Arizona but shall be required to travel to such locations as shall be
required to fulfill the responsibilities of his position.
Bueter Employment Agreement

1.3
No Salary or Benefits Continuation Beyond Termination . Except as may be required by applicable law or as
otherwise specified in this Agreement or the Change in Control Severance Agreement between Employer and
Employee dated as of the date hereof, as may be amended from time to time (the Change in Control Agreement ),
Employer shall not be liable to Employee for any salary or benefits continuation beyond the date of Employees
cessation of employment with Employer.
1.4
Termination of Employment . Employees employment with Employer shall terminate upon the earliest of: (a)
Employees death; (b) unless waived by Employer, Employees Disability (which for purposes of this Agreement,
shall mean either a physical or mental condition (as determined by a qualified physician mutually agreeable to
Employer and Employee) which renders Employee unable, for a period of at least six (6) months, effectively to perform
the obligations, duties and responsibilities of Employees employment with Employer); (c) the termination of
Employees employment by Employer for Cause (as hereinafter defined); and (d) the termination of Employees
employment by Employer without Cause. As used herein, Cause shall mean Employers good faith determination
of: (i) Employees dishonest, fraudulent or illegal conduct relating to the business of Employer; (ii) Employees willful
breach or habitual neglect of Employees duties or obligations in connection with Employees employment; (iii)
Employees misappropriation of Employer funds; (iv) Employees conviction of a felony or any other criminal offense
involving fraud or dishonesty, whether or not relating to the business of Employer or Employees employment with
Employer; (v) Employees excessive use of alcohol; (vi) Employees unlawful use of controlled substances or other
addictive behavior; (vii) Employees unethical business conduct; (viii) Employees breach of any statutory or common
law duty of loyalty to Employer; or (ix) Employees material breach of this Agreement, the Non-Competition and NonSolicitation Agreement between Employer and Employee dated as of the date hereof, as may be amended from time to
time (the Non-Competition Agreement ), the Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Agreement between Employer
and Employee dated as of the date hereof, as may be amended from time to time (the Confidentiality Agreement ) or
the Change in Control Agreement. Upon termination of Employees employment with Employer for any reason,
Employee will promptly return to Employer all materials in any form acquired by Employee as a result of such
employment with Employer, and all property of Employer.
ARTICLE II. Compensation and Benefits
2.1
Base Salary . Employee shall be compensated at an annual base salary of $340,000 (the Base Salary ) while
Employee is employed by Employer under this Agreement, subject to such periodic increases that Employer may, in its
sole discretion, determine to be appropriate. Such Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Employers standard
policies and shall be subject to applicable tax withholding requirements.
2.2
Annual Bonus Eligibility . Employee shall be eligible to participate in Employers annual bonus program
under which Employees target bonus shall equal seventy percent (70%) of Employees Base Salary. Bonus payment
in respect of the first year of employment shall be pro-rated based on the number of days employed during such year.
Payment of any bonus shall be based
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upon individual and company performance, as determined by Employers Chief Executive Officer and/or the
compensation committee of the Employers board of directors (the Compensation Committee ). The terms of the
annual bonus program shall be developed by Employer and communicated to Employee as soon as practicable after the
beginning of each year.
2.3
Benefits; Vacation . Employee shall be eligible to receive all benefits as are available to similarly situated
employees of Employer generally, and any other benefits that Employer may, in its sole discretion, elect to grant to
Employee from time to time. In addition, Employee shall be entitled to four (4) weeks paid vacation per year, which
shall be pro-rated for the first partial year of employment and shall accrue in accordance with Employers policies
applicable to similarly situated employees of Employer.
2.4
Reimbursement of Business Expenses . Employee may incur reasonable expenses in the course of employment
hereunder for which Employee shall be eligible for reimbursement or advances in accordance with Employers standard
policy therefor.
2.5
Equity Grants . Subject to approval by the Compensation Committee, Employee shall be eligible for future
equity grants and other long-term incentives, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
Article III. Severance Payments and Vacation Payout .
3.1
Vacation Pay in the Event of a Termination of Employment . In the event of the termination of Employees
employment with Employer for any reason, Employee shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the Severance
Payments described in Section 3.1(a) below, if any, the dollar value of any earned but unused (and unforfeited)
vacation. Such dollar value shall be paid to Employee within fifteen (15) days following the date of termination of
employment.
(a)

Severance Payments in the Case of a Termination Without Cause .

(i) Severance Payments . If Employees employment is terminated by Employer without Cause

(other than due to death or due to Disability), then, subject to (A) the Change in Control Agreement (which shall apply
in lieu of this Agreement in the event employment is terminated without Cause following a Change in Control (as
defined in the Change in Control Agreement)), and (B) Employees satisfaction of the Release Condition described in
Section 3.1(a)(ii) below, Employee shall be entitled to continuation of Employees Base Salary (as defined in Section
2.1) (such salary continuation, along with the equity acceleration described in Section 3.1(c) below, the Severance
Payments ) for a period of 12 months (which period shall commence on the thirty-sixth (36 th ) day following the date
employment terminates) in accordance with Employers regular payroll practices and procedures.
(ii) Release Condition . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless (A) Employee
shall have executed and delivered a general release in favor of Employer and its affiliates (which release shall: (1) be
submitted to Employee for his review by the date of Employees termination of employment (or shortly thereafter), (2)
be in substantially in the form
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of the Separation Agreement and Release attached hereto as Exhibit A and (3) otherwise be satisfactory to Employer)
and (B) the Release Effective Date shall have occurred on or before the thirty-sixth (36 th ) day following the date
employment terminates, (x) no Severance Payments shall be due or made to Employee hereunder, (y) Employer shall
be relieved of all obligations to provide or make available any further benefits to the Employee pursuant to Section
3.1(b) and (z) Employee shall be required to repay Employer, in cash, within five business days after written demand is
made therefor by Employer, an amount equal to the value of any benefits received by Employee pursuant to Section
3.1(b). The Release Effective Date shall be the date the general release becomes effective and irrevocable.
(b) Medical Insurance . If Employees employment is terminated by Employer without Cause (other than
due to death or due to Disability), subject to the Change in Control Agreement (which shall apply in lieu of this
Agreement in the event employment is terminated without Cause following a Change in Control) and Employees
satisfaction of the Release Condition described in Section 3.1(a)(ii) above, then Employer will provide or pay the cost
of continuing the medical coverage provided by Employer to Employee and his dependents during his employment at
the same or a comparable coverage level, for a period beginning on the date of termination and ending on the earlier of
(i) the date that is twelve (12) months following such termination and (ii) the date that Employee is covered under a
medical benefits plan of a subsequent employer. Employee agrees to make a timely COBRA election, to the extent
requested by Employer, to facilitate Employers provision of continuation coverage. Except as permitted by Section
409A (as defined below), the continued benefits provided to Employee pursuant to this Section 3.1(b) during any
calendar year will not affect the continued benefits to be provided to Employee pursuant to this Section 3.1(b) in any
other calendar year, and the right to such benefits cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit and shall be
provided in accordance with Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) or any successor thereto. In the case of any
reimbursement payments, such payments shall be made to the Employee on or before the last day of the calendar year
following the calendar year in which the underlying fee, cost or expense is incurred. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, to the extent necessary to satisfy Section 105(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the Code ) and Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act, including the nondiscrimination rules applicable to
non-grandfathered plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and the related
regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, the Company will be permitted to alter the manner in which benefits
under this Section 3.1(b) are provided to Employee.
(c) Equity Award Vesting . In the event of (A) the termination of Employees employment with
Employer due to Employees death, (B) the termination of Employees employment with Employer due to Disability, or
(C) the termination of Employees employment by Employer without Cause, then, subject to the Change in Control
Agreement (which shall apply in lieu of this Agreement in the event employment is terminated without Cause
following a Change in Control) and Employees satisfaction of the Release Condition described in Section 3.1(a)(ii)
above, Employee shall on the date of such termination of employment immediately receive an additional twelve (12)
months vesting credit with respect to the stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other equity or
equity-based compensation of Employer granted to Employee in the course of his employment with Employer (other
than any performance units granted
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under KSTEPP, for which any acceleration will be solely as provided in the award agreement evidencing such units).
The shares of Employer underlying any restricted stock units that become vested pursuant to this Section 3.1(c) shall be
payable on the vesting date. Any of Employees stock options and stock appreciation rights that become vested
pursuant to this Section 3.1(c) shall be exercisable immediately upon vesting. Employee will have one (1) year and
ninety (90) days after termination of employment without Cause, death or Disability to exercise any such vested stock
options or other equity compensation; provided that, if during such period Employee is under any trading restriction
due to a lockup agreement or closed trading window, then such period shall be tolled during the period of such trading
restriction; provided further that in no event shall any stock option or stock appreciation right continue to be exercisable
after the original expiration date of such stock option or stock appreciation right. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement or the Change in Control Agreement to the contrary, in the case of the termination of Employees
employment with Employer due to Employees death or due to Disability following a Change in Control, this Section
3.1(c) shall continue to apply.
3.2 Clawback . All payments made to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to clawback by
Employer to the extent required by applicable law or the policies of the Employer as in effect from time to time.
ARTICLE IV. Absence of Restrictions
4.1
Employee hereby represents and warrants to Employer that Employee has full power, authority and legal right
to enter into this Agreement and to carry out all obligations and duties hereunder and that the execution, delivery and
performance by Employee of this Agreement will not violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under, any
agreements or other understandings to which Employee is a party or by which Employee may be bound or affected,
including any order, judgment or decree of any court or governmental agency. Employee further represents and
warrants to Employer that Employee is free to accept employment with Employer as contemplated herein and that
Employee has no prior or other obligations or commitments of any kind to any person, firm, partnership, association,
corporation, entity or business organization that would in any way hinder or interfere with Employees acceptance of,
or the full performance of, Employees duties hereunder.
ARTICLE V. Miscellaneous
5.1
Withholding . Any payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to applicable federal, state and local
tax reporting and withholding requirements.
5.2
Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the
laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the principles of conflicts of laws. Any judicial action commenced
relating in any way to this Agreement including the enforcement, interpretation or performance of this Agreement, shall
be commenced and maintained in a court of competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County, Arizona. In any action
to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its litigation costs, including its attorneys
fees. The parties hereby waive and relinquish any right to a jury trial and agree that any
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dispute shall be heard and resolved by a court and without a jury. The parties further agree that the dispute resolution,
including any discovery, shall be accelerated and expedited to the extent possible. Each partys agreements in this
Section 5.2 are made in consideration of the other partys agreements in this Section 5.2, as well as in other portions of
this Agreement.
5.3
No Waiver . The failure of Employer or Employee to insist in any one or more instances upon performance of
any terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any
rights granted hereunder or of the future performance of any such terms, covenants or conditions.
5.4
Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered, delivered by facsimile transmission or by courier or mailed,
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid as follows:
If to Employer:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street
Suite 600
Tempe, Arizona 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to Employee:

To Employee's then current address on file with Employer

Or at such other address or addresses as any such party may have furnished to the other party in writing in a manner
provided in this Section 5.4.
5.5
Assignability and Binding Effect . This Agreement is for personal services and is therefore not assignable by
Employee. This Agreement may be assigned by Employer to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Employer. This Agreement
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors, assigns, heirs, executors and legal
representatives. If there shall be a successor to Employer or Employer shall assign this Agreement, then as used in this
Agreement, (a) the term Employer shall mean Employer as hereinbefore defined and any successor or any permitted
assignee, as applicable, to which this Agreement is assigned and (b) the term Board shall mean the Board as
hereinbefore defined and the board of directors or equivalent governing body of any successor or any permitted
assignee, as applicable, to which this Agreement is assigned.
5.6
Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Change in Control Agreement, the Non-Competition Agreement and
the Confidentiality Agreement set forth the entire agreement between Employer and Employee regarding the terms of
Employees employment and supersede all prior agreements between Employer and Employee covering the terms of
Employees employment. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a written instrument signed by
Employer and Employee identifying this Agreement and stating the intention to amend or modify it.
First Solar, Inc.
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5.7
Severability . If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any of the restrictions or language in
this Agreement are for any reason invalid or unenforceable, the parties desire and agree that the court revise any such
restrictions or language, including reducing any time or geographic area, so as to render them valid and enforceable to
the fullest extent allowed by law. If any restriction or language in this Agreement is for any reason invalid or
unenforceable and cannot by law be revised so as to render it valid and enforceable, then the parties desire and agree
that the court strike only the invalid and unenforceable language and enforce the balance of this Agreement to the
fullest extent allowed by law. Employer and Employee agree that the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement.
5.8
Construction . As used in this Agreement, words such as herein, hereinafter, hereby and hereunder,
and the words of like import refer to this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise. The words include,
includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
5.9
Survival . The rights and obligations of the parties under the provisions of this Agreement, including Sections
3.1, this Article V and Article VI, shall survive and remain binding and enforceable, notwithstanding the termination of
Employees employment for any reason, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended benefits of such provisions.
ARTICLE VI. Section 409A
6.1
In General . It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code, as
amended, and the regulations thereunder as in effect from time to time (collectively, Section 409A ), and all
provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for
avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A. In addition, references in this Agreement to a termination of
employment shall mean a termination that constitutes a separation of service within the meaning of Section 409A.
6.2
No Alienation, Set-offs, Etc . Neither Employee nor any creditor or beneficiary of Employee shall have the
right to subject any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable under this Agreement or
under any other plan, policy, arrangement or agreement of or with Employer or any of its affiliates (this Agreement and
such other plans, policies, arrangements and agreements, the Employer Plans ) to any anticipation, alienation, sale,
transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or garnishment. Except as permitted under Section 409A, any
deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable to or for the benefit of Employee under any
Employer Plan may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by Employee to Employer or any of its
affiliates.
6.3
Possible Six-Month Delay . If, at the time of Employees separation from service (within the meaning of
Section 409A), (a) Employee shall be a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A and using the
identification methodology selected by Employer from time to time) and (b) Employer shall make a good faith
determination that an amount payable under an Employer Plan constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning
of Section 409A) the payment
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of which is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A in order to avoid taxes
or penalties under Section 409A, then Employer (or an affiliate thereof, as applicable) shall not pay such amount on the
otherwise scheduled payment date but shall instead accumulate such amount and pay it, without interest, on the first
day of the seventh month following such separation from service.
6.4
Treatment of Installments . For purposes of Section 409A, each of the installments of continued Base Salary
referred to in Section 3.1(a) shall be deemed to be a separate payment as permitted under Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.409A-2(b)
(2)(iii).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employer has caused this Agreement to be executed by one of its duly authorized officers
and Employee has individually executed this Agreement, each intending to be legally bound, as of the date first above
written.
EMPLOYEE:
/s/ Chris Bueter
Chris Bueter
EMPLOYER:
First Solar, Inc.
By: /s/ James Hughes
Name Printed: James Hughes
Title: CEO
First Solar, Inc.
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Bueter Employment Agreement

Exhibit A
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
I. Release . For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
undersigned, with the intention of binding himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does
hereby release and forever discharge First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its present and former officers,
directors, executives, agents, employees, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, successors, predecessors and assigns
(collectively, the Released Parties ), from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, demands, rights, damages,
debts, accounts, suits, expenses, attorneys fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in law, equity, or otherwise,
whether now known or unknown (collectively, the Claims ), which the undersigned now has, owns or holds, or has
at any time heretofore had, owned or held against any Released Party, arising out of or in any way connected with the
undersigneds employment relationship with First Solar, Inc., its subsidiaries, predecessors or affiliated entities
(collectively, the Company), or the termination thereof, including, but not limited to, under (a) that certain
Employment Agreement to which the undersigned is a party and pursuant to which this Separation Agreement and
Release is being executed and delivered, other than as expressly provided in this Separation Agreement and Release,
and any other agreement or arrangement with the Company, whether written or oral, to which the undersigned is a party
and (b) any Federal, state or local statute, rule, or regulation, or principle of common, tort, contract or constitutional
law, including but not limited to, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 201 et seq., the Equal
Pay Act of 1963, as amended 29 U.S.C. 602(d), the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( FMLA ), as amended,
29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq., the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 621 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000ff;
the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 2101 et seq., the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq., the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as
amended, and any other equivalent or similar Federal, state, or local statute; provided, however, that nothing herein
shall release the Company (i) from its obligations to provide the undersigned with certain payments and benefits in
connection with the undersigneds termination of employment under Section [ l ] of that certain Employment
Agreement to which the undersigned is a party and pursuant to which this Separation Agreement and Release is being
executed and delivered, (ii) from any claims by the undersigned arising out of any director and officer indemnification
or insurance obligations in favor of the undersigned, (iii) from any director and officer indemnification obligations
under the Companys by-laws, and (iv) from any claim for benefits under the First Solar, Inc. 401(k) Plan. The
undersigned understands that, as a result of executing this Separation Agreement and Release, he/she will not have the
right to assert that the Company or any other Released Party unlawfully terminated his/her employment or violated any
of his/her rights in connection with his/her employment or otherwise.
The undersigned affirms that he /she has not filed or caused to be filed, and presently is not a party to, any Claim,
complaint or action against any Released Party in any forum or form and
First Solar, Inc.
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Bueter Sample Release Agreement

that he/she knows of no facts which may lead to any Claim, complaint or action being filed against any Released Party
in any forum by the undersigned or by any agency, group, or class of persons. The undersigned further affirms that
he/she has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions,
and/or benefits to which he/she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses,
commissions and/or benefits are due to him/her from the Company, except as specifically provided in this Separation
Agreement and Release. The undersigned furthermore affirms that he/she has no known workplace injuries or
occupational diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested under the FMLA. If any
agency or court assumes jurisdiction of any such Claim, complaint or action against any Released Party on behalf of the
undersigned, the undersigned will request such agency or court to withdraw the matter.
[The undersigned furthermore affirms that if the undersigned was employed by the Company at any time in California,
or if the undersigned resided in California at any time while employed by the Company, the undersigned waives all
rights under California Civil Code Section 1542, which states:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at
the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have mutually affected his settlement with the
debtor.]
The undersigned further declares and represents that he/she has carefully read and fully understands the terms of this
Separation Agreement and Release and that he/she has been advised and had the opportunity to seek the advice and
assistance of counsel with regard to this Separation Agreement and Release, that he/she may take up to and including
21 days from receipt of this Separation Agreement and Release, to consider whether to sign this Separation Agreement
and Release, that he/she may revoke this Separation Agreement and Release within seven calendar days after signing it
by delivering to the Company written notification of revocation, and that he/she knowingly and voluntarily, of his/her
own free will, without any duress, being fully informed and after due deliberate action, accepts the terms of and signs
the same as his/her own free act.
II. Protected Rights . The Company and the undersigned agree that nothing in this Separation Agreement and Release is
intended to or shall be construed to affect, limit or otherwise interfere with any non-waivable right of the undersigned
under any Federal, state or local law, including the right to file a charge or participate in an investigation or proceeding
conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ( EEOC ) or to exercise any other right that cannot be
waived under applicable law. The undersigned is releasing, however, his/her right to any monetary recovery or relief
should the EEOC or any other agency pursue Claims on his/her behalf. Further, should the EEOC or any other agency
obtain monetary relief on his/her behalf, the undersigned assigns to the Company all rights to such relief.
Notwithstanding anything in this Separation Agreement and Release to the contrary, this Separation Agreement and
Release is not intended to, and shall be interpreted in a manner that does not, limit or restrict the undersigned from
exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including pursuant to Rule 21F under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934).
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III. Equitable Remedies. The undersigned acknowledges that a violation by the undersigned of any of the covenants
contained in this Separation Agreement and Release would cause irreparable damage to the Company in an amount that
would be material but not readily ascertainable, and that any remedy at law (including the payment of damages) would
be inadequate. Accordingly, the undersigned agrees that, notwithstanding any provision of this Separation Agreement
and Release to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled (without the necessity of showing economic loss or other
actual damage) to injunctive relief (including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and/or permanent
injunctions) in any court of competent jurisdiction for any actual or threatened breach of any of the covenants set forth
in this Separation Agreement and Release in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies it may have.
IV. Return of Property . The undersigned shall return to the Company on or before DATE, all property of the Company
in the undersigneds possession or subject to the undersigneds control, including without limitation any laptop
computers, keys, credit cards, cellular telephones and files. The undersigned represents that he/she has not, and shall
not, alter any of the Companys records or computer files in any way after DATE.
V. Severability . If any term or provision of this Separation Agreement and Release is invalid, illegal or incapable of
being enforced by any applicable law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Separation Agreement
and Release shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and legal substance of the
transactions contemplated by this Separation Agreement and Release is not affected in any manner materially adverse
to any party.
VI. GOVERNING LAW . THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE
MADE IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION
AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL
BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.
First Solar, Inc.
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Bueter Sample Release Agreement

Effective on the eighth calendar day following the date set forth below.
FIRST SOLAR, INC.

EMPLOYEE
FIRST LAST NAME
Date: _________________
First Solar, Inc.
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Bueter Sample Release Agreement

NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

In consideration of Employees (as defined below) entering into at-will employment with Employer (as defined
below) or one of its subsidiary companies, the compensation and benefits provided to Employee including those set
forth in the Employment Agreement, Change in Control Severance Agreement and Confidentiality and Intellectual
Property Agreement (the Confidentiality Agreement ), in each case, dated as of the date hereof, as may be amended
from time to time, and Employers agreement to provide Employee with access to Employers confidential information,
intellectual property and trade secrets, access to its customers and other promises made below, Employee enters into the
following non-competition and non-solicitation agreement:
This Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement ( Agreement ) is effective by and between Chris
Bueter ( Employee ) and First Solar, Inc. ( Employer ) as of February 17, 2016 .
WHEREAS, Employee desires to be employed by Employer and Employer has agreed to employ Employee in
the current position of Employee with Employer;
WHEREAS, because of the nature of Employees duties, in the performance of such duties, Employee will have
access to and will necessarily utilize sensitive, secret and proprietary data and information, the value of which derives
from its secrecy from Employers competitors, which, like Employer, sell products and services throughout the world;
WHEREAS, Employee and Employer acknowledge and agree that Employees conduct in the manner
prohibited by this Agreement during, or for the period specified in this Agreement following the termination of,
Employees employment with Employer, would jeopardize Employers Confidential Information (as defined in the
Confidentiality Agreement) and the goodwill Employer has developed and generated over a period of years, and would
cause Employer to experience unfair competition and immediate, irreparable harm; and
WHEREAS, in consideration of Employers hiring Employee, Employee therefore has agreed to the terms of
this Agreement, the Employment Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement, and specifically to the restrictions
contained herein.
Therefore, Employee and Employer hereby agree as follows:
THE FOLLOWING ARE IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYEE IMPOSED BY EMPLOYER AS
A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. ONCE EMPLOYEE SIGNS THIS AGREEMENT, IT IS BINDING ON
EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEES SIGNATURE ON THIS AGREEMENT SIGNIFIES THAT EMPLOYEE (I) READ
THESE RESTRICTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, (II) UNDERSTANDS THE
AGREEMENTS TERMS, AND (III) ASSENTS TO ABIDE BY THESE RESTRICTIONS.
1. Nature and Period of Restriction. At all times during Employees employment and for a period of twelve
(12) months after the termination of employment (for any reason,

including discharge or resignation) with Employer (the Restricted Period ), Employee agrees as follows:
1.1. Employee agrees not to engage or assist, in any way or in any capacity, anywhere in the Territory (as
defined below), either directly or indirectly, (a) in the business of the development, sale, marketing, manufacture or
installation that would be in direct competition with of any type of product sold, developed, marketed, manufactured or
installed by Employer during Employees employment with Employer, including photovoltaic modules, or (b) in any
other activity in direct competition or that would be in direct competition with the business of Employer as that
business exists and is conducted (or with any business planned or seriously considered, of which Employee has
knowledge) during Employees employment with Employer. In addition and in particular, Employee agrees not to sell,
market, provide or distribute, or endeavor to sell, market, provide or distribute, in any way, directly or indirectly, on
behalf of Employee or any other person or entity, any products or services competitive with those of Employer to any
person or entity which is or was an actual or prospective customer of Employer at any time during Employees
employment by Employer. For purposes of this Agreement, Employer acknowledges and agrees that engaging in the
electric power business that uses any generation technology other than solar power is not in competition with
Employer.
1.2. Territory for purposes of this Agreement means Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America
and South America .
1.3. Employee agrees not to solicit, recruit, hire, employ or attempt to hire or employ, or assist any other
person or entity in the recruitment or hiring of, any person who is (or was) an employee of Employer, and agrees not to
otherwise urge, induce or seek to induce any person to terminate his employment with Employer.
1.4. The parties understand and agree that the restrictions set forth in the paragraphs in this Section 1 also
extend to Employees recommending or directing any such actual or prospective customers to any other competitive
concerns, or assisting in any way any competitive concerns in soliciting or providing products or services to such
customers, whether or not Employee personally provides any products or services directly to such customers. For
purposes of this Agreement, a prospective customer is one that Employer solicited or with which Employer otherwise
sought to engage in a business transaction during the time that Employee is or was employed by Employer.
1.5. Employee and Employer acknowledge and agree that Employer has expended substantial amounts of
time, money and effort to develop business strategies, customer relationships, employee relationships, trade secrets and
goodwill and to build an effective organization and that Employer has a legitimate business interest and right in
protecting those assets as well as any similar assets that Employer may develop or obtain. Employee and Employer
acknowledge that Employer is entitled to protect and preserve the going concern value of Employer and its business
and trade secrets to the extent permitted by law. Employee acknowledges and agrees the restrictions imposed upon
Employee under this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of Employers legitimate interests,
including Employers Confidential Information, intellectual property, trade secrets and goodwill. Employee and
Employer acknowledge that Employer is engaged in a highly
First Solar, Inc.
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competitive business, that Employee is expected to serve a key role with Employer, that Employee will have access to
Employers Confidential Information, that Employers business and customers and prospective customers are located
around the world, and that Employee could compete with Employer from virtually any location in the world. Employee
acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions set forth in this Agreement do not impose any substantial hardship on
Employee and that Employee will reasonably be able to earn a livelihood without violating any provision of this
Agreement. Employee acknowledges and agrees that, in addition to Employers agreement to hire her, part of the
consideration for the restrictions in this Section 1 consists of Employers agreement to make severance payments as set
forth in the separate Employment Agreement between Employer and Employee.
1.6. Employee agrees to comply with each of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement in
accordance with its terms, and Employee shall not, and hereby agrees to waive and release any right or claim to,
challenge the reasonableness, validity or enforceability of any of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement.
2. Notice by Employee to Employer. Prior to engaging in any employment or business during the Restricted
Period, Employee agrees to provide prior written notice (by certified mail) to Employer in accordance with Section 6,
stating the description of the activities or position sought to be undertaken by Employee, and to provide such further
information as Employer may reasonably request in connection therewith (including the location where the services
would be performed and the present or former customers or employees of Employer anticipated to receive such
products or services). To the extent Employer reasonably believes that the proposed engagement violates the restrictive
covenants in this Agreement, Employer shall be free to object or not to object, in its unfettered discretion, and the
parties agree that any actions taken or not taken by Employer with respect to any other employees or former employees
shall have no bearing whatsoever on Employers decision or on any questions regarding the enforceability of any of
these restraints with respect to Employee.
3. Notice to Subsequent Employer. Prior to accepting employment with any other person or entity during
the Restricted Period, Employee shall provide such prospective employer with written notice of the provisions of this
Agreement, with a copy of such notice delivered promptly to Employer in accordance with Section 6.
4. Extension of Non-Competition Period in the Event of Breach. It is agreed that the Restricted Period
shall be extended by an amount of time equal to the amount of time during which Employee is in breach of any of the
restrictive covenants set forth above.
5. Judicial Reformation to Render Agreement Enforceable. If it is determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction that any of the restrictions or language in this Agreement are for any reason invalid or unenforceable, the
parties desire and agree that the court revise any such restrictions or language, including reducing any time or
geographic area, so as to render them valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. If any restriction or
language in this Agreement is for any reason invalid or unenforceable and cannot by law be revised so as to render it
valid and enforceable, then the parties desire and agree that the court strike only the invalid and unenforceable
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language and enforce the balance of this Agreement to the fullest extent allowed by law. Employer and Employee agree
that the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the remainder of this
Agreement.
6. Notice. All documents, notices or other communications that are required or permitted to be delivered or
given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly delivered or given when received.
If to Employer:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street
Suite 600
Tempe, AZ 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to Employee:

To Employees then current address on file with Employer

7. Enforcement. Except as expressly stated herein, the covenants contained in this Agreement shall be
construed as independent of any other provision or covenants of any other agreement between Employer and
Employee, and the existence of any claim or cause of action of Employee against Employer, whether predicated on this
Agreement or otherwise, or the actions of Employer with respect to enforcement of similar restrictions as to other
employees, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by Employer of such covenants. Employee acknowledges
and agrees that Employer has invested great time, effort and expense in its business and reputation, that the products
and information of Employer are unique and valuable, and that the services performed by Employee are unique and
extraordinary, and Employee agrees that Employer will suffer immediate, irreparable harm and shall be entitled, upon a
breach or a threatened breach of this Agreement, to emergency, preliminary, and permanent injunctive relief against
such activities, without having to post any bond or other security, and in addition to any other remedies available to
Employer at law or equity. Any specific right or remedy set forth in this Agreement, legal, equitable or otherwise, shall
not be exclusive but shall be cumulative upon all other rights and remedies allowed or by law, including the recovery of
money damages. The failure of Employer to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, or the provisions of any
agreement with any other Employee, shall not constitute a waiver or limit any of Employers rights.
8.
At-Will Employment; Termination. This Agreement does not alter the at-will nature of Employees
employment by Employer, and Employees employment may be terminated by either party, with or without notice and
with or without cause, at any time. In addition to the foregoing provisions of this Agreement, upon Employees
termination, Employee shall cease all identification of Employee with Employer and/or the business, products or
services of Employer, and the use of Employers name, trademarks, trade name or fictitious name. All provisions,
obligations, and restrictions in this Agreement shall survive termination of Employees employment with Employer.
9.
Choice of Law, Choice of Forum . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to
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the principles of conflicts of laws. Any judicial action commenced relating in any way to this Agreement including the
enforcement, interpretation, or performance of this Agreement, shall be commenced and maintained in a court of
competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County, Arizona. In any action to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing
party shall be entitled to recover its litigation costs, including its attorneys fees. The parties hereby waive and
relinquish any right to a jury trial and agree that any dispute shall be heard and resolved by a court and without a jury.
The parties further agree that the dispute resolution, including any discovery, shall be accelerated and expedited to the
extent possible. Each partys agreements in this Section 9 are made in consideration of the other partys agreements in
this Section 9, as well as in other portions of this Agreement.
10.

Entire Agreement, Modification and Assignment.

10.1. This Agreement, the Employment Agreement the Confidentiality Agreement and the Change in Control
Agreement comprise the entire agreement relating to the subject matter hereof between the parties and supersede,
cancel, and annul any and all prior agreements or understandings between the parties concerning the subject matter of
the Agreement.
10.2. This Agreement may not be modified orally but may only be modified in a writing executed by both
Employer and Employee.
10.3. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Employer, its successors and assigns, and may be assigned
by Employer. Employees rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned by Employee.
11.
Construction . As used in this Agreement, words such as herein, hereinafter,
hereby and hereunder, and the words of like import refer to this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise.
The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement, effective as of the day and year first
written above.
EMPLOYEE:
/s/ Chris Bueter
Chris Bueter
EMPLOYER:
First Solar, Inc.
By: /s/ James Hughes
Its: CEO
Printed Name: James Hughes
First Solar, Inc.
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CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this Agreement ), dated as of February 17,
2016 , between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company ), and Chris Bueter (the Executive ).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS the Executive is a skilled and dedicated employee of the Company who has important
management responsibilities and talents that benefit the Company;
WHEREAS the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board ) considers it essential to the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) will
have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change in
Control (as defined below); and
WHEREAS the Board believes that it is imperative to diminish the distraction of the Executive
inherently present by the uncertainties and risks created by the circumstances surrounding a Change in Control, and to
ensure the Executives full attention to the Company and its Subsidiaries during any such period of uncertainty.
AGREEMENT:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained
herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings
set forth below:
(a) Accrued Rights shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iv).
(b) Affiliate(s) means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such
specified Person.
(c) Annual Base Salary means the greater of the Executives annual rate of base salary in effect (i)
immediately prior to the Change in Control Date and (ii) immediately prior to the Termination Date.
(d) Annual Bonus means the target annual cash bonus the Executive is eligible to earn (assuming one
hundred percent (100%) fulfillment of all elements of the formula under which such bonus would have been calculated)
for the year in which the Termination Date occurs.
(e) Bonus Amount means, as of the Termination Date, the greater of (i) the Annual Bonus and (ii) the
average of the annual cash bonuses payable to the Executive in respect of the three (3) calendar years immediately
preceding the calendar year that includes the Termination Date

or, if the Executive has not been employed for three (3) full calendar years preceding the calendar year that includes the
Termination Date, the average of the annual cash bonuses payable to the Executive for the number of full calendar
years prior to the Termination Date that he has been employed.
(f) Cause means the occurrence of any one of the following: (i) the Executive is convicted of, or
pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, (A) a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or misappropriation of the assets of
the Company or a Subsidiary or (B) any felony (or the equivalent of such a misdemeanor or felony in a jurisdiction
outside of the United States); (ii) the Executive commits one or more acts or omissions constituting gross negligence,
fraud or other gross misconduct that the Company reasonably and in good faith determines has a materially detrimental
effect on the Company; (iii) the Executive continually and willfully fails, for at least fourteen (14) days following
written notice from the Company, to perform substantially the Executives employment duties (other than as a result of
incapacity due to physical or mental illness or after delivery by the Executive of a Notice of Termination for Good
Reason); or (iv) the Executive commits a gross violation of any of the Companys material policies (including the
Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as in effect from time to time) that the Company reasonably and in
good faith determines is materially detrimental to the best interests of the Company. The termination of employment of
the Executive for Cause shall not be effective unless and until there has been delivered to the Executive a copy of a
resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board
(excluding the Executive) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is
provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the
Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in clause
(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
(g) Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the following events; provided such event is a
change in ownership or effective control of a corporation or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets
of a corporation, in each case, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5):
(i) during any period of 24 consecutive months, individuals who were members of the Board at the
beginning of such period (the Incumbent Directors) cease at any time during such period for any reason to constitute
at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the
beginning of such period whose appointment or election, or nomination for election, by the Companys stockholders
was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors shall be considered as though such individual
were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for purposes of this proviso, any such individual whose initial assumption
of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened proxy contest with respect to election or removal of directors or
other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person (as such term is used in
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) (each, a Person), other than the Board or any Specified Shareholder;
(ii) the consummation of (A) a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of
corporate transaction involving (x) the Company or (y) any of its Subsidiaries, but
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in the case of this clause (y) only if Company Voting Securities (as defined below) are issued or issuable in connection
with such transaction or (B) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Company (each of the
transactions referred to in clause (A) or (B) being hereinafter referred to as a Reorganization), unless, immediately
following such Reorganization, (1) all or substantially all the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners
(as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act (or a successor rule thereto)) of shares of the Companys
common stock or other securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board outstanding immediately prior to the
consummation of such Reorganization (such securities, the Company Voting Securities) beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the corporation or
other entity resulting from such Reorganization (including a corporation or other entity that, as a result of such
transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all the Companys assets either directly or through one or more
subsidiaries) (the Continuing Entity) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to
the consummation of such Reorganization, of the outstanding Company Voting Securities (excluding any outstanding
voting securities of the Continuing Entity that such beneficial owners hold immediately following the consummation of
such Reorganization as a result of their ownership prior to such consummation of voting securities of any corporation
or other entity involved in or forming part of such Reorganization other than the Company or a Subsidiary), (2) no
Person (excluding (x) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Continuing Entity or
any corporation or other entity controlled by the Continuing Entity and (y) any Specified Shareholder) beneficially
owns, directly or indirectly, twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
securities of the Continuing Entity and (3) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or other
governing body of the Continuing Entity were Incumbent Directors at the time of the execution of the definitive
agreement providing for such Reorganization or, in the absence of such an agreement, at the time at which approval of
the Board was obtained for such Reorganization;
(iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the
Company, unless such liquidation or dissolution is part of a transaction or series of transactions described in Section
1(g)(ii) that does not otherwise constitute a Change in Control; or
(iv) any Person, corporation or other entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2)
of the Exchange Act) other than any Specified Shareholder becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Company representing a percentage of the combined voting power of the Company Voting Securities
that is equal to or greater than thirty percent (30%); provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1(g)(iv) only
(and not for purposes of Sections 1(g)(i) through (iii) above), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in
Control: (A) any acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary, (B) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or
related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (C) any acquisition by an underwriter
temporarily holding such Company Voting Securities pursuant to an offering of such securities or (D) any acquisition
pursuant to a Reorganization that does not constitute a Change in Control for purposes of Section 1(g)(ii).
(h) Change in Control Date means the date on which a Change in Control occurs.
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(i) COBRA shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iii).
(j) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor
statute thereto, and the regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect from time to time.
(k) Company Voting Securities shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
(l) Continuing Entity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
(m) Disability shall have the meaning set forth in the Employment Agreement.
(n) Effective Date shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.
(o) Employment Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.
(p) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any
successor statute thereto, and the regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect from time to time.
(q) Executive Tax Year shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iii).
(r) Good Reason means, without the Executives express written consent, the occurrence of any one
or more of the following:
(i) any material reduction in the authority, duties or responsibilities held by the Executive immediately prior to
the Change in Control Date;
(ii) any material reduction in the annual base salary or annual incentive opportunity of the Executive as in effect
immediately prior to the Change in Control Date;
(iii) any change of the Executives principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from
the Executives principal place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control Date;
(iv) any failure of the Company to pay the Executive any compensation when due;
(v) delivery by the Company or any Subsidiary of a written notice to the Executive of the intent to terminate the
Executives employment for any reason, other than Cause, death or Disability, in each case in accordance with this
Agreement, regardless of whether such termination is intended to become effective during or after the Protection
Period; or
(vi) any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy the requirements of Section 9(c).
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The Executives right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executives
incapacity due to physical or mental illness. A termination of employment by the Executive for Good Reason for
purposes of this Agreement shall be effectuated by giving the Company written notice ( Notice of Termination for
Good Reason ) of the termination setting forth in reasonable detail the specific conduct of the Company that
constitutes Good Reason and the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the Executive relied, provided that
such notice must be delivered to the Company no later than ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the event or events
constituting Good Reason and the Company must be provided with at least thirty (30) days following the delivery of
such Notice of Termination for Good Reason to cure such event or events. If such event or events are cured during such
period, then the Executive will not be permitted to terminate employment for Good Reason as the result of such event
or events. If the Company does not cure such event or events in such period, the termination of employment by the
Executive for Good Reason shall be effective on the thirtieth (30 th ) day following the date when the Notice of
Termination for Good Reason is given, unless the Company elects to treat such termination as effective as of an earlier
date; provided, however, that so long as an event that constitutes Good Reason occurs during the Protection Period and
the Executive delivers the Notice of Termination for Good Reason within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of
such event, the Company is provided with at least thirty (30) days following the delivery of such Notice of Termination
for Good Reason to cure such event, and the Executive terminates his employment as of the thirtieth (30 th ) day
following the date when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given (or as of an earlier date chosen by the
Company), then for purposes of the payments, benefits and other entitlements set forth herein, the termination of the
Executives employment pursuant thereto shall be deemed to occur during the Protection Period.
(s) Incumbent Directors shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(i).
(t) Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(r).
(u) Person shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(i).
(v) Protection Period means the period commencing on the Change in Control Date and ending on
the second anniversary thereof.
(w) Qualifying Termination means any termination of the Executives employment (i) by the
Company, other than for Cause, death or Disability, that is effective during the Protection Period or (ii) by the
Executive for Good Reason during the Protection Period; provided that such termination constitutes a separation from
service within the meaning of Section 409A .
(x) Release shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(vi).
(y) Release Effective Date means the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable.
(z) Reorganization shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(g)(ii).
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(aa) Specified Shareholder means any of (i) JCL FSLR Holdings, LLC and its beneficiaries, (ii) JTW
Trust No. 1 UAD 9/19/02 and its beneficiaries, (iii) any Person directly or indirectly controlled by any of the foregoing
and (iv) any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of any of the foregoing.
(bb) Subsidiary means any entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, possesses 50% or
more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock.
(cc) Successor shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(c).
(dd) Termination Date means the date on which the termination of the Executives employment, in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, is effective.
SECTION 2. Effectiveness and Term . This Agreement shall become effective as of the date hereof (the
Effective Date ) and shall remain in effect until the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date, except that,
beginning on the second anniversary of the Effective Date and on each anniversary thereafter, the term of this
Agreement shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period, unless the Company or the Executive
provides the other party with sixty (60) days prior written notice before the applicable anniversary that the term of this
Agreement shall not be so extended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Change in Control during the
term of this Agreement (whether the original term or the term as extended), this Agreement shall not thereafter
terminate, and the term hereof shall be extended, until the Company and its Subsidiaries have performed all their
obligations hereunder with no future performance being possible; provided, however, that this Agreement shall only be
effective with respect to the first Change in Control that occurs during the term of this Agreement.
SECTION 3. Impact of a Change in Control on Equity Compensation Awards . In the event of a
Qualifying Termination, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary (other than any such provision that expressly
provides that this Section 3 of this Agreement does not apply (which provision shall be given full force and effect)) in
any of the Companys equity-based, equity-related or other long-term incentive compensation plans, practices, policies
and programs (including the Companys 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan) or any award agreements
thereunder and subject to the occurrence of the Release Effective Date, (a) all outstanding stock options, stock
appreciation rights and similar rights and awards then held by the Executive that are unexercisable or otherwise
unvested shall automatically become fully vested and immediately exercisable, as the case may be, (b) unless otherwise
specified in the Grant Agreement, all outstanding equity-based, equity-related and other long-term incentive awards
then held by the Executive that are subject to performance-based vesting criteria shall automatically become fully
vested and earned at a deemed performance level equal to the greater of (i) the projected actual performance through
the date of the Qualifying Termination (as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion) and (ii)
target performance level with respect to such awards and (c) all other outstanding equity-based, equity-related and
long-term incentive awards, to the extent not covered by the foregoing clause (a) or (b), then held by the Executive that
are unvested or subject to restrictions or forfeiture shall automatically become fully vested and all restrictions and
forfeiture provisions related thereto shall lapse. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 3 shall not apply to
performance units granted
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under the Companys Key Senior Talent Equity Performance Program (KSTEPP), for which any acceleration will be
solely in accordance with the award agreements evidencing such units).
SECTION 4. Termination of Employment .
(a) Qualifying Termination . In the event of a Qualifying Termination, the Executive shall be entitled,
subject to Section 4(a)(vi), to the following payments and benefits:
(i) Severance Pay . The Company shall pay the Executive, in a lump-sum cash payment on the thirty-sixth (36 th
) day following the Termination Date, subject to the occurrence of the Release Effective Date, an amount equal to two
(2) times the sum of (A) the Executives Annual Base Salary (which, as defined, is determined without regard to any
reduction giving rise to Good Reason) and (B) the Bonus Amount; provided, however, that such amount shall be paid in
lieu of, and the Executive hereby waives the right to receive, any other cash severance payment the Executive is
otherwise eligible to receive upon termination of employment under any severance plan, practice, policy or program of
the Company or any Subsidiary or under any agreement between the Company and the Executive.
(ii) Prorated Annual Bonus . The Company shall pay the Executive, in a lump-sum cash payment on the thirtysixth (36 th ) day following the Termination Date, subject to the occurrence of the Release Effective Date, an amount
equal to the product of (A) the Executives Annual Bonus and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of
days in the Companys fiscal year containing the Termination Date that the Executive was employed by the Company
or any Affiliate, and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365).
(iii) Continued Health Benefits . The Company shall, at its option and subject to Section 4(a)(vi), either (A)
continue to provide medical and dental benefits to the Executive and the Executives spouse and dependents at least
equal to the benefits provided by the Company and its Subsidiaries generally to other active peer executives of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, or (B) pay Executive the cost of obtaining equivalent coverage, in the case of each of
clauses (A) and (B), for a period of time commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the date that is eighteen
(18) months after the Termination Date; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another
employer and is eligible to receive medical or dental benefits under another employer-provided plan, the medical and
dental benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable
period of eligibility. Any provision of benefits pursuant to this Section 4(a)(iii) in one (1) tax year of the Executive (the
Executive Tax Year ) shall not affect the amount of such benefits to be provided in any other Executive Tax Year.
The right to such benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit. Executive agrees to
make (and to cause his dependents to make) a timely election under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act of 1985, as amended ( COBRA ) to the extent requested by Employer, to facilitate Employers provision of
continuation coverage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent necessary to satisfy Section
105(h) of the Code and Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act, including the nondiscrimination rules applicable
to non-grandfathered plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and the related
regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, the Company
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will be permitted to alter the manner in which benefits under this Section 4(a)(iii) are provided to Executive.
(iv) Accrued Rights . The Executive shall be entitled to (A) payments of any unpaid salary, bonuses or other
amounts earned or accrued through the Termination Date and reimbursement of any unreimbursed business expenses
incurred through the Termination Date, (B) any payments explicitly set forth in any other benefit plans, practices,
policies and programs in which the Executive participates, and (C) any payments the Company is or becomes obligated
to make pursuant to Sections 6 and 11 (the rights to such payments, the Accrued Rights ). The Accrued Rights
payable pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv)(A) and Section 4(a)(iv)(B) shall be payable on their respective otherwise
scheduled payment dates, provided that any amounts payable in respect of accrued but unused vacation shall be paid in
a lump sum within 15 days following the Termination Date. The Accrued Rights payable pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv)
(C) shall be payable at the times set forth in the applicable Section hereof.
(v) Outplacement . Subject to Section 4(a)(vi), the Company shall reimburse the Executive for individual
outplacement services to be provided by a firm of the Executives choice or, at the Executives election, provide the
Executive with the use of office space, office supplies, and secretarial assistance satisfactory to the Executive. The
aggregate expenditures of the Company pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars
($20,000). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the outplacement benefits under this Section
4(a)(v) shall be provided to the Executive for no longer than the one-year period following the Termination Date, and
the amount of any outplacement benefits or office space, office supplies and secretarial assistance provided to the
Executive in any Executive Tax Year shall not affect the amount of any such outplacement benefits or office space,
office supplies and secretarial assistance provided to the Executive in any other Executive Tax Year.
(vi) Release of Claims . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, unless on or prior to
the thirty-sixth (36th) day following the Termination Date, the Executive has executed and delivered a Separation
Agreement and Release (the Release ) substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the employment agreement between
the Executive and the Company and the Release Effective Date shall have occurred, (A) no payments shall be paid or
made available to the Executive under Section 3, 4(a)(i) or 4(a)(ii) (B) the Company shall be relieved of all obligations
to provide or make available any further benefits to the Executive pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) and 4(a)(v) and (C) the
Executive shall be required to repay the Company, in cash, within five business days after written demand is made
therefor by the Company, an amount equal to the value of any benefits received by the Executive pursuant to Section
4(a)(iii) and 4(a)(v) prior to such date.
(vii) Clawback . All payments made to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to clawback
by Employer to the extent required by applicable law or the policies of the Company as in effect from time to time.
(b) Termination on Account of Death or Disability; Non-Qualifying Termination . In the event of any
termination of Executives employment other than a Qualifying Termination,
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the Executive shall not be entitled to any additional payments or benefits from the Company under this Agreement,
other than payments or benefits with respect to the Accrued Rights.
SECTION 5. Section 409A .
(a) It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code, as
amended, and the regulations thereunder as in effect from time to time (collectively, Section 409A ), and all
provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted either to (i) exempt any compensation from the
application of Section 409A, or (ii) comply with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A.
(b) Neither the Executive nor any creditor or beneficiary of the Executive shall have the right to
subject any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable under this Agreement or under any
other plan, policy, arrangement or agreement of or with the Company or any of its Affiliates (this Agreement and such
other plans, policies, arrangements and agreements, the Company Plans ) to any anticipation, alienation, sale,
transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or garnishment. Except as permitted under Section 409A, any
deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable to or for the benefit of the Executive under any
Company Plan may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by the Executive to the Company or any of
its Affiliates.
(c) If, at the time of the Executives separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A), (i)
the Executive shall be a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A and using the identification
methodology selected by the Company from time to time) and (ii) the Company shall make a good faith determination
that an amount payable under a Company Plan constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section
409A) the payment of which is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A to
avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A, then the Company (or an Affiliate thereof, as applicable) shall not pay
such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but shall instead accumulate such amount and pay it, without
interest, on the first day of the seventh month following such separation from service. To the extent required by Section
409A, any payment or benefit that would be considered deferred compensation subject to, and not exempt from,
Section 409A, payable or provided upon a termination of the Executives employment shall only be paid or provided to
the Executive upon the Executives separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A).
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SECTION 6. No Mitigation or Offset; Enforcement of this Agreement .

(a) The Companys obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to
perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other
claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be
obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the
Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Agreement, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.
(b) The Company shall reimburse, upon the Executives demand, any and all reasonable legal fees and
expenses that the Executive may incur in good faith prior to the second anniversary of the expiration of the term of this
Agreement as a result of any contest, dispute or proceeding (regardless of whether formal legal proceedings are ever
commenced and regardless of the outcome thereof and including all stages of any contest, dispute or proceeding) by the
Company, the Executive or any other Person with respect to the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any
provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the
Executive regarding the amount of any payment owed pursuant to this Agreement). Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Agreement, (i) any reimbursement for any fees and expenses under this Section 6 shall be made
promptly and no later than the end of the Executive Tax Year following the Executive Tax Year in which the fees or
expenses are incurred, (ii) the amount of fees and expenses eligible for reimbursement under this Section 6 during any
Executive Tax Year shall not affect the fees and expenses eligible for reimbursement in another Executive Tax Year, and
(iii) no right to reimbursement under this Section 6 shall be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other payment or
benefit.
SECTION 7. Non-Exclusivity of Rights . Except as specifically provided in Section 4(a)(i), nothing in
this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executives continuing or future participation in any plan, practice, policy or
program provided by the Company or a Subsidiary for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything in this
Agreement limit or otherwise affect any rights the Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the
Company or a Subsidiary. Vested benefits and other amounts that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under
any incentive compensation (including any equity award agreement), deferred compensation, retirement, pension or
other plan, practice, policy or program of, or any contract or agreement with, the Company or a Subsidiary shall be
payable in accordance with the terms of each such plan, practice, policy, program, contract or agreement, as the case
may be, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
SECTION 8. Withholding . The Company may deduct and withhold from any amounts payable under
this Agreement such Federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes as are required to be withheld pursuant to any
applicable law or regulation.
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SECTION 9. Assignment .
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company,
shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and any
assignment in violation of this Agreement shall be void.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 9(a), this Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder
shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts
would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein,
shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executives devisee, legatee or other designee or,
should there be no such designee, to the Executives estate.
(c) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger,
consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company (a Successor ) to
assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would have
been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. If there shall be a Successor, (i) the term Company
shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any Successor and any permitted assignee to which this
Agreement is assigned and (ii) the term Board shall mean the Board as hereinbefore defined and the board of
directors or equivalent governing body of any Successor and any permitted assignee to which this Agreement is
assigned.
SECTION 10. Dispute Resolution .
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Executive and the Company each hereby
irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court of Delaware (or, if subject matter
jurisdiction in that court is not available, in any state court located within the city of Wilmington, Delaware) over any
dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the
parties undertake not to commence any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in a forum
other than a forum described in this Section 10(a); provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude the Company
or the Executive from bringing any suit, action or proceeding in any other court for the purposes of enforcing the
provisions of this Section 10 or enforcing any judgment obtained by the Company or the Executive.
(b) The agreement of the parties to the forum described in Section 10(a) is independent of the law that
may be applied in any suit, action or proceeding and the parties agree to such forum even if such forum may under
applicable law choose to apply non-forum law. The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law, any objection that they now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such suit,
action or proceeding brought in an applicable court described in Section 10(a), and the parties agree that they shall not
attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court. The
parties agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, a final and non-appealable judgment in any suit,
action or proceeding brought in any applicable court
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described in Section 10(a) shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties and may be enforced in any other
jurisdiction.
(c) The parties hereto irrevocably consent to the service of any and all process in any suit, action or
proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement by the mailing of copies of such process to such party at such
partys address specified in Section 17.
(d) Each party hereto hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may
have to a trial by jury in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each
party hereto (i) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or
otherwise, that such party would not, in the event of any suit, action or proceeding, seek to enforce the foregoing
waiver and (ii) acknowledges that it and the other parties hereto have been induced to enter into this Agreement by,
among other things, the mutual waiver and certifications in this Section 10(d).
SECTION 11. Default in Payment . Any payment not made within ten (10) business days after it is due
in accordance with this Agreement shall thereafter bear interest, compounded annually, at the prime rate in effect from
time to time at Citibank, N.A., or any successor thereto. Such interest shall be payable at the same time as the
corresponding payment is payable.
SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE
IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND
PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.
SECTION 13. Amendment; No Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified,
waived or discharged except by a written document signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of the
Company. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not
be considered a waiver of such partys rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence
to that term or any other term of this Agreement. Except as provided in Section 1(r), no failure or delay by either party
in exercising any right or power hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of
any such right or power, or any abandonment of any steps to enforce such right or power, preclude any other or further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise,
express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party that are not set forth
expressly in this Agreement.
SECTION 14. Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of
being enforced by any applicable law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nonetheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon any such determination that any
term or provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to
modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible
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in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally
contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
SECTION 15. Entire Agreement . This Agreement, along with the employment agreement (the
Employment Agreement ), the Non-Competition Agreement (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and the
Confidentiality Agreement (as defined in the Employment Agreement), in each case, entered into with the Company as
of the date hereof, as may be amended from time to time, set forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect
of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of
any party hereto, and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is
hereby terminated and canceled. None of the parties shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any
representations and warranties or covenants relating to such subject matter except as specifically set forth herein.
SECTION 16. Survival . The rights and obligations of the parties under the provisions of this
Agreement, including Sections 6, 10, 11 and 12, shall survive and remain binding and enforceable, notwithstanding the
expiration of the Protection Period or the term of this Agreement, the termination of the Executives employment with
the Company for any reason or any settlement of the financial rights and obligations arising from the Executives
employment, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended benefits of such provisions.
SECTION 17. Notices . All notices or other communications required or permitted by this Agreement
will be made in writing and all such notices or communications will be deemed to have been duly given when delivered
or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to Company:

First Solar, Inc.

350 West Washington Street
Suite 600
Tempe, Arizona 85281
Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to Executive:
To Executive's then current address on file with the Company
or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that
notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
SECTION 18. Headings and References . The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience
only and neither constitute a part of this Agreement nor affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement. When a reference in this Agreement is made to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this
Agreement unless otherwise indicated.
First Solar, Inc.
13 of 14

SECTION 19. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including
via facsimile), each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.
SECTION 20. Interpretation . For purposes of this Agreement, the words include and including, and
variations thereof, shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation but rather shall be deemed to be followed by the words
without limitation. The term or is not exclusive. The word extent in the phrase to the extent shall mean the
degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply if.
SECTION 21. Time of the Essence . The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that time is of the
essence in the performance of the obligations of this Agreement and that the parties shall strictly adhere to any
timelines herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties as of the date first written
above.
FIRST SOLAR, INC.
By: James Hughes
Its: CEO
Signed:
/s/ Chris Bueter
Employee
Printed Name: Chris Bueter
2/17/16
Date
First Solar, Inc.
14 of 14

EXHIBIT 21.1
Subsidiaries of First Solar, Inc.
Name

Jurisdiction

First Solar Electric, LLC

First Solar Electric (California), Inc.
First Solar Development, LLC
First Solar Asset Management, LLC
Maryland Solar Holdings, Inc.
First Solar FE Holdings Pte Ltd
First Solar Malaysia Sdn Bhd
First Solar Holdings GmbH
First Solar Manufacturing GmbH
First Solar GmbH
First Solar Vietnam Holdings Pte Ltd
First Solar Vietnam Manufacturing Co Ltd
First Solar Power India Pvt Ltd
First Solar Elctrico (Chile) SpA
Parque Solar Fotovoltaico Luz del Norte SpA
First Solar (Australia) Pty Ltd
First Solar Development (Canada), Inc.
First Solar Japan GK

United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
Singapore
Malaysia
Germany
Germany
Germany
Vietnam
Vietnam
India
Chile
Chile
Australia
Canada
Japan

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-204461) and Form S-3 (No. 333189236) of First Solar, Inc. of our report dated February 24, 2016 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule, and the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
February 24, 2016

EXHIBIT 31.01
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 15 U.S.C. SECTION 7241, AS
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, James A. Hughes, certify that:
1
I have reviewed the Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for the period ended December 31, 2015 ,
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
2
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the
period covered by this report;
3
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of and for, the periods presented in this report;
4
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known
to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual Report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information;
and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's
internal control over financial reporting.
Date:

February 24, 2016

/s/ JAMES A. HUGHES

James A. Hughes
Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 31.02
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 15 U.S.C. SECTION 7241, AS
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Mark R. Widmar, certify that:
1
I have reviewed the Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for the period ended December 31, 2015 ,
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
2
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the
period covered by this report;
3
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of and for, the periods presented in this report;
4
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known
to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual Report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information;
and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's
internal control over financial reporting.
Date:

February 24, 2016

/s/ MARK R. WIDMAR

Mark R. Widmar
Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Accounting Officer

EXHIBIT 32.01
CERTIFICATION OF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for the period ended December 31, 2015 , as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, each of the undersigned officers of First Solar, Inc. certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his respective knowledge:
(1)

the annual report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended; and

(2)

the information contained in the annual report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of First Solar, Inc. for the periods presented therein.

Date:

February 24, 2016

/s/ JAMES A. HUGHES

James A. Hughes
Chief Executive Officer

Date:

February 24, 2016

/s/ MARK R. WIDMAR

Mark R. Widmar
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting
Officer