First Solar Joins U.S. Clean Energy Business Mission to China

First Solar Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, is participating as one of 24 businesses on a cabinet-level Clean Energy Trade Mission led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke that is arriving in Beijing on May 19.

The delegation is traveling throughout China through May 21 to explore opportunities to meet China’s growing demand for clean energy through leading energy technologies and solutions. First Solar president Bruce Sohn is participating in the trade mission along with 45 other business executives.

“The companies on this trade mission are at the vanguard of a movement to meet the world’s clean energy needs,” Commerce Secretary Locke said. “As they grow their presence in fast-growing countries like China, companies like First Solar can help solve unprecedented energy and environmental challenges while creating good paying jobs for the people of America and China. That’s a win for everyone involved.”

The goal of the trade mission is to help U.S. companies already doing business in China grow by increasing their exports and assist experienced U.S. exporters looking to enter the Chinese market for the first time.

First Solar has a module manufacturing plant in Perrysburg, OH, and a U.S. workforce exceeding 1,400 associates—a figure that has more than doubled since 2006, largely as a result of exports.

“First Solar welcomes the opportunity to take part in this important clean energy trade mission to China,” said Sohn. “China has the potential to become a leading global solar market and we intend to contribute to sustainable solar developments in all key markets globally.”

First Solar has signed an agreement with the Ordos City Government to develop the world’s largest solar power plant in Inner Mongolia, an undertaking that involves First Solar bringing its differentiated and advanced solar PV technology to China and leveraging its success in building large-scale PV power plants.

“We are encouraged by the Chinese government’s focus on adopting sustainable clean energy technology and making renewable electricity economically viable,” added Sohn. “As a partner to China, we are committed to helping make that happen.”