First Solar Series 6 Completes CSA C450 Test Protocol at CSA Group's PV Test Lab CFV Solar

Test validates performance in extreme, harsh conditions

Thresher and Long Term Sequential certifications also achieved

TEMPE, Ariz., Dec. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Solar's FSLR Series 6 thin film photovoltaic (PV) module technology has met completion criteria in the newly published CSA/ANSI C450, PV Module Testing Protocol for Quality Assurance, administered by CSA Group's PV test lab, CFV Solar Test Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The test results provide confidence in the harsh climate durability and long term performance of Series 6 modules. 

"CSA/ANSI C450 is the first publicly available standard to address extended stress testing of PV modules beyond that required for safety certification and qualification," said Dana Parmenter, CSA Group's Vice President of Industrial. "The public nature of the standard, with a Technical Committee consisting of key stakeholders in the PV industry, ushers in a new era of transparency and standardization for project developers, independent engineers and investors looking to evaluate module quality and reduce potential risks."

Elaborating on the benefits of the standard to the PV industry, Parmenter said CSA/ANSI C450 consists of a portfolio of extended environmental tests including temperature cycling, damp heat exposure, mechanical load testing, UV exposure and PID (Potential Induced Degradation) testing. The test protocols were established because of their effectiveness in replicating actual field failure experiences.

"This is a significant milestone demonstrating the robustness of our technology. Our relentless pursuit of rapid innovation and evolutionary design has paid off with a unique market offering that enables maximizing value and reducing risk," said Lou Trippel, First Solar's Vice President of Product Management. "These latest Series 6 durability results continue First Solar's industry leadership in the areas of product durability and reliability."

Trippel noted that Series 6 attained IEC and UL certification earlier this year, and that CSA/ANSI C450 is the third of three major independent laboratory tests successfully completed in 2018 that support Series 6 reliability and durability in extreme conditions. In October, VDE completed successful Thresher Test evaluation of the Series 6 module, and successful Long Term Sequential testing followed in November.

LINK to Series 6 technical information

CONTACTS

First Solar Media
Steve Krum
+1 602.427.3359
steve.krum@firstsolar.com

First Solar Investors
Stephen Haymore
+1 602.414.9315
stephen.haymore@firstsolar.com

CSA Group
David Korvah
+1 216.524.4990
david.korvah@csagroup.org

About CSA Group

CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good, and sustainability, and a leader in safety and environmental certification around the world including Canada, the U.S, Europe, and Asia. Our mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard. For more information about CSA Group, please visit www.csagroup.org

About SFC Solar

CFV Solar Test Laboratory, located in Albuquerque, NM, is a state-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) test center, accredited to ISO17025. CFV is jointly owned by the world-renowned standards and research organizations: CSA Group, Fraunhofer ISE, and Fraunhofer CSE.

About First Solar, Inc.

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

For First Solar Investors

This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the completion of certain third party test protocols, test results and the durability, reliability and performance of First Solar's Series 6 modules. These forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of 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 and therefore speak only as of the date of this release. 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, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the matters discussed under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations" of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as supplemented by our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: First Solar, Inc.