First Solar, Microsoft Team-Up to Power Arizona Datacenters with Cleaner Solar

TEMPE, Ariz., July 30, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- US-headquartered First Solar, Inc. FSLR today announced that its Sun Streams 2 photovoltaic (PV) solar plant will power new energy-efficient datacenters being built by Microsoft Corp. in Goodyear and El Mirage, Arizona. The 150-megawatt (MW)AC facility, is being developed and constructed by First Solar in Maricopa County and will power the data centers under a 20-year agreement.

First Solar Series 6

The power plant will use First Solar's proprietary Series 6 module technology which has a carbon footprint that is up to six times lower than conventionally-manufactured crystalline silicon PV panels, giving it a superior environmental profile and allowing Sun Streams 2 to deliver cleaner solar electricity. First Solar, which is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, is expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for Series 6 modules, with its second facility in the United States - representing nearly $1 billion in cumulative investment - expected to start production in early-2020. Once the Perrysburg, Ohio facility is operational, First Solar will be the western hemisphere's, and America's, largest solar module manufacturer.

"First Solar's high-tech factories, which are some of the most sophisticated and sustainable facilities of their type in the world, are enabled by Microsoft technologies and the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, including Azure IoT Hub and SQL Data Warehouse. The Series 6 modules produced by these factories will power Sun Streams 2, which, in turn, will be used to deliver renewable energy to our world-class datacenters in Arizona," said Brian Janous, General Manager of Energy and Sustainability at Microsoft. "This is an example of how Microsoft is able to accelerate clean energy and create symbiotic value, not only in our operations but beyond."

Once operational in 2021, the Sun Streams 2 project will displace 190,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to taking 37,000 cars off the road every year and saving 356 million liters of water annually based on Arizona averages. The air quality benefits of the project will amount to more than $12.5 million in avoided healthcare costs annually.

"As the global leader in corporate solar, we're delighted to support Microsoft's decarbonization commitments," said Karl Brutsaert, Senior Director of Corporate Renewables at First Solar. "Microsoft operates one of the largest and most innovative cloud infrastructures in the world, so it is only fitting that its latest datacenters are powered by cleaner solar electricity generated by some of the most eco-efficient and innovative solar technology available today."

Sun Streams 2 is expected to begin construction in late-2019 and will provide up to 500 construction jobs. Aligned with Arizona's renewable energy policy, the project will contribute significant economic benefits to Maricopa County, including increased tax revenues to support local schools.

"As an Arizona-based company and an American solar manufacturer, we're thrilled to be powering these datacenters, which will be important drivers of local investment and economic growth," said Kathryn Arbeit, Vice President of Project Development for First Solar. "This collaboration with Microsoft demonstrates just how large-scale solar can unlock value for local communities that benefit not only from the generation of jobs but also from the tax revenues for the county."

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. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com. 

For First Solar Investors

This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to 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 development, construction, and operation of a 150 MW_ac solar system. 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.

Contacts

First Solar Media
Reuven Proença
+971 (0)4 4559 410
reuven.proenca@firstsolar.com 

First Solar Investor Relations
investor@firstsolar.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4a1ba2ca-bac6-4e36-abcb-e44a2d4f0ba2