Demonstration System Supports Ministry's Renewable Energy Goals

First Solar, Inc.(Nasdaq: FSLR) recently completed installation of a 3.2 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's Solar Energy Center (SEC) in Gwal Pahari, about 30 minutes outside of New Delhi. The system, which was donated by First Solar, will help the SEC to achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy consumption while also demonstrating First Solar's advanced, thin-film technology.

The PV array will provide free, clean electricity to the Center's offices, testing equipment and laboratories. In addition, the system includes state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to capture irradiance, climate and system performance data that can be studied by experts at the Center.

"We are pleased to help support the SEC in its goal of procuring 100% of its own electricity needs from clean solar energy," said Sujoy Ghosh, First Solar's India Country Head. "We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the performance characteristics and potential of First Solar's thin-film PV technology in India's climatic conditions."

The PV array includes 40 of First Solar's innovative, thin-film solar modules, the monitoring station designed by BEC Engineering and an inverter by SMA. It is connected to a 440V mini-grid at the SEC.