KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Oct. 2012 – First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) was recognized at the inaugural Malaysia Greentech Awards ceremony as the Gold Award winner in the manufacturing category. First Solar Malaysia earned the award for its continuous commitment to excellence in green technology manufacturing practices and infusing elements of sustainability and nature preservation into its operations.
The Greentech Awards program is an initiative to showcase the best-in-class examples of creativity and innovation among the public and private sector players. Conferred by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water Malaysia in cooperation with Malaysian Green Technology Company, the Malaysia Greentech Award recognises the most innovative renewable energy leaders in Malaysia.
"We are greatly honoured to be recognized with the inaugural Malaysia Greentech Award for manufacturing, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team in Kulim to continuously reduce costs and our environmental impact across the entire solar value chain," said P’ng Soo Hong, First Solar Malaysia Managing Director. "Our corporate mission has always been to enable a world powered by clean, affordable solar electricity, and thanks to the commitment of all our associates, First Solar has the smallest carbon footprint and the lowest manufacturing cost in the photovoltaic industry."
P’ng added that First Solar is a proud partner and supporter of the Malaysian Government’s goal to turn the country into the regional hub of the future in green technology.
First Solar Malaysia actively participates in the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) via two National Key Economic Areas (NKEA); the Oil, Gas and Energy and Electronics and Electrical NKEAs. In line with the ETP’s vision, First Solar’s solar module cost reduction roadmap aims to achieve cost competitive parity with conventional fossil fuel and build up the nation’s solar capacity.
The implementation of innovative and sustainable renewable energy solutions are a keystone for the roadmap of turning Malaysia into a green technology hub. The Greentech Awards have been introduced to acknowledge the best green technology leaders in Malaysia as well as to identify future green technology ideas and initiatives that can help to transform the landscape of green business in Malaysia and worldwide.
The Greentech Awards 2012 was conferred on Friday, 12 October at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre as highlight of the third International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM).
About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules. 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 collection and 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 the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company's business involving the company's products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.
Burson-Marsteller (Malaysia) for First Solar
Jida Zainal Azman
03-2096 2200 ext. 607