The First Solar Company

First Solar, Inc. is a design and manufacturing company found in 1999 that produces photovoltaic modules, or solar panels, through the use of thin film semiconductors. The company however, has a much earlier history than scribed. In 1984, inventor and owner of Solar Cells, Inc Harold McMaster began manufacturing solar cells from silicon (energyandcapital, para 8). However, as silicon became more expensive, McMaster decided to switch to the use of a material called cadmium telluride. This material was far cheaper than silicon, and eventually allowed the company to thrive. In 1999 the company was purchased by True North Partners, LLC and was named First Solar, Inc (energyandcapital, para 10). First Solar is the first solar company to flourish …show more content…
Using the financial database MorningStar, First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) experienced explosive growth in revenue from the start of their trade in 2006. The company reached a record high of a 65% revenue growth within a year. However, in the recent years of 2013-2015 revenue grew only at a rate of 5.5%. This indicates that First Solar can possibly diminish in marginal return for future profits. Meaning they might not be able to hold production of their company in the long run. Furthermore, earnings per share and net income represents the company’s long term survival. During the years 2011-2012, First Solar had a negative earnings per share ratio, demonstrating that the cash outflow of the company exceeded cash inflow. In other words, First Solar was spending more money than it was receiving. As reported in Financial Morningstar, “their capital spending ratio was -732 and -379,” First Solar has been spending every year since they went public on capital expansion (Morningstar). Judging by these numbers, First Solar is attempting to expand their equity faster than they are able to keep up with. This slowdown in earnings per share could mean that the company is receiving little to no income, which would impact the profitability and growth of the company. However, opportunity for First Solar is huge because they are the global provider of photovoltaic energy …show more content…
First Solar is dedicated to being a “good neighbor with great responsibility” (FirstSolar, para 1). The company’s charitable activity is reported to be “providing green education programs, financial contributions, and as well as module donations to provide access to clean energy and drinking water” (FirstSolar, para 1). First solar contributes a wide variety of programs across the globe through the Toledo Community Foundation, a foundation which helps assist those who are willing to provide and make the community a better place for the future generations to come. First Solar’s program is intended to create clean accessible energy and drinking water while avoiding harm to the environment. In addition, First Solar delivers the industry’s most prominent source of eco-efficient photovoltaic technology with an exceptional edge to low costs while moving society in a direction towards sustainability. The primary mission of First Solar is to endure a world powered by clean, safe, and affordable solar electricity. This mission is administered through a broad range of economic, social, and environmental actions. These actions include creating global recycling programs for used modules, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 95%, as well as holding a commitment for minimal land use