First Solar Begins Operation of 250MW Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project

MOAPA, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) and the Moapa Band of Paiutes joined Sen. Dean Heller, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Nevada State Energy Office Director Angela Dykema, Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, executives from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and other community and energy industry leaders to celebrate the commissioning of the Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project. Officials from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Affairs also participated in this event.

The Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project is a 250 Megawatt (MW) AC solar energy project capable of generating enough clean energy to power an estimated 111,000 homes. Located on the Moapa River Indian reservation approximately 30 miles north of Las Vegas, this facility is the first-ever utility-scale solar power plant to be built on tribal land and has a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with LADWP to bring clean, renewable energy to Los Angeles residents.

"We look forward to doing more projects like this in Nevada," said Georges Antoun, Chief Commercial Officer for First Solar. "Our PV technology is setting the standard for affordable, clean renewable energy. By continuously innovating, we are driving down the cost of solar electricity and providing a solution that addresses energy security and water scarcity. We are delivering on our commitment to build a more sustainable energy future."

For the Moapa Band of Paiutes, this solar energy project has proven to be an ideal economic development opportunity, providing lease revenues over the lifetime of the project and about 115 construction jobs for tribal members and other Native Americans, while also preserving their land and cultural heritage.

The Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project, constructed and operated by First Solar, features more than 3.2 million advanced First Solar thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. This equates to more than 25 million square feet of solar panels, or enough to cover more than 450 NFL football fields. The energy will serve LADWP under a 25-year PPA.

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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