Public Profile

First Solar

First Solar, Inc., a leading player in the solar energy sector, is headquartered in the United States, with significant operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Founded in 1999, the company has established itself as a pioneer in photovoltaic (PV) solar technology, focusing on the design and manufacturing of thin-film solar modules. First Solar's unique cadmium telluride (CdTe) technology sets it apart, offering high efficiency and lower environmental impact compared to traditional silicon-based solar cells. The company has achieved notable milestones, including being one of the largest solar manufacturers globally and a key contributor to utility-scale solar projects. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, First Solar continues to strengthen its market position, driving the transition to renewable energy solutions.

DitchCarbon Score

How does First Solar's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.

60

Industry Average

Mean score of companies in the Solar Thermal Electricity industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.

17

Industry Benchmark

First Solar's score of 60 is higher than 100% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.

100%

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First Solar's reported carbon emissions

In 2023, First Solar reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 4,366,015,100 kg CO2e, with emissions distributed across various scopes: 7,690,000 kg CO2e (Scope 1), 776,502,000 kg CO2e (Scope 2), and 3,660,151,000 kg CO2e (Scope 3). The company has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. First Solar has established near-term targets to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 34% by 2028, using 2020 as the baseline year. Additionally, it aims to cut Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services by 45% per megawatt produced within the same timeframe. Long-term goals include a 90% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 97% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from capital goods and fuel- and energy-related activities by 2050. The company previously achieved a 35% reduction in GHG intensity by 2016 from a 2008 baseline and has set a new five-year goal to reduce GHG emissions intensity per watt produced by 45% by 2021. First Solar's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its ongoing efforts to lower emissions and transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

Unlock detailed emissions data

Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents

2014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Scope 1
10,593,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
00,000,000
0,000,000
Scope 2
320,302,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
Scope 3
-
-
000,000,000
000,000,000
0,000,000,000
0,000,000,000
0,000,000,000
0,000,000,000
0,000,000,000
0,000,000,000

Industry emissions intensity

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
Some industries are more carbon intensive than others. First Solar's primary industry is Electricity by solar thermal, which is medium in terms of carbon intensity compared to other industries.

Location emissions intensity

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
The carbon intensity of the energy grid powering a company's primary operations has a strong influence on its overall carbon footprint. This request for First Solar is in US, which has a low grid carbon intensity relative to other regions.

Reduction initiatives & disclosure networks

Companies disclose and commit to reducing emissions to show they are serious about reducing emissions impact over time. They can also help a company track its progress over time.

First Solar is participating in some of the initiatives that we track. This may change over time as the company engages with new initiatives or updates its commitments. DitchCarbon will update this information as it becomes available.

Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Race To Net Zero
Reduction Actions

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