SOLAR ENERGY
We have developed, financed, engineered, constructed, sold and currently operate many of the world’s largest and most advanced photovoltaic (PV) power plants.
With expertise in everything solar, we offer a range of configurable product solutions for different types of customers and partners. Our three main offerings include structured energy products, system solutions, and PV plant components—all of which are backed by our industry-leading services and warranties.
Solar Product
Modules
We are able to provide the best in performance, quality, and reliability to our customers because we invest more in research and development than any other solar company in the world.
Our advanced PV modules are designed to generate more energy per watt than competing solar panels. With more than 10GW installed worldwide, First Solar modules are the foundation for our high-performance PV energy solutions.
AC Power Block
The AC Power Block™ is a configurable power generation unit that enables construction of a fully integrated First Solar utility scale power plant. The AC Power Block delivers bankable PV energy at the lowest LCOE in the world's most diverse regions.
By utilizing technologies optimized by First Solar, the AC Power Block provides verification of the power plant energy model ensuring that delivered performance equals predicted performance resulting in verified asset value for the plant owner
AC Power Block Solution
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Power Block Configuration
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First Solar Advanced PV Modules
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First Solar Mounting Solutions
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Inverters
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First Solar Plant Control System and SCADA
PV Power Plant Features
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Stable grid integration and advanced plant control features
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Maximum project value with our engineering & plant optimization services
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Bankable results with project development and financing expertise
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Superior energy yield with integrated and optimized technologies throughout the plant
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World-class execution with our procurement and construction capabilities
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Industry-leading system availability with our operations and maintenance (O&M) services
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Technologies proven to deliver reliable energy yield and stable grid integration
Integration & Control Systems
Developing electricity-generation assets starts with grid integration. We understand the challenges associated with integrating solar into the electricity grid on a global scale. Our power plants are equipped with advanced plant control features typical of large, conventional power plants that actively stabilize the electricity grid.
Plant Design & Engineering
Every project is different. Project specific factors such as the local irradiance, weather, soil, wind, and topography must be taken into account for the design, layout, technology selection, and system
configuration.
Energy Output and Project Value
In a process called “design optimization,” we go beyond standard plant engineering to configure PV plants that maximize project value. By applying our experience and expertise to meticulously configure PV plant parameters, we ensure our PV plants deliver the maximum financial results.
Construction Process
First Solar has made numerous improvements to construction processes in order to increase installation speed, reduce labor costs and environmental impact, and maximize energy output over the life of the plant
Site Preparation and Environmental Mitigation
Our first utility-scale PV plants employed a grading technique during the site preparation process that provided a level foundation for the construction of the PV plant. Over time, we have evolved our site preparation processes in order to minimize land disturbance. One example of this is our disk-and-roll technique, which contours the land without changing the macro-level topography and existing drainage patterns in order to minimize impact, resulting in less earth movement, air emissions, and water use during construction.
Operations & Maintenance
PV power plants generate electricity for multiple decades. We have developed industry-leading O&M capabilities to ensure our PV power plants generate as much energy (and revenue) for our customers as possible. We have also incorporated forecasting and energy scheduling capabilities to assist grid operators and utilities with daily load balancing.
