First Solar, Inc. · Tempe, AZ United States ·(NASDAQ (GM): FSLR)

Like the ancient Egyptians who worshiped Ra, First Solar looks to the sun for rising fortunes. The company develops and makes photovoltaic (PV) modules for converting sunlight into electricity. Using a thin-film semiconductor process, a piece of glass is transformed into a complete solar module in less than three hours. The technology is cheaper to make, and can produce more electricity under real-world conditions than conventional silicon solar panels with similar power ratings. Founded in Ohio, First Solar finds a hospitable public-policy environment abroad for manufacturing, marketing, and distribution operations. Most of its module sales are to solar project developers and system integrators in Germany. To read the full description, subscribe now.