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Chalking up another milestone, First Solar has said it has now produced a combined 1GW of CdTe thin film modules since production first started in early 2002. The thin film leader expects to have a nominal production capacity of approximately 1.2GW by the end of 2009, which equates to 23 manufacturing lines from plants on three continents.

“This volume allows us to rapidly reduce manufacturing costs, thereby furthering our mission of making solar power an affordable alternative to conventional energy sources,” said Bruce Sohn, First Solar President. “We appreciate the many contributions our associates have made in reaching this 1GW milestone and are grateful for all their hard work.”

First Solar noted that it took more than  six years to reach 500MW of produced modules but only eight months to reach its second 500MW, testimony to its rapid capacity plans and execution.