Silicon Ranch Selects First Solar Technology for Aerojet Rocketdyne Project

12MWac facility will be largest PV solar installation in Arkansas ---- Aerojet Rocketdyne on leading edge of trend for direct procurement of solar energy for industrial operations

TEMPE, Ariz. & NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Nashville-based renewable energy provider Silicon Ranch Corporation and Tempe-based First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) announce the selection of First Solar technology and products for the 12-Megawatt (MW)AC solar power project that will provide power to Aerojet Rocketdyne and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) in East Camden, Arkansas.


Silicon Ranch has selected First Solars advanced thin film modules and solar tracker racking solution for installation at Silicon Ranchs Highland Industrial Park solar field adjacent to Aerojet Rocketdynes 1,200-acre manufacturing and test facility. Electricity from the solar generation facility will directly supplement Aerojet Rocketdynes daytime operations. Under a unique set of power purchase agreements, excess electricity generated by the installation will be released to Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and integrated into the cooperatives diverse generation portfolio.

"With its manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, First Solar meets Aerojet Rocketdynes commitment to work with U.S. companies and support domestic development and manufacturing of technology that advances our nations strategic objectives," comments Erik Didriksen, Aerojet Rocketdyne EH&S strategist.

"This project is on the leading edge of a trend by U.S. industrial companies to commit to clean, renewable energy," said Matthew Kisber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Ranch Corporation. "Aerojet Rocketdyne understands that solar is a responsible choice from both environmental and economic considerations. It is a smart, enlightened strategic procurement decision. Silicon Ranch is proud to help them achieve that objective."

Kisber said Silicon Ranchs selection of First Solar was based on the companys streamlined Module Plus solution, which is essentially a bundling of First Solar PV modules, wiring and mounting system, pre-engineered to optimize First Solars proven module technology. The Aerojet Rocketdyne project includes a single-axis tracking table mounting system, which allows the modules to follow the sun across its daily arc. This tracker technology produces up to 25 percent more energy than fixed mounting systems, and is a configuration preferred by utility-scale solar projects around the world.

"Silicon Ranchs choice to partner with First Solar shows how this technology contributes to a competitively designed commercial and industrial solar power project," said Dana Diller, First Solars Vice President of Business Development - U.S. "This market segment includes large-scale business operations seeking ways to save on energy costs while adopting sustainable, environmentally sound purchasing practices. First Solar enables power plant operators and owners to mitigate their risk and maximize their energy return."

About Silicon Ranch
Silicon Ranch Corporation - www.siliconranchcorp.com - Silicon Ranch, one of the top 15 solar operators in the U.S., is a turnkey, renewable energy provider that customizes solar solutions based upon the individual needs of its customers. Silicon Ranchs value to its customers is its ability to develop and execute solar solutions that help companies build brand equity and pursue a socially responsible community benefit while allowing those companies to focus on their core business activities. Silicon Ranch has been instrumental in helping its partners accomplish numerous "firsts" in their respective marketplaces.

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 companys 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 Solars renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. www.firstsolar.com.

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