Thai solar power plant built meets annual electricity needs of more than 5,100 homes

Bangkok, Feb 23, 2012 -Sonnedix Group and First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced the completion of the Nakhon Ratchasima Solar Farm in Khorat region, northeastern Thailand. The 7.5 megawatt (MW) (DC) solar power plant-one of the biggest to-date in Thailand-was built by Sonnedix with support of Assyce Fotovoltaica and Ch. Karnchang Group using around 95,000 of First Solar's innovative, thin-film solar modules.

"As a global solar independent power producer whose management has an extensive track record of more than fifteen years in Asia," said Sonnedix Chairman Franck Constant. "We are confident that this project, our first to become operational in Thailand, will serve as a strong base for our strategy of developing and building utility-size world-class solar farms and large rooftop solar power plants. It is our view that solar PV should be a mainstream power source in Thailand."

"The completion of the Nakhon Ratchasima Solar Farm is a considerable achievement and supports our commitment, shared with the Thai government, of reducing fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions," said Jack Curtis, First Solar Vice President, Sales and Business Development. "We believe that this project and others like it in Thailand will greatly benefit from our low-cost, environmentally leading technology, which has the smallest carbon footprint of any current PV technology."

"We are delighted to have partnered with the Sonnedix Group on this project in Thailand and to be working with Thai authorities as they increasingly adopt utility-scale PV solar as a clean, affordable source of renewable energy," said Kevin Berkemeyer, First Solar Senior Manager, Business Development. "We look forward to helping Thailand meet its energy needs and enhancing its energy security."

Covering around 20 hectares, the Nakhon Ratchasima Solar Farm can supply enough electricity to meet the annual needs of about 5,100 average Thai homes. It is expected to generate more than 10,500 megawatt hours of clean, green electricity per year, offsetting carbon dioxide emissions of more than 6,500 tons a year. A Buddhist inauguration ceremony took place at the power plant last week.

The modules in the project are covered by First Solar's industry-leading, prefunded module and recycling program.

About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology, and is a premier provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system solutions. The company is delivering an economically viable alternative to fossil-fuel generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating value-driven renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.

For First Solar Investors
This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company's business involving the company's products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.

About Sonnedix:
Sonnedix is an Independent Solar Power Producer (IPP) with a proven track record in delivering high performance cost competitive solar photovoltaic plants to the market. Sonnedix develops, builds, owns and operates solar power plants globally. Sonnedix currently owns over 50 megawatts (MW) photovoltaic (PV) power plants in operation or construction in Italy, France, Spain, US and Thailand and several hundred MW in development pipeline. For more information about Sonnedix, please visit www.sonnnedix.com