"These U.S. assets are an excellent complement to our existing project pipeline"

TEMPE, Ariz.--First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) announced today it has acquired a pipeline of U.S. and Mexico development assets from Element Power. The 1.5 GW pipeline includes geographically diverse projects in various stages of development. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Included in the pipeline are projects in California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado, Louisiana and Illinois. The projects are competitively positioned in their respective markets and have secured site options and interconnect queue positions, and are at various stages of environmental screening and permitting.

"These U.S. assets are an excellent complement to our existing project pipeline," said Tim Rebhorn, First Solar's Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Americas. "The mix of projects in emerging U.S. regions and an optimized pipeline in established markets will better position First Solar to secure customer off-take agreements."

The portfolio also includes several Mexican projects located in the State of Sonora that are in a position to take advantage of the emerging utility scale PV market in Mexico.

"The Mexican project pipeline strategically positions First Solar for our entry into the market," said Rebhorn. "We are excited by the opportunity to explore new relationships with CFE and with commercial and industrial customers and the Mexican government, and to establish a strong initial presence in the region."

"It is a pleasure to announce the close of a second transaction with First Solar," said Raimund Grube, President and COO of Element Power. "This sale of projects from our portfolio demonstrates a relationship that brings together the strengths of each company to add high quality solar assets to the energy mix in the US and Mexico. As a key component to delivering competitive renewable energy, we look forward to maintaining strong relationships with companies like First Solar who consistently demonstrate a lead position in the industry through successful acquisition, development and construction of solar projects."

Key staff from Element will support a seamless transition of project development activities to First Solar's project development team.

About Element Power

Element Power develops, acquires, builds and operates utility-scale solar and wind power projects, creating clean, renewable sources of energy to meet the increasing demand for green electricity and to address the pressing challenges of global warming and energy security. Element Power is owned by Hudson Clean Energy Partners, a leading global private equity firm dedicated solely to investing in renewable power, alternative fuels, and energy efficiency and storage. Learn more at www.elpower.com.

About First Solar

First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced module and system technology. The company's 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 Solar's renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.