Better Health for All

First Solar's core product, CdTe solar modules, delivers substantial positive health impacts by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing air pollution and associated respiratory health issues.

The company's entire product portfolio contributes to this benefit. While cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, is used, the risk of exposure from end-products is negligible due to encapsulation, meaning no significant negative health impacts from revenue. The company maintains a perfect safety record for users, with negligible risk from its end-products. First Solar demonstrates exceptional risk transparency by acknowledging the use of cadmium, explaining the negligible risk from encapsulated materials, and detailing a pre-funded module collection and recycling program established in 2005. Operations generate significant positive health externalities through documented reductions in greenhouse gas emissions intensity (11%), manufacturing energy intensity (8%), manufacturing waste intensity (28%), and manufacturing water intensity (20%) in 2023, which indirectly promote public health by lowering environmental pollutants. The company's business model does not involve health-related products or services requiring considerations for price accessibility, vulnerable reach, health innovation investment, health equity programs, healthcare workforce support, healthcare data responsibility, global health crisis response, mental health initiatives, pharma patent flexibility, nutrition and food safety, healthcare education, addiction mitigation, or clinical trial ethics.

Fair Money & Economic Opportunity

First Solar Inc. is primarily a manufacturer of solar panels and a provider of utility-scale PV power plants, not a financial institution. As such, most KPIs related to consumer lending, financial products, and banking services are not applicable to its core business model, and no specific data points are available. While the company invested $11 million in 2021, including $10 million in Impact Notes from LISC and a $1 million deposit in HOPE Credit Union, to provide capital for underserved communities

, the percentage of annual pre-tax profit represented by this investment is not provided in the articles, preventing a score for profit reinvestment. No other specific, quantifiable data points relevant to the remaining financial inclusion and fair lending KPIs are available in the provided evidence.

Fair Pay & Worker Respect

First Solar Inc. has established comprehensive labor and human rights policies, including freely-chosen employment, child labor prohibition, humane treatment, fair working hours, wages, benefits, non-discrimination, and freedom of association.

The company follows a pay-for-performance model, conducting minimum and living wage assessments across its operations, and offers competitive compensation and benefits such as health care, retirement programs, and education assistance. First Solar has a zero-tolerance policy for forced labor, does not source from Xinjiang, China, and requires suppliers to comply with the Responsible Business Alliance code of conduct. In 2023, the company faced a $6,696 penalty for a safety violation. Third-party audits revealed forced labor practices, including the withholding of passports, among subcontractors in Malaysia, which the company promptly corrected. In 2020, the company settled a wage violation lawsuit. First Solar's injury rate is five times lower than the industry average, and it has achieved ISO 45001:2018 certification.

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing

First Solar achieved platinum status in the Responsible Business Alliance's (RBA) Validated Assessment Program for independent third-party social audits conducted across its global facilities in 2024.

The company joined the RBA in 2021 to support workers' rights and well-being , gaining access to tools for compliance verification and audits. First Solar also ensures no materials are sourced from Xinjiang, China, to mitigate forced labor risks.

Honest & Fair Business

First Solar incurred $16,746 in regulatory fines for workplace safety or health violations in 2023 and 2024.

The company maintains a Global Anti-Corruption Policy that requires compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, prohibits bribery, kickbacks, and improper payments. This policy includes risk-based training for employees in higher-risk roles, and its compliance processes are regularly monitored and audited. First Solar also has a formal whistleblower policy that allows associates and business partners to report concerns confidentially and anonymously without retaliation. An Ethics Hotline, managed by an independent third party to ensure confidentiality, is available with specific toll-free numbers for multiple countries, and reports are reviewed thoroughly to address any issues.

No War, No Weapons

In 2024, an audit by First Solar discovered the use of forced labor in a Malaysian factory producing parts for the company.

The company subsequently took measures to address these human rights violations within its supply chain.

Planet-Friendly Business

First Solar's science-based and net-zero targets were validated by SBTi in 2023, including a 34% GHG emissions reduction goal by 2028 and net-zero by 2050.

The company operates a high-value recycling program that recovers 90% of materials. An 11% decrease in GHG emissions intensity was reported in 2023 , and its Series 7 modules have a carbon footprint four times lower than conventional modules.

Respect for Cultures & Communities

First Solar encountered challenges in community engagement during the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm development, including unauthorized access to private land and disturbances to cultural sites

. Following these concerns, critics called for comprehensive cultural resource surveys and consultations with Native American tribes , indicating a reactive response to cultural incidents and the absence of a formal cultural impact assessment protocol despite operating in culturally sensitive areas. In a separate project, the company developed the Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project on the Moapa River Indian Reservation , which provided local employment and long-term revenue to the Moapa Band of Paiutes , and included over $1.6 million in fees for environmental protection .

Safe & Smart Tech

First Solar's US, Vietnam, and Malaysia facilities achieved platinum status, the highest possible rating, in the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Validated Assessment Program (VAP) audits as of December 2023

, and the company incorporates NIST cybersecurity framework guidance. First Solar is recognized as an industry leader in human rights, being one of only two companies among six major solar manufacturers with a strong human rights commitment in the 2023 Renewable Energy Human Rights Benchmark report , where it outperformed its peers and advocates for responsible solar and raising awareness of modern slavery risks. The company maintains a cybersecurity risk management program that includes regular risk assessments, internal and external penetration testing by third-party providers, continuous cyber risk register reviews, and uses incident and vulnerability management systems. It also conducts regular security testing, including architectural and technical assessments by third-party experts. Employees receive annual cybersecurity training, periodic phishing simulation exercises with targeted training, and regular confidential information protection training. The company utilizes secure multi-factor sign-in tools and access management systems.

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

First Solar achieved a 95% average global material recovery rate in 2023 from its module recycling program.

Its modules are designed for high-value recycling, with a 95% average global material recovery rate for components at end-of-life. The company established the industry's first global and comprehensive module collection and recycling program in 2005, offering services in all regions, and implements an unconditional prefunded program for pre-2013 sales. First Solar was founded on the premise of a circular economy, designing modules for high-value recycling, including closed-loop semiconductor recovery for new modules, and converting mining byproducts into PV technology. The company achieved a 23% reduction in manufacturing waste intensity compared to 2022, increased water recycling by 88% compared to 2022, and its recycling plants have generated zero wastewater discharge since 2018. For hazardous waste, over 90% of semiconductor materials are recovered for reuse in new panels. First Solar's CadTel semiconductor material can produce electricity for 30 years or more, aligning with the industry average lifespan. Its CdTe technology uses approximately 2% to 3% of the semiconductor material required for conventional crystalline silicon modules. First Solar provides clear disposal information on all individual modules and offers recycling services to help owners meet end-of-life obligations.