First Solar Hires Johan Cilliers as Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa

Establishes South Africa operating subsidiary

CAPE TOWN, South Africa & TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced that Johan Cilliers has joined the company as Regional Director of Business Development for Sub-Saharan Africa and Managing Director of its new South Africa operating subsidiary. Cilliers will be based in First Solar’s newly established office in Cape Town and will report to Christopher Burghardt, Vice President of Business Development for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

“I am excited to be part of the First Solar team, which combines proven technology and unrivaled experience with a local approach that supports both the energy and economic development needs of this market”

Cilliers brings more than 25 years of energy industry experience in South Africa and the region to First Solar. He joins from Suzlon, where he was vice president of sales and marketing in South Africa. Prior to that he worked at General Electric, Siemens and Eskom in a wide range of roles including market development, sales and marketing, project development and financing.

"South Africa has great potential to be a sustainable market for solar energy, and Cilliers’ quarter-century of experience in the African energy industry and strong understanding of the Sub-Saharan Africa market will be invaluable as we work with our customers to help the region meet its energy and economic development needs," said Burghardt.

"I am excited to be part of the First Solar team, which combines proven technology and unrivaled experience with a local approach that supports both the energy and economic development needs of this market," said Cilliers.

Cilliers earned a BS degree in chemistry from the University of Pretoria and BS degree in energy from the University of Johannesburg.

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules. 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 collection and recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy systems 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.