First Solar

“The solar industry may experience periods of structural imbalance between global PV module supply and demand that result in periods of pricing volatility, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In the aggregate, we believe manufacturers of solar cells and modules have significant installed production capacity, relative to global demand, and the ability for additional capacity expansion. For example, we estimate that in 2025 approximately 105 GW of capacity was added by solar module manufacturers, primarily in China. We believe the solar industry may from time to time experience periods of structural imbalance between supply and demand, and that excess capacity will continue to put pressure on pricing.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Module average selling prices in many global markets have declined. However, recent module pricing in the United States, our primary market, has remained stable due, in part, to the rising demand for domestically manufactured modules as a result of the IRA, energy tax credit eligibility restrictions (including foreign-entity-related limitations) as amended by the OBBBA, and tariffs on modules imported into the United States.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“There may be additional pressure on global demand and average selling prices in the future resulting from fluctuating demand in certain major solar markets, such as China. If our competitors maintain module pricing at levels near or below their manufacturing costs, or are able to operate at minimal or negative operating margins for sustained periods of time, or if global demand for PV modules decreases relative to installed production capacity, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Even if demand for solar modules continues to grow, the rapid manufacturing capacity expansion undertaken by many module manufacturers in China and certain parts of Southeast Asia, particularly manufacturers of crystalline silicon wafers, cells, and modules, has created and may continue to cause periods of structural imbalances between supply and demand.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“As a result, we may be unable to sell our solar modules at attractive prices, or for a profit, during any period of excess supply of solar modules, which would reduce our net sales and adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, we may decide to lower our average selling prices to customers in certain markets in response to competition, which could also reduce our net sales and adversely affect our results of operations.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Table of Contents During the year ended December 31, 2025, we settled certain of our obligations related to these issues and continued to engage in settlement discussions with various additional customers. We believe a reasonable estimate of potential future losses will range from approximately $35 million to $75 million.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In addition, we believe any significant decrease in the cost of silicon feedstock or polysilicon would reduce the manufacturing cost of crystalline silicon modules and lead to further pricing pressure for solar modules and potentially an oversupply of solar modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“He is responsible for First Solar’s global manufacturing operations and engineering, including its performance and improvement roadmap, global technology scaling, new plant start-ups, and strategic initiatives.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“He is focused on driving First Solar’s thin film PV module technology.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Such technologies include the development of bifacial modules, the implementation of our CuRe program, and the ongoing R&D of a viable and commercially scalable perovskite product. •Bifacial. While conventional solar modules are monofacial, meaning their ability to produce energy is a function of direct and diffuse irradiance on their front side, most module manufacturers offer bifacial modules that also capture diffuse irradiance on the back side of a module. Bifaciality compromises nameplate power, but by converting both front and back side irradiance, such technology may improve the overall energy production of a module relative to nameplate power when applied in certain applications, which could lower the overall LCOE of a system when compared to systems using monofacial solar modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“•CuRe. Our CuRe program is intended to improve our current semiconductor structure by replacing copper with certain other elements that are expected to enhance module performance by improving its bifaciality characteristics, improving its temperature coefficient, and improving its warranted degradation. As a result of these performance improvements, our PV solar modules are expected to produce more energy in real-world operating conditions over their estimated useful lives than crystalline silicon modules with the same nameplate power.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We provide a limited PV solar module warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service conditions for up to 12.5 years. We also typically warrant that modules installed in accordance with agreed-upon specifications will produce at least 98% of their labeled power output rating during the first year, with the warranty coverage reducing by a degradation factor every year thereafter throughout the limited power output warranty period of up to 30 years.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We are the world’s largest thin film PV solar module manufacturer and the largest PV solar module manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Modules Business Our modules business involves the design, manufacture, and sale of CdTe solar modules, which convert sunlight into electricity. Since the inception of First Solar, our modules have used our advanced thin film semiconductor technology.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Risks Related to Our Operations, Manufacturing, and Technology •We face intense competition from manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules; if global supply exceeds global demand, it could lead to a further reduction in the average selling price for PV solar modules, which could reduce our net sales and adversely affect our results of operations. •Problems with product quality or performance may cause us to incur significant and/or unexpected contractual damages and/or warranty and related expenses, damage our market reputation, and prevent us from maintaining or increasing our market share. •Our failure to further refine our technology and develop and introduce improved PV products, including as a result of delays in implementing planned advancements, could render our solar modules uncompetitive and reduce our net sales, profitability, and/or market share.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Market Overview Solar energy is one of the fastest growing forms of renewable energy with numerous benefits, including economic benefits and speed of deployment, which make it an attractive complement to or substitute for traditional forms of energy generation. In recent years, the cost of electricity from PV solar power systems has generally been competitive with or below other forms of generation. Other technological developments in the renewable energy industry, such as the advancement of energy storage capabilities, have further enhanced the prospects of solar energy as an attractive complement to traditional forms of energy generation. As a result of these and other factors, worldwide solar markets continue to develop and expand.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We continue to research and develop our thin-film semiconductor technology, with a focus on the use of perovskite thin films. Perovskites have the potential to significantly increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of PV solar modules either through single-junction or potentially multi-junction devices. Supported by the associates at our California and European Technology Centers, we continue to advance our work on improving both the efficiency and stability of this technology in developing a commercially scalable perovskite product.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Energy Performance In many climates, our solar modules provide certain energy production advantages relative to competing crystalline silicon solar modules. As a result, our solar modules can produce more energy in real-world operating conditions than conventional crystalline silicon modules with the same nameplate power.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“As such, we operate as a single operating segment. Our third-party customers include system developers, independent power producers, utilities, commercial and industrial companies, large corporate energy buyers, and other system owners and operators.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In the United States, competition is influenced primarily through incentive‑based domestic content requirements and restrictions related to foreign entities of concern (“FEOC”), which affect eligibility for certain federal tax credits rather than imposing absolute sourcing mandates. Such U.S. policies incentivize the use of U.S.‑manufactured or non‑Chinese equipment and can advantage competitors with established domestic supply relationships, vertically integrated operations, or access to compliant suppliers.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In 2025, the U.S. President imposed a series of tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (“IEEPA”). As it pertains to the countries where we manufacture solar modules, IEEPA tariffs applied to Vietnam (20%), India (25%), and Malaysia (19%).”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The additional, higher tariffs on imports from these countries has increased the costs of our solar modules manufactured in these countries with respect to our U.S. market. Further, such circumstances have and may continue to impact our ability to sell certain modules into the United States and therefore have and may continue to also impact the operational status of certain of our international manufacturing facilities. As a result, our operating results have and may continue to be adversely impacted by these tariffs.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Risks Related to Regulations •We have received and expect to continue to receive certain financial benefits as a result of tax incentives enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and amended by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. If these financial benefits vary significantly from our assumptions, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected. •Existing regulations and policies, changes thereto, and new regulations and policies may present technical, regulatory, and economic barriers to the purchase and use of PV solar products, which may significantly reduce demand for our modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Module average selling prices in many global markets have declined. However, recent module pricing in the United States, our primary market, has remained stable due, in part, to the rising demand for domestically manufactured modules as a result of the IRA, energy tax credit eligibility restrictions (including foreign-entity-related limitations) as amended by the OBBBA, and tariffs on modules imported into the United States.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Among other things, the financial incentives provided by the IRA have significantly increased demand for modules manufactured in the United States. We expect to qualify for the advanced manufacturing production credit under Section 45X of the IRC, which provides certain specified benefits for solar modules and solar module components manufactured in the United States and sold to third parties.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Further, on July 4, 2025, the U.S. President signed H.R.1 into law, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which significantly curtails the availability of certain energy tax credits. H.R.1 includes accelerating the termination of the clean electricity ITC and PTC in relation to solar and restricting tax credits if a taxpayer employs certain products and components produced by a supplier with ties to a FEOC. H.R.1 also severely limits Section 45X tax credit eligibility for products manufactured by, or with material assistance from, a FEOC.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Business Company Overview We are America’s leading PV solar technology and manufacturing company. The only U.S.-headquartered company among the world’s largest solar manufacturers, First Solar is focused on competitively and reliably enabling power generation needs with our advanced, uniquely American thin film PV technology.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Sloan primarily works to advocate for domestic energy technology innovation, R&D, manufacturing, and trade policy.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We are in the process of expanding our domestic manufacturing capacity by approximately 4 GW including the construction of our sixth U.S. manufacturing facility to onshore final production processes for modules initiated by our international fleet, which is expected to commence operations in the second half of 2026.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“United States. Multiple markets within the United States, which accounted for 96% of our 2025 net sales, exemplify favorable characteristics for a solar market, including (i) sizeable and growing electricity needs, driven largely by data center demand and other demand growth across a large number of utility service territories; (ii) strong demand for renewable energy generation; (iii) abundant solar resources; and (iv) demand for domestically manufactured modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Our global manufacturing footprint includes facilities in the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. During 2023, we commenced production of our Series 7TM (“Series 7”) modules at our third manufacturing facility in Ohio and our first manufacturing facility in India, which combine our thin film CdTe technology with a larger form factor and an innovative steel back rail mounting structure that reduces module installation time. During 2024 and 2025, we commenced production of Series 7 modules at our manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Louisiana, respectively.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“•During 2025, we commenced production of Series 7 modules at our new manufacturing facility in Louisiana. During 2025, we produced 16.1 GW and sold 17.5 GW of solar modules. •In June 2025 and July 2025, we entered into two separate agreements for the sale of $701.9 million of Section 45X tax credits we generated during 2025 for aggregate cash proceeds of $668.1 million.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Further, overall electric load growth, especially as a result of artificial intelligence (“AI”)-driven data center demand, continues to increase.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Additionally, the unprecedented expansion of data centers, AI workloads, electrification of industrial processes, and broader economic growth has increased demand for new generation capacity and has expanded the number of potential buyers of our modules, as utility-scale solar offers low-cost, rapidly deployable new generation.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Recent developments in the threat landscape include the use of AI and machine learning, as well as an increased number of cyber extortion attacks, with higher financial ransom demand amounts and increasing sophistication and variety of ransomware techniques and methodology. While we have instituted security measures and procured insurance to mitigate the likelihood and impact of a cybersecurity incident and other events, including information and security breaches, there is no assurance that these measures, or those of the third parties with which we do 38 Table of Contents business, will be adequate in the future.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We use systems and tools that incorporate AI-based technologies, including generative AI, for customers and our workforce. As with many new and emerging technologies, AI presents numerous risks and challenges that could adversely affect our business. The development, adoption, integration, and use of generative AI technology remains in early stages, and ineffective or inadequate AI governance, development, use, or deployment practices by us or third parties could result in unintended consequences.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Further, demand for solar energy in key markets, such as the United States and India, may be affected by the nature and extent of commitments to the renewable energy transition at the local and global levels. Notwithstanding these considerations, utility and corporate demand for energy and overall electric load growth, especially as a result of AI-driven data center demand, continue to increase.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Research and Development Our R&D model differentiates us from much of our competition due to its vertical integration, from advanced research to product development, manufacturing, and applications. We continue to devote substantial resources to our R&D efforts, which generally focus on continually improving the wattage and energy yield of our solar modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Table of Contents We continue to devote significant resources to support the implementation of our technology roadmap and improve the energy output of our modules. In the course of our R&D activities, we explore various technologies in our efforts to sustain competitive differentiation of our modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We continue to research and develop our thin-film semiconductor technology, with a focus on the use of perovskite thin films. Perovskites have the potential to significantly increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of PV solar modules either through single-junction or potentially multi-junction devices. Supported by the associates at our California and European Technology Centers, we continue to advance our work on improving both the efficiency and stability of this technology in developing a commercially scalable perovskite product.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Government incentive programs, such as those enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) as amended by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (“OBBBA”), have contributed to this momentum by providing solar module manufacturers, project developers, and project owners with various incentives to accelerate the deployment of solar power generation. Among other things, the IRA (i) reinstates the 30% investment tax credit for qualifying solar projects that meet certain wage and apprenticeship requirements, (ii) extends the production tax credit (“PTC”) to include energy generated from solar projects, (iii) provides incremental investment and production tax credits for solar projects that meet certain domestic content and location requirements, and (iv) offers tax credits for solar modules and solar module components manufactured in the United States and sold to third parties.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Risks Related to Regulations •We have received and expect to continue to receive certain financial benefits as a result of tax incentives enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and amended by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. If these financial benefits vary significantly from our assumptions, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected. •Existing regulations and policies, changes thereto, and new regulations and policies may present technical, regulatory, and economic barriers to the purchase and use of PV solar products, which may significantly reduce demand for our modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Government incentive programs have contributed to this momentum by providing solar module manufacturers, project developers, and project owners with various incentives to accelerate the deployment of solar power generation. For more information about these incentive programs, see Item 1. “Business – Incentive Programs.” Although we compete in markets that do not require solar-specific government incentive programs, our net sales and profits remain subject to variability based on the availability and size of these programs, including tax and production incentives, renewable portfolio standards, and other incentive programs intended to stimulate economies, achieve decarbonization initiatives, and/or establish greater energy independence.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“As of the date of this filing, we have made several public commitments regarding our intended reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and operating a responsible supply chain with zero tolerance for forced labor. Although we intend to meet these commitments and deliver on our greenhouse gas emissions reduction and renewable energy targets, we may be required to expend significant resources to do so, which could increase our operational costs.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“For example, many governments have proposed or enacted policies or incentive programs intended to encourage renewable energy investments to achieve decarbonization objectives and/or establish greater energy independence. While we compete in markets that do not require solar-specific government subsidies or incentive programs, our net sales and profits remain subject to variability based on the availability and size of government subsidies and economic incentives.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Our thin film modules are manufactured through an integrated process that uses less energy, water, and semiconductor material than conventional crystalline silicon modules. As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing and zero tolerance for forced labor, First Solar ensures that no module components are sourced from Xinjiang, China, and that no suppliers are connected to entities on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list. In addition to not relying on Chinese crystalline silicon supply chains, our thin film module technology has the fastest energy payback time, smallest carbon footprint, and lowest water use of any commercially available PV solar technology, measured on a lifecycle basis that accounts for the energy, raw materials, water usage, and transportation across the supply chain, manufacturing process, and end-of-life module recycling.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Business Strategy Advanced Module Technology Our current module semiconductor structure is a single-junction polycrystalline thin film that uses CdTe as the absorption layer. CdTe has absorption properties that are well matched to the solar spectrum and can deliver competitive performance using approximately 2% to 3% of the amount of semiconductor material used to manufacture conventional crystalline silicon modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Table of Contents •Several of our key raw materials and components, in particular CdTe, tellurium, products containing tellurium, and substrate glass, and manufacturing equipment are either single-sourced or sourced from a limited number of suppliers, and their failure to perform could cause manufacturing delays, especially as we expand or seek to expand our business, and/or impair our ability to deliver solar modules to customers in the required quality and quantities and at a price that is profitable to us. •Our failure to effectively manage module manufacturing and related costs, including costs related to raw materials and logistics services, could render our solar modules uncompetitive and reduce our net sales, profitability, and/or market share. •Our future success depends on our ability to effectively balance manufacturing production with market demand, effectively manage our cost per watt, and, when necessary, continue to build new manufacturing plants over time in response to market demand, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In February 2025, China announced that it would tighten export controls for five key minerals, including products containing tellurium, which is one of the main components of our CdTe modules. Although tellurium and products containing tellurium are sourced globally, China is a major global producer of tellurium and products containing tellurium.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We have committed and expect to continue to commit significant working capital to purchase various raw materials used in our module manufacturing process. Our failure to obtain raw materials and components that meet our quality, quantity, and cost requirements in a timely manner could increase our manufacturing costs or interrupt or impair our ability to manufacture our solar modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Commodity and Component Risk Some of our raw materials and components are sourced from a limited number of suppliers or a single supplier. Although we may enter into long-term supply contracts for certain raw materials and components, we may be exposed to price changes for certain raw materials and components used to manufacture our solar modules for which we are unable to secure long-term supply contracts or for which our demand exceeds our committed supply.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Our cost competitiveness is based in large part on our advanced thin film semiconductor technology, module wattage, proprietary manufacturing process (which enables us to produce a CdTe module in a matter of hours using a continuous and highly automated industrial manufacturing process, as opposed to a batch process), and focus on operational excellence. In addition, our CdTe modules use approximately 2% to 3% of the amount of semiconductor material that is used to manufacture conventional crystalline silicon solar modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The cost of polysilicon is a significant driver of the manufacturing cost of crystalline silicon solar modules, and the timing and rate of change in the cost of silicon feedstock and polysilicon could lead to changes in solar module pricing levels.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Table of Contents •Several of our key raw materials and components, in particular CdTe, tellurium, products containing tellurium, and substrate glass, and manufacturing equipment are either single-sourced or sourced from a limited number of suppliers, and their failure to perform could cause manufacturing delays, especially as we expand or seek to expand our business, and/or impair our ability to deliver solar modules to customers in the required quality and quantities and at a price that is profitable to us. •Our failure to effectively manage module manufacturing and related costs, including costs related to raw materials and logistics services, could render our solar modules uncompetitive and reduce our net sales, profitability, and/or market share. •Our future success depends on our ability to effectively balance manufacturing production with market demand, effectively manage our cost per watt, and, when necessary, continue to build new manufacturing plants over time in response to market demand, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Cost of sales Our cost of sales includes the cost of raw materials and components for manufacturing solar modules, such as glass, transparent conductive coatings, CdTe and other thin film semiconductors, laminate materials, connector assemblies, edge seal materials, and frames or back rails.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We have committed and expect to continue to commit significant working capital to purchase various raw materials used in our module manufacturing process. Our failure to obtain raw materials and components that meet our quality, quantity, and cost requirements in a timely manner could increase our manufacturing costs or interrupt or impair our ability to manufacture our solar modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Commodity and Component Risk Some of our raw materials and components are sourced from a limited number of suppliers or a single supplier. Although we may enter into long-term supply contracts for certain raw materials and components, we may be exposed to price changes for certain raw materials and components used to manufacture our solar modules for which we are unable to secure long-term supply contracts or for which our demand exceeds our committed supply.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Our cost competitiveness is based in large part on our advanced thin film semiconductor technology, module wattage, proprietary manufacturing process (which enables us to produce a CdTe module in a matter of hours using a continuous and highly automated industrial manufacturing process, as opposed to a batch process), and focus on operational excellence. In addition, our CdTe modules use approximately 2% to 3% of the amount of semiconductor material that is used to manufacture conventional crystalline silicon solar modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“As of the date of this filing, we have made several public commitments regarding our intended reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and operating a responsible supply chain with zero tolerance for forced labor. Although we intend to meet these commitments and deliver on our greenhouse gas emissions reduction and renewable energy targets, we may be required to expend significant resources to do so, which could increase our operational costs.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds and other influential investors may also be focused on ESG practices and in recent years have placed increasing importance on the non-financial impacts of their investments. While our vision is to lead the world’s sustainable energy future 37 Table of Contents through solar technology that is eco-efficient and socially responsible, if our ESG practices do not meet investor or other industry stakeholder expectations, which continue to evolve, we may incur additional costs and our brand, business, and ability to attract and retain qualified employees may be harmed.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“She also oversees First Solar’s global marketing and media relations activities, as well as research, disclosure, and reporting related to the Company’s commitment to Responsible Solar.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Our thin film modules are manufactured through an integrated process that uses less energy, water, and semiconductor material than conventional crystalline silicon modules. As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing and zero tolerance for forced labor, First Solar ensures that no module components are sourced from Xinjiang, China, and that no suppliers are connected to entities on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list. In addition to not relying on Chinese crystalline silicon supply chains, our thin film module technology has the fastest energy payback time, smallest carbon footprint, and lowest water use of any commercially available PV solar technology, measured on a lifecycle basis that accounts for the energy, raw materials, water usage, and transportation across the supply chain, manufacturing process, and end-of-life module recycling.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“First Solar modules are designed for high-value recycling to maximize material recovery and contribute to a circular economy. Our recycling process recovers more than 90% of module materials for reuse, providing high quality secondary resources for new solar modules and other glass, rubber, steel, and aluminum products. First Solar has a unique and long-standing leadership position in PV recycling, having established the industry’s first global recycling program in 2005 and recycled more than 400,000 metric tons of PV modules to date.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Customers Our customers include system developers, independent power producers, utilities, commercial and industrial companies, large corporate energy buyers, and other system owners and operators.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The market for electricity generation products is heavily influenced by federal, state, local, and foreign government regulations and policies concerning the electric utility industry, as well as policies promulgated by electric utilities. These regulations and policies often relate to electricity pricing and interconnection of customer-owned electricity generation.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In terms of performance, in many climates our solar modules provide certain energy production advantages relative to competing crystalline silicon modules. For example, our CdTe solar technology provides: •a superior temperature coefficient, which results in stronger system performance in typical high insolation climates as the majority of a system’s generation, on average, occurs when module temperatures are well above 25°C (standard test conditions); •a superior spectral response in humid environments where atmospheric moisture alters the solar spectrum relative to standard test conditions; •a better partial shading response than competing crystalline silicon technologies, which may experience significantly lower energy generation than CdTe solar technologies when partial shading occurs; and •an immunity to cell cracking and its resulting power output loss, a common failure often observed in crystalline silicon modules caused by poor manufacturing, handling, weather, or other conditions.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Customer Contract Dispute On September 30, 2025, First Solar filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of the State of New York asserting that BP Solar Holding LLC and its affiliate Lightsource Renewable Energy Trading, LLC (together, the “Defendants”) breached their contractual obligations with First Solar, having entered into various master supply agreements to purchase solar modules from First Solar and then refusing to pay the amounts owed under the master supply agreements. As a result of the failure to cure such breaches, First Solar terminated the various master supply agreements, which triggered certain contractual termination payment provisions amounting to $384.6 million, of which First Solar recognized $61.0 million in revenue during the quarter related to advance payments previously received from the Defendants.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Customers Our customers include system developers, independent power producers, utilities, commercial and industrial companies, large corporate energy buyers, and other system owners and operators.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Customers Our customers include system developers, independent power producers, utilities, commercial and industrial companies, large corporate energy buyers, and other system owners and operators.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Competition within our primary markets is influenced, in part, by evolving federal policies that affect equipment sourcing, project economics, and market access. For example, in India solar procurement is shaped, in part, by domestic content requirements and approved-vendor regimes that condition eligibility on certain government-backed procurement. Such policies favor Indian manufacturers and developers with compliant supply chains while increasing barriers for foreign suppliers, including Chinese manufacturers, thereby altering relative cost structures and competitive positioning.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In the United States, competition is influenced primarily through incentive‑based domestic content requirements and restrictions related to foreign entities of concern (“FEOC”), which affect eligibility for certain federal tax credits rather than imposing absolute sourcing mandates. Such U.S. policies incentivize the use of U.S.‑manufactured or non‑Chinese equipment and can advantage competitors with established domestic supply relationships, vertically integrated operations, or access to compliant suppliers.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“These and other costs could result in an inability for certain projects to generate profitable returns, and may lead to the delay or abandonment of such projects, thereby reducing or removing demand for currently contracted PV module sales; and •any reduction in our ability to profitably import modules from our international manufacturing locations as a result of tariffs or other trade laws could lead to us significantly reducing capacity utilization at certain international manufacturing facilities. Such underutilization may lead to potential impairment of certain international equipment and facilities and may also increase our selling costs and reduce our competitiveness in the market, thereby reducing demand for our modules.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In 2025, the U.S. President imposed a series of tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (“IEEPA”). As it pertains to the countries where we manufacture solar modules, IEEPA tariffs applied to Vietnam (20%), India (25%), and Malaysia (19%).”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In August 2025, the U.S. President had imposed an additional 25% tariff 20 Table of Contents on India over its purchases of Russian oil, resulting in an overall rate of 50%. On February 20, 2026, the U.S.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The additional, higher tariffs on imports from these countries has increased the costs of our solar modules manufactured in these countries with respect to our U.S. market. Further, such circumstances have and may continue to impact our ability to sell certain modules into the United States and therefore have and may continue to also impact the operational status of certain of our international manufacturing facilities. As a result, our operating results have and may continue to be adversely impacted by these tariffs.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The action imposes new port fees on Chinese vessel operators and/or Chinese vessel owners as well as on non-Chinese operators of Chinese-origin vessels beginning on October 14, 2025. The level of fees is on a sliding scale per net ton or, in the case of non-Chinese operators, the higher of a net ton or container-based fee. Effective November 10, 2025, however, the United States suspended implementation of such action for one year.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“On April 22, 2025, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce initiated an investigation to determine the effects on the national security of imports of processed critical minerals, as well as their derivative products, under Section 232; on July 1, 2025, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce initiated a Section 232 investigation to determine whether imports of polysilicon and its derivatives impair U.S. national security; and on September 2, 2025, the U.S.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Secretary of Commerce initiated an investigation to determine the effects on the national security of imports of robotics and industrial machinery under Section 232. The scope of these investigations is potentially broad and may cover materials and equipment used in solar module manufacturing. These investigations may result in the imposition of tariffs or import restrictions, or may remove barriers on the imports of competitor products and materials, all of which could negatively impact demand and/or price levels for our solar modules and limit our growth, lead to a reduction in our net sales, or increase our costs, thereby adversely impacting our operating results.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Table of Contents •United States — Antidumping and Countervailing Duties on Certain Imported Crystalline Silicon PV Cells and Modules. The United States currently imposes AD/CVDs on certain imported crystalline silicon PV cells and modules from China and Taiwan.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Such AD/CVDs can change over time pursuant to annual administrative reviews conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce (“USDOC”), and a decline in duty rates or USDOC failure to fully enforce U.S. AD/CVD laws could have an adverse impact on our operating results.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In August 2023, the USDOC issued final affirmative circumvention rulings, finding that solar modules completed in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam using parts and components produced in China circumvent the pre-existing AD/CVD orders on China. Such duties apply to circumventing imports on or after June 6, 2024, as well as any circumventing imports prior to that date that were not used or installed on or before December 3, 2024.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“On April 21, 2025, the USDOC announced final determinations in the AD/CVD investigations. Final AD/CVD rates ranged from de minimis to over 3,400%, depending on the particular foreign producer.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In April 2024, the government of India reimposed the ALMM, thereby requiring solar project developers to procure qualifying modules from companies on the list, which includes our Indian manufacturing facility. Also in April 2024, the ALMM was amended to include specific minimum conversion efficiency thresholds for CdTe solar technologies starting at 18% for solar lighting, 18.5% for rooftop applications, and 19% for utility-scale applications.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In December 2024, the ALMM was amended to require nearly all solar development projects to use PV modules that contain domestically manufactured solar cells, which is expected to be effective for such projects completed on or after June 2026; in August 2025, the relevant list of qualifying entities was released, which included First Solar as an approved manufacturer.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“If enacted, the proposal would negatively impact our ability to sell modules within the Indian market. Our operating results could also be adversely impacted if the ALMM requirements are significantly relaxed to allow modules, solar cells, or certain other key module components to be imported from other countries.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“For example, in February 2025, the U.S. President announced an additional 10% tariff on all imports from China, which is related to the national security threat posed by China’s trade in fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Module average selling prices in many global markets have declined. However, recent module pricing in the United States, our primary market, has remained stable due, in part, to the rising demand for domestically manufactured modules as a result of the IRA, energy tax credit eligibility restrictions (including foreign-entity-related limitations) as amended by the OBBBA, and tariffs on modules imported into the United States.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In April 2025, the U.S. President imposed a 10% “baseline” reciprocal tariff on nearly all U.S. trading partners, and additional, higher reciprocal tariffs on certain countries.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“As it pertains to the countries where we manufacture solar modules, IEEPA tariffs applied to Vietnam (20%), India (25%), and Malaysia (19%). In August 2025, the U.S. President had imposed an additional 25% tariff on India over its purchases of Russian oil, resulting in an overall rate of 50%.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In April 2024, the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, which includes First Solar, filed a set of AD/CVD petitions with the USDOC and the USITC to impose duties on certain unfairly traded solar products from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Following final affirmative determinations by the USDOC and USITC that identified final subsidy rates of 534.67% to 3,403.96% for Cambodia, 14.64% to 168.8% for Malaysia, 263.74% to 799.55% for Thailand, and 68.15% to 542.64% for Vietnam, AD/CVD orders, including the assessment of countervailing duties and suspension of liquidation of such products, were issued on June 9, 2025.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The increase in cost of sales was driven by (i) higher costs of $651.6 million due to an increase in the volume of modules sold; (ii) higher production costs of $216.5 million, largely due to a higher sales mix of U.S.-produced modules and tariffs on raw materials; (iii) higher logistics costs of $173.1 million, which included detention and demurrage charges; (iv) higher warehousing costs of $130.7 million; and (v) tariffs on international modules imported into the United States of $94.4 million.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Effective June 4, 2025, the U.S. President increased tariffs on imported aluminum and steel articles under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (“Section 232”) from 25% to 50%.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Effective August 1, 2025, the U.S. President imposed tariffs of 50% on copper under Section 232.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Effective October 14, 2025, the U.S. President imposed tariffs of 10% on imported softwood timber and lumber products under Section 232.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Government incentive programs, such as those enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) as amended by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (“OBBBA”), have contributed to this momentum by providing solar module manufacturers, project developers, and project owners with various incentives to accelerate the deployment of solar power generation. Among other things, the IRA (i) reinstates the 30% investment tax credit for qualifying solar projects that meet certain wage and apprenticeship requirements, (ii) extends the production tax credit (“PTC”) to include energy generated from solar projects, (iii) provides incremental investment and production tax credits for solar projects that meet certain domestic content and location requirements, and (iv) offers tax credits for solar modules and solar module components manufactured in the United States and sold to third parties.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The current federal tax regime for utility-scale solar is primarily governed by the technology-neutral clean electricity investment tax credit (“ITC”) under Section 48E and the clean electricity production tax credit (“PTC”) under Section 45Y, which were enacted as part of the IRA. These credits require projects to satisfy certain wage and apprenticeship requirements and to meet specified beginning-of-construction standards, which may be achieved by certain qualifying procurement activities or physical work activities. Although the IRA originally provided for long‑term availability of the 45Y and 48E credits subject to an emissions‑based phase‑down beginning no earlier than 2032, the OBBBA amended the availability of these credits for wind and solar energy projects by imposing an accelerated termination framework in addition to certain foreign-entity-related limitations.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The modification, reduction, elimination, or expiration of government subsidies, economic incentives, eligibility limitations, tax incentives, renewable energy targets, and other support for on-grid solar electricity applications, or the impact of other public policies, such as tariffs or other trade remedies imposed on solar cells and modules or related raw materials or equipment, have, and in the future could, negatively impact demand and/or price levels for our solar modules and limit our growth or lead to a reduction in our net sales or increase our costs, thereby adversely impacting our operating results. Although we believe that solar energy will experience widespread adoption in those applications where it competes economically with traditional forms of energy without any incentive programs, in certain markets our net sales and profits remain subject to variability based on the availability and size of government subsidies and economic incentives.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Many of these incentive programs expire, phase down over time, require renewal by the applicable authority, or may be amended. To the extent government incentive programs are reduced earlier than previously expected, are changed retroactively, or are not renewed, such changes have and could negatively impact demand and/or price levels for our solar modules, lead to a reduction in our net sales, and adversely impact our operating results.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Current regulatory policies, or any future changes or threatened changes to such policies, may subject us to significant risks, including the following: •a reduction or removal of certain energy programs and initiatives and the incentives they provide may diminish the market for future solar energy off-take agreements, slow the retirement of aging fossil fuel plants, including the retirements of coal generation plants, and reduce the ability for solar project developers to compete for off-take agreements, which may reduce PV solar module sales; 19 Table of Contents •any limitations on the value or availability to manufacturers or potential investors of tax incentives that benefit solar energy production, sales, or projects, such as the Section 45X advanced manufacturing production credit, ITC, and PTC, as seen in the accelerated termination of certain energy tax credits under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” the U.S.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“President signed into law on July 4, 2025, could result in reducing such manufacturers’ or investors’ economic returns and could cause a reduction in the availability of financing, thereby reducing demand for PV solar modules; •any incentives contingent upon domestic production of modules, such as tax incentives set forth under the IRA, could limit our ability to sell modules manufactured in certain foreign jurisdictions, which may adversely impact our module average selling prices and could require us to record significant charges to earnings should we determine that the manufacturing facilities and equipment in such foreign jurisdictions are impaired; and •any effort to overturn federal and state laws, regulations, or policies that are supportive of solar energy generation or that remove costs or other limitations on other types of electricity generation that compete with solar energy projects could negatively impact our ability to compete with traditional forms of electricity generation and materially and adversely affect our business.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Government incentive programs have contributed to this momentum by providing solar module manufacturers, project developers, and project owners with various incentives to accelerate the deployment of solar power generation. For more information about these incentive programs, see Item 1. “Business – Incentive Programs.” Although we compete in markets that do not require solar-specific government incentive programs, our net sales and profits remain subject to variability based on the availability and size of these programs, including tax and production incentives, renewable portfolio standards, and other incentive programs intended to stimulate economies, achieve decarbonization initiatives, and/or establish greater energy independence.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Module average selling prices in many global markets have declined. However, recent module pricing in the United States, our primary market, has remained stable due, in part, to the rising demand for domestically manufactured modules as a result of the IRA, energy tax credit eligibility restrictions (including foreign-entity-related limitations) as amended by the OBBBA, and tariffs on modules imported into the United States.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“For example, many governments have proposed or enacted policies or incentive programs intended to encourage renewable energy investments to achieve decarbonization objectives and/or establish greater energy independence. While we compete in markets that do not require solar-specific government subsidies or incentive programs, our net sales and profits remain subject to variability based on the availability and size of government subsidies and economic incentives.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Our future success depends, to a significant extent, on our ability to attract, train, and retain management, operations, sales, and technical talent, including associates in foreign jurisdictions. Recruiting and retaining capable individuals, particularly those with expertise in the PV solar and related industries across a variety of technologies, are vital to our success.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Human Capital As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately 7,900 associates (our term for full and part-time employees), the majority of which work in the United States, Malaysia, India, and Vietnam. Our success depends, to a significant extent, on our ability to attract, train, and retain management, operations, sales, and technical talent, including associates in foreign jurisdictions.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We review associate compensation on a regular basis to ensure internal and external equity, including, among other things, minimum wage and living wage assessments across our global operations.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The increase in cost of sales was driven by (i) higher costs of $651.6 million due to an increase in the volume of modules sold; (ii) higher production costs of $216.5 million, largely due to a higher sales mix of U.S.-produced modules and tariffs on raw materials; (iii) higher logistics costs of $173.1 million, which included detention and demurrage charges; (iv) higher warehousing costs of $130.7 million; and (v) tariffs on international modules imported into the United States of $94.4 million.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Table of Contents Selling, general and administrative Selling, general and administrative expense consists primarily of salaries and other personnel-related costs, professional fees, insurance costs, and other business development and selling expenses.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The following table shows research and development expense for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023: Research and development $ 233,421 $ 191,375 $ 152,307 $ 42,046 22 % $ 39,068 26 % % of net sales 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.6 % Research and development expense in 2025 increased compared to 2024 primarily due to (i) higher employee compensation expense resulting from an increase in headcount, (ii) higher depreciation and maintenance costs resulting from our significant investments in R&D facilities and equipment, and (iii) higher utility costs.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“General Risk Factors •Cybersecurity incidents or information or security breaches, or those of third parties with which we do business, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Our operations rely on our information systems, including hardware, software, and networks, as well as on the information systems of third parties with which we do business (including their upstream and/or downstream service providers, as applicable), to securely process, store, and transmit proprietary, confidential, and other information, including intellectual property and personally identifiable information. We also rely heavily on these information systems to operate our manufacturing lines. These information systems may be compromised by cybersecurity incidents, including those caused by computer viruses, malware, ransomware and other cyber-attacks, as well as other events, including information and security breaches, that could be materially disruptive to our business operations and could put the security of our information, and that of the third parties with which we do business, at risk of misappropriation or destruction.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Recent developments in the threat landscape include the use of AI and machine learning, as well as an increased number of cyber extortion attacks, with higher financial ransom demand amounts and increasing sophistication and variety of ransomware techniques and methodology. While we have instituted security measures and procured insurance to mitigate the likelihood and impact of a cybersecurity incident and other events, including information and security breaches, there is no assurance that these measures, or those of the third parties with which we do 38 Table of Contents business, will be adequate in the future.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Further, overall electric load growth, especially as a result of artificial intelligence (“AI”)-driven data center demand, continues to increase.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The U.S. is expected to need significant new power generation capacity as domestic power demand is expected to increase up to 3.5% annually through 2040, a significant portion of which is expected to be driven by data center growth.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Further, demand for solar energy in key markets, such as the United States and India, may be affected by the nature and extent of commitments to the renewable energy transition at the local and global levels. Notwithstanding these considerations, utility and corporate demand for energy and overall electric load growth, especially as a result of AI-driven data center demand, continue to increase.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“There may be additional pressure on global demand and average selling prices in the future resulting from fluctuating demand in certain major solar markets, such as China. If our competitors maintain module pricing at levels near or below their manufacturing costs, or are able to operate at minimal or negative operating margins for sustained periods of time, or if global demand for PV modules decreases relative to installed production capacity, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Even if demand for solar modules continues to grow, the rapid manufacturing capacity expansion undertaken by many module manufacturers in China and certain parts of Southeast Asia, particularly manufacturers of crystalline silicon wafers, cells, and modules, has created and may continue to cause periods of structural imbalances between supply and demand.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Effective August 1, 2025, the U.S. President imposed tariffs of 50% on copper under Section 232.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“A key raw material used in our module production process is a CdTe compound. Tellurium, one of the main components of CdTe, is mainly produced as a by-product of copper refining, and therefore, its supply is largely dependent upon demand for copper.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“For example, in late 2021 the previous U.S. President signed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which bans the import of goods from China’s Xinjiang region into the United States due to concerns about forced labor practices in the region, which provides more than a third of the world’s polysilicon supply. While we do not use polysilicon in our solar modules, which mitigates the potential supply chain disruptions and human rights risks associated with such import ban, the implementation of similar restrictions or trade embargoes on the purchase of certain materials or equipment necessary to sustain our manufacturing operations may require expenditures and process changes to ensure our supply chain remains free of such materials, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Exporters of tellurium and related products are generally required to obtain a license from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. In October 2025, China expanded its rare earths export controls, adding new minerals to its restricted list and requiring foreign entities to obtain a license to export any products containing over 0.1% of rare earths from China or manufactured using China’s extraction, refining, magnet-making, or recycling technology.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Longstanding international tax laws that determine each country’s jurisdictional tax rights in cross-border international trade continue to evolve as a result of the base erosion and profit shifting reporting requirements and the introduction of the global minimum tax recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”). For example, the OECD Pillar Two framework introduces a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% for companies with global revenues above certain thresholds. While it is uncertain whether the U.S. will enact legislation to adopt Pillar Two, certain jurisdictions in which we operate have adopted, and other jurisdictions are in the process of introducing, legislation to implement Pillar Two.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Additionally, in August 2022, the previous U.S. President signed into law the IRA, which revised U.S. tax law by, among other things, including a new corporate alternative minimum tax (the “CAMT”) of 15% on certain large corporations, imposing a 1% excise tax on stock buybacks, and providing various incentives, including the introduction of the advanced manufacturing production credit under Section 45X of the IRC.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Table of Contents •Several of our key raw materials and components, in particular CdTe, tellurium, products containing tellurium, and substrate glass, and manufacturing equipment are either single-sourced or sourced from a limited number of suppliers, and their failure to perform could cause manufacturing delays, especially as we expand or seek to expand our business, and/or impair our ability to deliver solar modules to customers in the required quality and quantities and at a price that is profitable to us. •Our failure to effectively manage module manufacturing and related costs, including costs related to raw materials and logistics services, could render our solar modules uncompetitive and reduce our net sales, profitability, and/or market share. •Our future success depends on our ability to effectively balance manufacturing production with market demand, effectively manage our cost per watt, and, when necessary, continue to build new manufacturing plants over time in response to market demand, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“These examples show that established markets for PV solar development face uncertainties arising from policy, regulatory, and governmental actions. While the expected potential of the markets we are targeting is significant, policy promulgation and market development are especially vulnerable to governmental inertia, political instability, changing government policy and priorities, the imposition or lowering of trade remedies and other trade barriers, geopolitical risk, fossil fuel subsidization, potentially stringent localization requirements, and limited available infrastructure. Any negative impacts from changes in policy, regulatory, and governmental actions could negatively affect our business, reduce our net sales, profitability and/or market share, and consequently affect our results of operations, prospects, and financial condition.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Pricing Competition The solar industry continues to be characterized by intense pricing competition, both at the module and system levels. This competition may result in an environment in which pricing falls rapidly, which could potentially increase demand for solar energy solutions but constrain the ability for module manufacturers and project developers to sustain meaningful and consistent profitability. Our results of operations could be adversely affected if competitors reduce pricing below their costs, bid aggressively low prices for module sale agreements, or are able to operate at minimal or negative operating margins for sustained periods of time.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Competition within our primary markets is influenced, in part, by evolving federal policies that affect equipment sourcing, project economics, and market access. For example, in India solar procurement is shaped, in part, by domestic content requirements and approved-vendor regimes that condition eligibility on certain government-backed procurement. Such policies favor Indian manufacturers and developers with compliant supply chains while increasing barriers for foreign suppliers, including Chinese manufacturers, thereby altering relative cost structures and competitive positioning.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In April 2024, the government of India reimposed the ALMM, thereby requiring solar project developers to procure qualifying modules from companies on the list, which includes our Indian manufacturing facility. Also in April 2024, the ALMM was amended to include specific minimum conversion efficiency thresholds for CdTe solar technologies starting at 18% for solar lighting, 18.5% for rooftop applications, and 19% for utility-scale applications.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In December 2024, the ALMM was amended to require nearly all solar development projects to use PV modules that contain domestically manufactured solar cells, which is expected to be effective for such projects completed on or after June 2026; in August 2025, the relevant list of qualifying entities was released, which included First Solar as an approved manufacturer.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“If enacted, the proposal would negatively impact our ability to sell modules within the Indian market. Our operating results could also be adversely impacted if the ALMM requirements are significantly relaxed to allow modules, solar cells, or certain other key module components to be imported from other countries.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“India. India represents the third largest global market for PV solar energy with an installed solar generation capacity of approximately 132 GW. In addition, the government has established aggressive renewable energy targets, which include increasing the country’s overall renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, becoming energy independent by 2047, and establishing a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Our global manufacturing footprint includes facilities in the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. During 2023, we commenced production of our Series 7TM (“Series 7”) modules at our third manufacturing facility in Ohio and our first manufacturing facility in India, which combine our thin film CdTe technology with a larger form factor and an innovative steel back rail mounting structure that reduces module installation time. During 2024 and 2025, we commenced production of Series 7 modules at our manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Louisiana, respectively.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The action imposes new port fees on Chinese vessel operators and/or Chinese vessel owners as well as on non-Chinese operators of Chinese-origin vessels beginning on October 14, 2025. The level of fees is on a sliding scale per net ton or, in the case of non-Chinese operators, the higher of a net ton or container-based fee. Effective November 10, 2025, however, the United States suspended implementation of such action for one year.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Table of Contents Our ability to provide solar modules on economically attractive terms is also affected by the availability and cost of logistics services associated with the procurement of raw materials or equipment used in our manufacturing process and the shipping, handling, storage, and distribution of our modules. To mitigate certain logistics costs, we employ commercial contract structures that provide additional consideration to us if the cost of logistics services, excluding demurrage and detention, exceeds defined thresholds.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The increase in cost of sales was driven by (i) higher costs of $651.6 million due to an increase in the volume of modules sold; (ii) higher production costs of $216.5 million, largely due to a higher sales mix of U.S.-produced modules and tariffs on raw materials; (iii) higher logistics costs of $173.1 million, which included detention and demurrage charges; (iv) higher warehousing costs of $130.7 million; and (v) tariffs on international modules imported into the United States of $94.4 million.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Effective June 4, 2025, the U.S. President increased tariffs on imported aluminum and steel articles under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (“Section 232”) from 25% to 50%.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Certain of our key raw material purchase contracts include variable pricing terms, which are driven by underlying indices for certain commodities, including aluminum, steel, and natural gas, among others. Fluctuations in such underlying commodity indices may increase our raw material costs.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Additionally, an increase in price levels generally, such as inflation related to the cost of raw materials, key manufacturing equipment, labor, and logistics services, could adversely impact our profitability.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We review associate compensation on a regular basis to ensure internal and external equity, including, among other things, minimum wage and living wage assessments across our global operations.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“In addition, we believe that a significant percentage of our customers install systems as an investment, funding the initial capital expenditure through a combination of equity and debt. An increase in interest rates could lower an investor’s return on investment in a system, increase equity return requirements, or make alternative investments more attractive relative to PV solar power systems and, in each case, could cause these customers to seek alternative investments.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“We are also indirectly exposed to interest rate risk because many of our customers depend on debt financings to purchase modules. An increase in interest rates could make it challenging for our customers to obtain the capital necessary to make such purchases on favorable terms, or at all. Such factors could reduce demand or lower the price we can charge for our modules, thereby reducing our net sales and gross profit.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Cost of sales Our cost of sales includes the cost of raw materials and components for manufacturing solar modules, such as glass, transparent conductive coatings, CdTe and other thin film semiconductors, laminate materials, connector assemblies, edge seal materials, and frames or back rails.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“For example, we have entered into long-term supply agreements for the purchase of certain specified minimum volumes of substrate glass for our PV solar modules. We have the right to terminate certain of these agreements upon payment of specified termination payments (which, in aggregate, are up to approximately $300 million as of December 31, 2025 and decline over the remaining supply 65 Table of Contents periods).”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Effective June 4, 2025, the U.S. President increased tariffs on imported aluminum and steel articles under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (“Section 232”) from 25% to 50%.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Certain of our key raw material purchase contracts include variable pricing terms, which are driven by underlying indices for certain commodities, including aluminum, steel, and natural gas, among others. Fluctuations in such underlying commodity indices may increase our raw material costs.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Any new government regulations or utility policies pertaining to our modules may result in significant additional expenses to us or our customers and, as a result, could cause a significant reduction in demand for our products.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“The following table shows research and development expense for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023: Research and development $ 233,421 $ 191,375 $ 152,307 $ 42,046 22 % $ 39,068 26 % % of net sales 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.6 % Research and development expense in 2025 increased compared to 2024 primarily due to (i) higher employee compensation expense resulting from an increase in headcount, (ii) higher depreciation and maintenance costs resulting from our significant investments in R&D facilities and equipment, and (iii) higher utility costs.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Additionally, the unprecedented expansion of data centers, AI workloads, electrification of industrial processes, and broader economic growth has increased demand for new generation capacity and has expanded the number of potential buyers of our modules, as utility-scale solar offers low-cost, rapidly deployable new generation.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Many of our customers depend on debt and/or equity financing to fund the initial capital expenditure required to develop, build, and/or purchase a PV solar power system. As a result, an increase in interest rates, or a reduction in the supply of project debt financing or tax equity investments, could reduce the number of solar projects that receive financing or otherwise make it difficult for our customers to secure the financing necessary to develop, build, purchase, or install a PV solar power system on favorable terms, or at all, and thus lower demand for our solar modules, which could limit our growth or reduce our net sales.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Given the combination of (i) a European market captured by Chinese solar modules, where pricing is at levels near or below manufacturing costs, (ii) an Indian market effectively closed to Southeast Asian products, (iii) a general supply and demand imbalance for Southeast Asian products, and (iv) certain tariffs on modules imported into the United States, we have reduced production of Series 6 modules at our international manufacturing facilities. Module average selling prices in many global markets have declined.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Certain of our key raw material purchase contracts include variable pricing terms, which are driven by underlying indices for certain commodities, including aluminum, steel, and natural gas, among others. Fluctuations in such underlying commodity indices may increase our raw material costs.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Gross profit Gross profit may be affected by various factors, including the selling prices of our modules, our manufacturing costs, the capacity utilization of our manufacturing facilities, and foreign exchange rates.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself

“Effective October 14, 2025, the U.S. President imposed tariffs of 10% on imported softwood timber and lumber products under Section 232.”

Annual report 2025A · The company itself