First Solar operates an ISO 14001-certified factory that collects and recycles manufacturing waste.

First Solar's environmental responsibility centers around a mission of sustainability; sustainability of the environment and our natural resources, sustainability of the communities in which we operate, and sustainability of business operations, ensuring solid, long-term relationships with our business stakeholders.

Clean Air

A self-contained manufacturing environment assures that air is cleaned before being released into the environment. All areas employing semiconductor materials and other metals are filtered with HEPA filters. These processes are monitored and tested to assure that the air is clean and well below regulated standards.

Water Treatment

The residual water from the manufacturing process is treated and filtered through multiple processes in order to remove solid wastes. It is then returned to the local municipal system or the environment as clean water. Water quality is routinely tested, monitored and documented by First Solar.

Solid Waste Collection

Module manufacturing scrap is centrally collected and processed for recycling. Virtually all module component waste is extracted and purified through a series of processes. The components are then recycled or held for recycling into new products.

Verification of Safety and Efficacy

Factory employees undergo routine medical testing to assure and document the safety of the manufacturing environment. Independent environmental and legal audits are conducted on a regular basis to assure and document the safety and efficacy of the First Solar manufacturing process.