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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark one)

    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2024
or
    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-33156
FSLR_Logo_2021.jpg
First Solar, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware20-4623678
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

350 West Washington Street, Suite 600
Tempe, Arizona 85288
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(602414-9300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.001 par valueFSLRThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filerNon-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting companyEmerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No 

As of July 26, 2024, 107,046,913 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share, were outstanding.




FIRST SOLAR, INC.

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS
  Page

Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we refer to First Solar, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries as “First Solar,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our.” Units of electricity are typically stated in gigawatts (“GW”).



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

FIRST SOLAR, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Net sales$1,010,482 $810,673 $1,804,590 $1,358,959 
Cost of sales511,593 500,253 959,698 936,488 
Gross profit498,889 310,420 844,892 422,471 
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative46,560 46,328 92,387 90,356 
Research and development51,937 36,745 94,679 67,255 
Production start-up27,451 23,377 42,859 42,871 
Litigation loss430 35,590 430 35,590 
Total operating expenses126,378 142,040 230,355 236,072 
Gain on sales of businesses, net 135 1,115 118 
Operating income372,511 168,515 615,652 186,517 
Foreign currency loss, net(9,649)(4,652)(12,507)(10,599)
Interest income24,599 25,026 51,844 50,848 
Interest expense, net(9,765)(1,415)(18,975)(2,163)
Other (expense) income, net(565)997 (3,364)(459)
Income before taxes377,131 188,471 632,650 224,144 
Income tax expense(27,775)(17,892)(46,678)(11,004)
Net income$349,356 $170,579 $585,972 $213,140 
Net income per share:
Basic$3.26 $1.60 $5.48 $2.00 
Diluted$3.25 $1.59 $5.45 $1.99 
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculations:
Basic107,042 106,827 107,011 106,791 
Diluted107,525 107,278 107,502 107,256 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1

FIRST SOLAR, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Net income$349,356 $170,579 $585,972 $213,140 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(2,944)(5,348)(11,477)(2,693)
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted marketable securities, net of tax of $41, $85, $143 and $(317)
(1,197)(1,315)(3,200)5,651 
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $177, $(165), $(131) and $(873)
(571)594 491 2,808 
Other comprehensive (loss) income(4,712)(6,069)(14,186)5,766 
Comprehensive income$344,644 $164,510 $571,786 $218,906 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

FIRST SOLAR, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
ASSETS
Current assets: 
Cash and cash equivalents$1,702,913 $1,946,994 
Marketable securities37,430 155,495 
Accounts receivable trade, net647,565 660,776 
Government grants receivable, net6,034 659,745 
Inventories1,027,872 819,899 
Other current assets527,109 391,900 
Total current assets3,948,923 4,634,809 
Property, plant and equipment, net5,139,000 4,397,285 
Deferred tax assets, net201,801 142,819 
Restricted marketable securities200,243 198,310 
Government grants receivable607,086 152,208 
Goodwill28,834 29,687 
Intangible assets, net59,267 64,511 
Inventories273,977 266,899 
Other assets555,124 478,604 
Total assets$11,014,255 $10,365,132 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$230,894 $207,178 
Income taxes payable81,172 22,134 
Accrued expenses540,126 524,829 
Current portion of debt140,175 96,238 
Deferred revenue689,468 413,579 
Other current liabilities90,794 42,200 
Total current liabilities1,772,629 1,306,158 
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability134,803 135,123 
Long-term debt418,725 464,068 
Deferred revenue1,258,880 1,591,604 
Other liabilities173,821 180,710 
Total liabilities3,758,858 3,677,663 
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 107,045,972 and 106,847,475 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively107 107 
Additional paid-in capital2,886,569 2,890,427 
Accumulated earnings4,557,038 3,971,066 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(188,317)(174,131)
Total stockholders’ equity7,255,397 6,687,469 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$11,014,255 $10,365,132 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

FIRST SOLAR, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
 Common StockAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated EarningsAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Total
Stockholders' Equity
 SharesAmount
Balance at March 31, 2024107,041 $107 $2,878,330 $4,207,682 $(183,605)$6,902,514 
Net income— — — 349,356 — 349,356 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (4,712)(4,712)
Common stock issued for share-based compensation
6   — —  
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock
(1) (196)— — (196)
Share-based compensation expense
— — 8,435 — — 8,435 
Balance at June 30, 2024107,046 $107 $2,886,569 $4,557,038 $(188,317)$7,255,397 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
 Common StockAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated EarningsAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Total
Stockholders' Equity
 SharesAmount
Balance at March 31, 2023106,825 $107 $2,865,753 $3,182,850 $(179,982)$5,868,728 
Net income— — — 170,579 — 170,579 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (6,069)(6,069)
Common stock issued for share-based compensation
7   — —  
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock
(1) (1,933)— — (1,933)
Share-based compensation expense
— — 8,333 — — 8,333 
Balance at June 30, 2023106,831 $107 $2,872,153 $3,353,429 $(186,051)$6,039,638 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4

FIRST SOLAR, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
 Common StockAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated EarningsAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Total
Stockholders' Equity
 SharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 2023106,847 $107 $2,890,427 $3,971,066 $(174,131)$6,687,469 
Net income— — — 585,972 — 585,972 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (14,186)(14,186)
Common stock issued for share-based compensation
322   — —  
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock
(123) (19,148)— — (19,148)
Share-based compensation expense
— — 15,290 — — 15,290 
Balance at June 30, 2024107,046 $107 $2,886,569 $4,557,038 $(188,317)$7,255,397 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
 Common StockAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated EarningsAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Total
Stockholders' Equity
 SharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 2022106,609 $107 $2,887,476 $3,140,289 $(191,817)$5,836,055 
Net income— — — 213,140 — 213,140 
Other comprehensive income— — — — 5,766 5,766 
Common stock issued for share-based compensation371   — —  
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock(149) (30,247)— — (30,247)
Share-based compensation expense— — 14,924 — — 14,924 
Balance at June 30, 2023106,831 $107 $2,872,153 $3,353,429 $(186,051)$6,039,638 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5

FIRST SOLAR, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
20242023
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net income$585,972 $213,140 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion187,921 140,560 
Share-based compensation15,191 15,011 
Deferred income taxes(58,399)(42,607)
Gain on sales of businesses, net(1,115)(118)
Other, net1,650 (8,843)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade
29,613 (177,591)
Inventories(215,493)(131,625)
Government grants receivable205,528 (225,121)
Other assets(168,363)(96,617)
Income tax receivable and payable3,774 (20,090)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(113,255)(42,994)
Deferred revenue(12,499)211,721 
Other liabilities212 40,898 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
460,737 (124,276)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(778,618)(753,656)
Purchases of marketable securities and restricted marketable securities(1,113,826)(2,492,495)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities
1,224,167 2,538,069 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (35,540)
Other investing activities(7,697) 
Net cash used in investing activities
(675,974)(743,622)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings under debt arrangements, net of issuance costs110,395 246,825 
Repayment of debt(111,375) 
Payments of tax withholdings for restricted shares(19,148)(30,247)
Contingent consideration payment and other financing activities
(7,527) 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(27,655)216,578 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents(5,600)2,454 
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents
(248,492)(648,866)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of the period1,965,069 1,493,462 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, end of the period$1,716,577 $844,596 
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:  
Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities$402,263 $183,482 
Proceeds to be received from asset-based government grants
$158,908 $ 
Acquisitions funded by liabilities and contingent consideration
$11,000 $18,686 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
6

FIRST SOLAR, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries in this Quarterly Report have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of First Solar management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and reasonable assumptions, actual results could differ materially from such estimates and assumptions. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024 or for any other period. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the SEC.

Unless expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “First Solar” refer to First Solar, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, and the term “condensed consolidated financial statements” refers to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report.

2. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash$943,765 $841,310 
Money market funds759,148 1,105,684 
Total cash and cash equivalents1,702,913 1,946,994 
Marketable securities:
Foreign debt 34,895 
U.S. debt8,517 44,089 
Time deposits28,913 76,511 
Total marketable securities37,430 155,495 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities$1,740,343 $2,102,489 

7

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents reported within our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 to the total of such amounts as presented in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
Balance Sheet Line ItemJune 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,702,913 $1,946,994 
Restricted cash current
Other current assets8,262 8,262 
Restricted cash noncurrent
Other assets3,601 3,621 
Restricted cash equivalents – noncurrentOther assets1,801 6,192 
Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents$1,716,577 $1,965,069 

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we sold marketable securities for proceeds of $67.5 million and realized a gain of less than $0.1 million on such sales. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, we sold marketable securities for proceeds of $34.9 million and realized a loss of less than $0.1 million on such sales. See Note 8. “Fair Value Measurements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the fair value of our marketable securities.

The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our available-for-sale marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 As of June 30, 2024
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
U.S. debt$10,000 $ $1,483 $ $8,517 
Time deposits28,916   3 28,913 
Total$38,916 $ $1,483 $3 $37,430 
 As of December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
Foreign debt$35,000 $ $91 $14 $34,895 
U.S. debt45,625 88 1,614 10 44,089 
Time deposits76,533   22 76,511 
Total$157,158 $88 $1,705 $46 $155,495 

The contractual maturities of our marketable securities as of June 30, 2024 were as follows (in thousands):
Fair
Value
Within one year
$28,913 
After one year through five years
4,615 
After five years through ten years
3,902 
Total$37,430 

8

3. Restricted Marketable Securities

Restricted marketable securities consisted of the following as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 
 
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Foreign government obligations$48,910 $51,229 
Supranational debt22,900 15,339 
U.S. debt110,116 113,326 
U.S. government obligations18,317 18,416 
Total restricted marketable securities$200,243 $198,310 

Our restricted marketable securities represent long-term investments to fund the estimated future cost of collecting and recycling modules covered under our solar module collection and recycling program. We have established a trust under which funds are put into custodial accounts with an established and reputable bank, for which First Solar, Inc.; First Solar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.; and First Solar Manufacturing GmbH are grantors. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, such custodial accounts also included noncurrent restricted cash and cash equivalents balances of $1.8 million and $6.2 million, respectively, which were reported within “Other assets.” Trust funds may be disbursed for qualified module collection and recycling costs (including capital and facility related recycling costs), payments to customers for assuming collection and recycling obligations, and reimbursements of any overfunded amounts. Investments in the trust must meet certain investment quality criteria comparable to highly rated government or agency bonds. As necessary, we fund any incremental amounts for our estimated collection and recycling obligations on an annual basis based on the estimated costs of collecting and recycling covered modules, estimated rates of return on our restricted marketable securities, and an estimated solar module life of 25 years, less amounts already funded in prior years. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we purchased $7.9 million of restricted marketable securities as part of our ongoing management of the custodial accounts.

See Note 8. “Fair Value Measurements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the fair value of our restricted marketable securities. The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our restricted marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 As of June 30, 2024
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
Foreign government obligations$63,752 $ $14,842 $ $48,910 
Supranational debt25,460 1 2,561  22,900 
U.S. debt145,573  35,457  110,116 
U.S. government obligations24,414  6,097  18,317 
Total$259,199 $1 $58,957 $ $200,243 
 As of December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
Foreign government obligations$65,202 $ $13,963 $10 $51,229 
Supranational debt17,688  2,349  15,339 
U.S. debt146,484  33,129 29 113,326 
U.S. government obligations24,460  6,039 5 18,416 
Total$253,834 $ $55,480 $44 $198,310 

As of June 30, 2024, the contractual maturities of these securities were between 7 years and 15 years.
9

4. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details

Accounts receivable trade, net

Accounts receivable trade, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Accounts receivable trade, gross$649,241 $662,390 
Allowance for credit losses(1,676)(1,614)
Accounts receivable trade, net$647,565 $660,776 

Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Raw materials$449,084 $478,138 
Work in process101,780 78,463 
Finished goods750,985 530,197 
Inventories$1,301,849 $1,086,798 
Inventories – current$1,027,872 $819,899 
Inventories – noncurrent$273,977 $266,899 

Other current assets

Other current assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Spare maintenance materials and parts$182,229 $148,218 
Indirect tax receivables114,484 65,301 
Prepaid expenses78,931 62,480 
Operating supplies54,425 43,995 
Prepaid income taxes39,285 7,064 
Insurance receivable for accrued litigation (1)21,800 21,800 
Restricted cash8,262 8,262 
Derivative instruments (2)267 1,778 
Other27,426 33,002 
Other current assets$527,109 $391,900 
——————————
(1)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our legal proceedings.

(2)See Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our derivative instruments.

10

Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Land$38,780 $35,364 
Buildings and improvements 1,354,644 1,037,421 
Machinery and equipment 3,921,930 3,593,347 
Office equipment and furniture175,177 161,187 
Leasehold improvements40,313 40,084 
Construction in progress1,476,532 1,223,998 
Property, plant and equipment, gross7,007,376 6,091,401 
Accumulated depreciation(1,868,376)(1,694,116)
Property, plant and equipment, net$5,139,000 $4,397,285 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment was $93.4 million and $180.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and $76.9 million and $142.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.

Other assets

Other assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Advance payments for raw materials$261,849 $204,370 
Lease assets (1)99,834 101,468 
Income tax receivables87,025 68,591 
Prepaid expenses30,836 23,954 
Project assets24,984 28,430 
Restricted cash3,601 3,621 
Restricted cash equivalents1,801 6,192 
Other (2)45,194 41,978 
Other assets$555,124 $478,604 
——————————
(1)See Note 7. “Leases” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our lease arrangements.

(2)In November 2023, First Solar entered into a power purchase agreement with Cleantech Solar (“Cleantech”), a leading provider of renewable energy solutions in India and Southeast Asia. Under the agreement, Cleantech plans to construct certain photovoltaic (“PV”) solar and wind generating assets, which are expected to supply electricity to our manufacturing facility in India.

In February 2024, we purchased an ownership interest in a subsidiary of Cleantech for $3.0 million. This subsidiary owns certain of the generation assets that are expected to supply our facility, and we account for our investment in the subsidiary under the equity method of accounting. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized revenue of $19.0 million for module sales of 75 megawatts to this subsidiary.

11

Accrued expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Accrued property, plant and equipment$257,296 $210,233 
Accrued freight100,465 58,494 
Accrued inventory 45,536 101,161 
Accrued other taxes38,448 26,781 
Accrued compensation and benefits31,315 55,960 
Accrued interest11,408 11,011 
Product warranty liability (1)5,684 5,920 
Other49,974 55,269 
Accrued expenses$540,126 $524,829 
——————————
(1)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our “Product Warranties.”

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Accrued litigation (1)$21,800 $21,800 
Lease liabilities (2)10,806 10,358 
Derivative instruments (3)4,199 1,744 
Contingent consideration (4) 7,500 
Other53,989 798 
Other current liabilities$90,794 $42,200 
——————————
(1)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our legal proceedings.

(2)See Note 7. “Leases” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our lease arrangements.

(3)See Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our derivative instruments.

(4)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our contingent consideration arrangements.

12

Other liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Lease liabilities (1)$52,228 $53,725 
Deferred tax liabilities, net44,048 42,771 
Other taxes payable34,626 39,431 
Product warranty liability (2)18,011 19,571 
Contingent consideration (3)11,000 11,000 
Other13,908 14,212 
Other liabilities$173,821 $180,710 
——————————
(1)See Note 7. “Leases” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our lease arrangements.

(2)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our “Product Warranties.”

(3)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our contingent consideration arrangements.

5. Government Grants

Government grants represent benefits provided by federal, state, or local governments that are not subject to the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740. We recognize a grant when we have reasonable assurance that we will comply with the grant’s conditions and that the grant will be received. Government grants whose primary condition is the purchase, construction, or acquisition of a long-lived asset are considered asset-based grants and are recognized as a reduction to such asset’s cost-basis, which reduces future depreciation. Other government grants not related to long-lived assets are considered income-based grants, which are recognized as a reduction to the related cost of activities that generated the benefit.

The following table presents the benefits recognized from asset-based government grants in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Balance Sheet Line ItemJune 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Property, plant and equipment, net$153,064 $146,348 
Other assets5,844 5,860 

In February 2021, the state government of Tamil Nadu, India granted First Solar certain incentives associated with the construction of our first manufacturing facility in the country. Among other things, such incentives provide a 24% subsidy for eligible capital investments, contingent upon meeting certain minimum investment and employment commitments. The capital subsidy funding application process begins in the fiscal year following the initial period of module production and is expected to be paid in six annual installments thereafter. The timing of cash receipts is subject to the completion of audit certifications, funding applications by First Solar, and review by state government authorities. Module production in India began during the year ended December 31, 2023. We expect to submit initial funding applications in the second half of 2024. Such credit is reflected on our condensed consolidated balance sheets within “Government grants receivable.”

13

The following table presents the benefits recognized from income-based government grants in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Income Statement Line Item2024202320242023
Cost of sales$258,580 $155,007 $453,007 $225,121 
Research and development  4,000  

In August 2022, the U.S. President signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”). Among other things, the IRA offers a tax credit, pursuant to Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), for solar modules and solar module components manufactured in the United States and sold to third parties. Such credit may be refundable by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or transferable to a third party and is available from 2023 to 2032, subject to phase down beginning in 2030. For eligible components, the credit is equal to (i) $12 per square meter for a PV wafer, (ii) 4 cents multiplied by the capacity of a PV cell, and (iii) 7 cents multiplied by the capacity of a PV module. Based on the current form factor of our modules, we expect to qualify for a credit of approximately 17 cents per watt for each module produced in the United States and sold to a third party. We recognize such credit as a reduction to “Cost of sales” in the period the modules are sold to customers. Such credit is also reflected on our condensed consolidated balance sheets within “Government grants receivable.”

In December 2023, we entered into an agreement with Fiserv, Inc. (“Fiserv”) for the sale of $687.2 million of Section 45X tax credits we generated during 2023 for aggregate cash proceeds of $659.7 million. We received the full cash proceeds during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

6. Derivative Financial Instruments

As a global company, we are exposed in the normal course of business to various risks, including foreign currency and commodity price risks, that could affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We may use derivative instruments to hedge against these risks and only hold such instruments for hedging purposes, not for speculative or trading purposes.

Depending on the terms of the specific derivative instruments and market conditions, some of our derivative instruments may be assets and others liabilities at any particular balance sheet date. We report all of our derivative instruments at fair value and account for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments within “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” if the derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting. For those derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting (i.e., “economic hedges”), we record the changes in fair value directly to earnings. See Note 8. “Fair Value Measurements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the techniques we use to measure the fair value of our derivative instruments.

14

The following tables present the fair values of derivative instruments included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30, 2024
Other Current AssetsOther Current Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity swap contracts$ $780 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$ $780 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forward contracts$267 $3,419 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$267 $3,419 
Total derivative instruments$267 $4,199 
 December 31, 2023
Other Current AssetsOther Current Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity swap contracts$ $344 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$ $344 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forward contracts$1,778 $1,400 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$1,778 $1,400 
Total derivative instruments$1,778 $1,744 

The following table presents the pretax amounts related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges affecting accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Commodity Swap Contracts
Balance as of December 31, 2023$(1,493)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)(873)
Amount reclassified to cost of sales1,495 
Balance as of June 30, 2024$(871)
Balance as of December 31, 2022$(7,242)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)(984)
Amount reclassified to cost of sales4,665 
Balance as of June 30, 2023$(3,561)


15

The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedges on our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Amount of Loss Recognized in Income Statement
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Income Statement Line Item2024202320242023
Foreign exchange forward contractsForeign currency loss, net$(6,859)$(9,418)(15,808)(14,101)

Foreign Currency Risk

Transaction Exposure and Economic Hedging

Many of our subsidiaries have assets and liabilities (primarily cash, receivables, deferred taxes, payables, accrued expenses, lease liabilities, debt, and solar module collection and recycling liabilities) that are denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries’ functional currencies. Changes in the exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the other currencies in which these assets and liabilities are denominated will create fluctuations in our reported condensed consolidated statements of operations. We may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts or other financial instruments to economically hedge assets and liabilities against the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations. The gains and losses on such foreign exchange forward contracts will economically offset all or part of the transaction gains and losses that we recognize in earnings on the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

We also enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to economically hedge balance sheet and other exposures related to transactions between certain of our subsidiaries and transactions with third parties. Such contracts are considered economic hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, we recognize gains or losses from the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and the fair value of these derivative contracts in “Foreign currency loss, net” on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the notional values of our foreign exchange forward contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):
June 30, 2024
TransactionCurrencyNotional AmountUSD Equivalent
SellCanadian dollarCAD 4.2$3.1
PurchaseEuro148.1$158.5
SellEuro15.7$16.8
PurchaseIndian rupeeINR 7,710.0$92.4
SellIndian rupeeINR 72,554.5$869.9
SellJapanese yen¥563.6$3.5
PurchaseMalaysian ringgitMYR 186.0$39.4
SellMalaysian ringgitMYR 12.4$2.6
SellMexican pesoMXN 34.6$1.9
PurchaseSingapore dollarSGD 25.8$19.0
SellSingapore dollarSGD 18.8$13.9
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December 31, 2023
TransactionCurrencyNotional AmountUSD Equivalent
SellCanadian dollarCAD 4.2$3.2
SellChilean pesoCLP 1,372.6$1.6
PurchaseEuro98.3$108.7
SellEuro14.1$15.6
SellIndian rupeeINR 62,967.4$756.9
PurchaseJapanese yen¥1,053.6$7.5
SellJapanese yen¥705.2$5.0
PurchaseMalaysian ringgitMYR 160.7$35.0
SellMexican pesoMXN 34.6$2.0
PurchaseSingapore dollarSGD 6.5$4.9

Commodity Price Risk

From time to time, we use commodity swap contracts to mitigate our exposure to commodity price fluctuations for certain raw materials used in the production of our modules. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we entered into various commodity swap contracts to hedge a portion of our forecasted cash flows for purchases of aluminum frames between July 2022 and December 2023. Such swaps had an aggregate initial notional value based on metric tons of forecasted aluminum purchases, equivalent to $70.5 million, and entitled us to receive a three-month average London Metals Exchange price for aluminum while requiring us to pay certain fixed prices. The notional amount of the commodity swap contracts proportionately adjusted with forecasted purchases of aluminum frames.

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we entered into various commodity swap contracts to hedge a portion of our forecasted cash flows for purchases of steel between April 2024 and December 2024. Such swaps had an aggregate initial notional value based on short tons of forecasted steel purchases, equivalent to $7.6 million, and entitle us to receive the price based on the U.S. Midwest Hot-Rolled Coil Steel Index while requiring us to pay certain fixed prices. The notional amount of the commodity swap contracts proportionately adjusts with forecasted purchases of steel. As of June 30, 2024, the notional value associated with these contracts was $3.2 million.

These commodity swap contracts qualify for accounting as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated them as such. We report unrealized gains or losses on such contracts in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” and subsequently reclassify applicable amounts into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and impact earnings. We determined that these derivative financial instruments were highly effective as cash flow hedges as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. In the following 12 months, we expect to reclassify into earnings $0.9 million of net unrealized losses related to these commodity swap contracts that are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” at June 30, 2024 as we realize the earnings effects of the related forecasted transactions.

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7. Leases

Our lease arrangements include land associated with our corporate and administrative offices, land for our manufacturing facilities, and certain of our manufacturing equipment. Such leases primarily relate to assets located in the United States, Malaysia, India, and Vietnam.

The following table presents certain quantitative information related to our lease arrangements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets$120$$236$
Interest on lease liabilities254484
Operating lease cost3,2283,0146,4495,951
Variable lease cost7231,1211,4322,016
Short-term lease cost29498478168
Total lease cost$4,619$4,233$9,079$8,135
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of:
Operating lease liabilities$6,123$5,721
Finance lease liabilities110
Lease assets obtained in exchange for:
Operating lease liabilities$532$1,080
Finance lease liabilities3,428
June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Lease assets$79,593$20,241$84,419$17,049
Lease liabilities current
10,27253410,30751
Lease liabilities noncurrent
31,84620,38236,66217,063
Weighted-average remaining lease term4 years36 years5 years40 years
Weighted-average discount rate5.2 %5.9 %5.2 %5.4 %

As of June 30, 2024, the future payments associated with our lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Remainder of 2024$6,029 $271 
202511,539 587 
20269,865 1,405 
20277,317 1,405 
20286,950 1,407 
20295,285 1,442 
Thereafter13 47,539 
Total future payments46,998 54,056 
Less: interest(4,880)(33,140)
Total lease liabilities$42,118 $20,916 
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8. Fair Value Measurements

The following is a description of the valuation techniques that we use to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities that we measure and report at fair value on a recurring basis:

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Equivalents. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents consisted of money market funds. We value our cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics and classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 1.

Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our marketable securities consisted of foreign debt, U.S. debt, and time deposits, and our restricted marketable securities consisted of foreign and U.S. government obligations, supranational debt, and U.S. debt. We value our marketable securities and restricted marketable securities using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics or quoted prices for securities with similar characteristics and other observable inputs (such as interest rates that are observable at commonly quoted intervals). Accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as either Level 1 or Level 2 depending on the inputs used. We also consider the effect of our counterparties’ credit standing in these fair value measurements.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our derivative assets and liabilities consisted of foreign exchange forward contracts involving major currencies and commodity swap contracts involving major commodity prices. Since our derivative assets and liabilities are not traded on an exchange, we value them using standard industry valuation models. As applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs, including credit risk, foreign exchange rates, forward and spot prices for currencies, and forward prices for commodities. These inputs are observable in active markets over the contract term of the derivative instruments we hold, and accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques as Level 2. In evaluating credit risk, we consider the effect of our counterparties’ and our own credit standing in the fair value measurements of our derivative assets and liabilities, respectively.

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At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting
Date Using
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2024
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$759,148 $759,148 $ $ 
Restricted cash equivalents:
Money market funds1,801 1,801   
Marketable securities:
U.S. debt8,517  8,517  
Time deposits28,913 28,913   
Restricted marketable securities200,243  200,243  
Derivative assets267  267  
Total assets$998,889 $789,862 $209,027 $ 
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities$4,199 $ $4,199 $ 
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting
Date Using
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2023
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:    
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$1,105,684 $1,105,684 $ $ 
Restricted cash equivalents:
Money market funds6,192 6,192   
Marketable securities:
Foreign debt34,895  34,895  
U.S. debt44,089  44,089  
Time deposits76,511 76,511   
Restricted marketable securities198,310  198,310  
Derivative assets1,778  1,778  
Total assets$1,467,459 $1,188,387 $279,072 $ 
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities$1,744 $ $1,744 $ 

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the carrying values and fair values of our financial instruments not measured at fair value were as follows (in thousands):
 June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
 
 
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Assets:    
Government grants receivable - noncurrent$607,086 $569,686 $152,208 $107,111 
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, including current maturities (1)$500,000 $481,389 $500,000 $453,015 
——————————
(1)Excludes unamortized issuance costs and debt arrangements with an original maturity of less than one year.

The carrying values in our condensed consolidated balance sheets of our current trade accounts receivable, restricted cash, current government grants receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and debt arrangements with an original maturity of less than one year approximated their fair values due to their nature and relatively short maturities; therefore, we excluded them from the foregoing table. The fair value measurements for our noncurrent government grants receivable and long-term debt are considered Level 2 measurements under the fair value hierarchy.

Credit Risk

We have certain financial and derivative instruments that subject us to credit risk. These consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents, restricted marketable securities, foreign exchange forward contracts, and commodity swap contracts. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our financial and derivative instruments. We place these instruments with various high-quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit risk from any one counterparty. We monitor the credit standing of our counterparty financial institutions. Our net sales are primarily concentrated among a limited number of customers. We monitor the financial condition of our customers and perform credit evaluations whenever considered necessary. We typically require some form of payment security from our customers, including, but not limited to, advance payments, parent guarantees, letters of credit, bank guarantees, or surety bonds.

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9. Debt

Our debt arrangements consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Balance (USD)
Loan AgreementCurrencyJune 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Revolving Credit FacilityUSD$ $ 
India Credit FacilityUSD500,000 500,000 
India JPM Working Capital FacilityINR 60,827 
India HSBC Working Capital FacilityINR59,352  
Total debt principal559,352 560,827 
Less: unamortized issuance costs(452)(521)
Total debt558,900 560,306 
Less: current portion(140,175)(96,238)
Noncurrent portion$418,725 $464,068 

Revolving Credit Facility

In June 2023, we entered into a credit agreement with several financial institutions as lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, which provides us with a senior secured credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with an aggregate borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion. Borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, (i) the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“Term SOFR”), plus a credit spread of 0.10%, plus a margin that ranges from 1.25% to 2.25% or (ii) an alternate base rate as defined in the credit agreement, plus a margin that ranges from 0.25% to 1.25%. The margins under the Revolving Credit Facility are based on the Company’s net leverage ratio or, if the Company elects to switch to a credit ratings-based system after the investment grade ratings trigger date occurs (as defined in the credit agreement), the Company’s public debt rating.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Revolving Credit Facility, we are required to pay an unused commitment fee that ranges from 0.125% to 0.375% per annum based on the same factors discussed above and the daily unused commitments under the facility. We are also required to pay (i) a letter of credit fee based on the applicable margin for Term SOFR loans on the face amount of each letter of credit, (ii) a letter of credit fronting fee as agreed by the Company and such issuing lender, and (iii) other customary letter of credit fees. Our Revolving Credit Facility matures in June 2028.

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding debt or letters of credit under our Revolving Credit Facility. Loans and letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by liens on substantially all of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets.

India Credit Facility

In July 2022, FS India Solar Ventures Private Limited (“FSISV”), our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a finance agreement (the “India Credit Facility”) with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for aggregate borrowing of up to $500.0 million for the development and construction of a solar module manufacturing facility in India. Principal on the India Credit Facility is payable in scheduled semi-annual installments beginning in the second half of 2024 through the facility’s expected maturity in August 2029. The India Credit Facility is guaranteed by First Solar, Inc.

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India JPM Working Capital Facility

In December 2022, FSISV entered into a working capital facility agreement (the “India JPM Working Capital Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. for the issuance of bank guarantees, bonds, and other similar forms of security. During 2023, the India JPM Working Capital Facility was amended to include certain working capital loans of up to INR 6.2 billion ($74.8 million). The India JPM Working Capital Facility is guaranteed by First Solar, Inc. As of June 30, 2024, there was no balance outstanding on the India JPM Working Capital Facility.

India HSBC Working Capital Facility

In February 2024, FSISV entered into a working capital facility agreement (the “India HSBC Working Capital Facility”) with the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, which provides certain working capital loans of up to INR 8.2 billion ($98.4 million). The outstanding balance matures in the third quarter of 2024. The India HSBC Working Capital Facility is guaranteed by First Solar, Inc.

Interest Rates

As of June 30, 2024, the borrowing rates for our outstanding debt arrangements were as follows:
Loan AgreementInterest Rate DescriptionInterest Rate
India Credit FacilityU.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Yield plus 1.75%5.57%
India HSBC Working Capital Facility (1)
India Treasury bill rate plus 1.5% to 1.6%
8.36%
——————————
(1)The weighted-average interest rate for our outstanding short-term debt arrangements was 8.36% as of June 30, 2024.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Commercial Commitments

During the normal course of business, we enter into commercial commitments in the form of letters of credit and surety bonds to provide financial and performance assurance to third parties. As of June 30, 2024, the issued and outstanding amounts and available capacities under these commitments were as follows (in millions):
Issued and OutstandingAvailable Capacity
Revolving Credit Facility (1)$ $250.0 
Bilateral facilities (2)178.5 126.4 
Surety bonds28.6 225.0 
——————————
(1)Our Revolving Credit Facility provides us with a sub-limit of $250.0 million to issue letters of credit, at a fee based on the applicable margin for Term SOFR loans, a fronting fee, and other customary letter of credit fees.

(2)Of the total letters of credit issued under the bilateral facilities, $9.2 million was secured with cash.


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Product Warranties

When we recognize revenue for sales of modules, we accrue liabilities for the estimated future costs of meeting our limited warranty obligations. We estimate our limited product warranty liability for power output and defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service conditions based on return rates for each series of module technology. We make and revise these estimates based primarily on the number of solar modules under warranty installed at customer locations, our historical experience with and projections of warranty claims, and our estimated per-module replacement costs. We also monitor our expected future module performance through certain quality and reliability testing and actual performance in certain field installation sites. From time to time, we have taken remediation actions with respect to affected modules beyond our limited warranties and may elect to do so in the future, in which case we would incur additional expenses. Such potential voluntary future remediation actions beyond our limited warranty obligations may be material to our condensed consolidated statements of operations if we commit to any such remediation actions.

Product warranty activities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2024202320242023
Product warranty liability, beginning of period$25,194 $33,315 $25,491 $33,787 
Accruals for new warranties issued1,653 851 3,050 1,845 
Settlements(3,152)(1,867)(5,344)(3,193)
Changes in estimate of product warranty liability (330)498 (470)
Product warranty liability, end of period$23,695 $31,969 $23,695 $31,969 
Current portion of warranty liability$5,684 $9,243 $5,684 $9,243 
Noncurrent portion of warranty liability$18,011 $22,726 $18,011 $22,726 

Indemnifications

In certain limited circumstances, we have provided indemnifications to customers or other parties under which we are contractually obligated to compensate such parties for losses they suffer resulting from a breach of a representation, warranty, or covenant; the resolution of specific matters associated with a project’s development or construction; guarantees of a third party’s payment or performance obligations; or any disallowance or lack of the right to claim all or any portion of certain tax credits. For contracts that have such indemnification provisions, we initially recognize a liability under ASC 460 for the estimated premium that would be required by a guarantor to issue the same indemnity in a standalone arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated party. We may base these estimates on the cost of insurance or other instruments that cover the underlying risks being indemnified and may purchase such instruments to mitigate our exposure to potential indemnification payments. We subsequently measure such liabilities at the greater of the initially estimated premium or the contingent liability required to be recognized under ASC 450. We recognize any indemnification liabilities as a reduction of earnings associated with the related transaction.

After an indemnification liability is recorded, we derecognize such amount pursuant to ASC 460 depending on the nature of the indemnity, which derecognition typically occurs upon expiration or settlement of the arrangement, and any contingent aspects of the indemnity are accounted for in accordance with ASC 450. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we accrued $2.5 million and $3.3 million of current indemnification liabilities, respectively. As of June 30, 2024, the maximum potential amount of future payments under our indemnifications was $688.8 million.

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Contingent Consideration

As part of our acquisition of Evolar AB (“Evolar”) in May 2023, we agreed to pay additional consideration of up to $42.5 million to the selling shareholders contingent upon the successful achievement of certain technical milestones. As of December 31, 2023, we recorded $7.5 million of current liabilities and $11.0 million of long-term liabilities for such contingent obligations based on their estimated fair values. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we paid $7.5 million of contingent consideration to the selling shareholders, and $11.0 million remains in our long-term liabilities as of June 30, 2024.

Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability

We previously established a module collection and recycling program, which has since been discontinued, to collect and recycle modules sold and covered under such program once the modules reach the end of their service lives. For legacy customer sales contracts that are covered under this program, we agreed to pay the costs for the collection and recycling of qualifying solar modules, and the end-users agreed to notify us, disassemble their solar power systems, package the solar modules for shipment, and revert ownership rights over the modules back to us at the end of the modules’ service lives. Accordingly, we recorded any collection and recycling obligations within “Cost of sales” at the time of sale based on the estimated cost to collect and recycle the covered solar modules.

We estimate the cost of our collection and recycling obligations based on the present value of the expected future cost of collecting and recycling the solar modules, which includes estimates for the cost of packaging materials; the cost of freight from the solar module installation sites to a recycling center; material, labor, and capital costs; and by-product credits for certain materials recovered during the recycling process. We base these estimates on our experience collecting and recycling solar modules and certain assumptions regarding costs at the time the solar modules will be collected and recycled. In the periods between the time of sale and the related settlement of the collection and recycling obligation, we accrete the carrying amount of the associated liability and classify the corresponding expense within “Selling, general and administrative” expense on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Our module collection and recycling liability was $134.8 million and $135.1 million as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. See Note 3. “Restricted Marketable Securities” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for more information about our arrangements for funding this liability.

Legal Proceedings

In July 2021, Southern Power Company and certain of its affiliates (“Southern”) filed an arbitration demand with the American Arbitration Association against two subsidiaries of the Company, alleging breach of the engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”) agreements for five projects in the United States, for which the Company’s subsidiaries served as the EPC contractor. The arbitration demand asserts breach of obligations to design and engineer the projects in accordance with the EPC agreements, particularly as such obligations relate to the procurement of tracker systems and inverters. The Company and its subsidiaries denied the claims, and defended the claims in arbitration hearings, which concluded in February 2023. In May 2023, the parties submitted their final proposals of individual award claims to the arbitration panel. In July 2023, the arbitration panel entered an interim award to Southern for $35.6 million, which was paid during the year ended December 31, 2023. As a result, we recognized a loss for such interim award in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. The final arbitration award, which did not change the results of the interim award, was signed on November 6, 2023. On February 2, 2024, First Solar commenced an action in the New York County Supreme Court seeking to vacate certain aspects of the final award. On May 6, 2024, such action was denied. First Solar has elected not to appeal, and considers this matter closed.

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During the year ended December 31, 2022, we received several indemnification demands from certain customers, for whom we provided EPC services, regarding claims that such customers’ PV tracker systems infringe, in part, on patents owned by Rovshan Sade (“Plaintiff”), the owner of a company called Trabant Solar, Inc. In January 2023, we were notified by two of our customers that Plaintiff served them with patent infringement complaints, and we have assumed the defense of these claims. We have conducted due diligence on the patents and claims and believe that we will prevail in the actions. In April 2023, we commenced an Inter Partes Review (“IPR”) before the United States Patent and Trademark Office seeking to invalidate such claims. In November 2023, the United States Patent Trial and Appeal Board declined to hear the First Solar IPR. In July 2024, Plaintiff’s counsel filed a motion seeking to withdraw as counsel. The court granted the motion and issued a 45-day stay of all proceedings while Plaintiff seeks new representation. Because all case discovery has been stayed until September 24, 2024, at this time we are not in a position to assess the likelihood of any potential loss or adverse effect on our financial condition or to estimate the amount or range of possible loss, if any, from these actions.

In April 2019, a subcontractor of First Solar sustained certain injuries while performing work at a former project site and, in May 2019, commenced legal action against a subsidiary of the Company. In June 2023, a jury awarded damages of approximately $51.3 million to the plaintiff. On September 21, 2023, the Superior Court of California for Monterey County ruled, in response to a motion for remittitur filed by the Company, that the damages awarded to the plaintiff were excessive and reduced the award from $51.3 million to $21.8 million. The plaintiff and defendant have appealed and cross appealed varying aspects of the verdict and the remittitur. Accordingly, due to the uncertainty surrounding the multiple decisions and appeals, as of June 30, 2024, we recorded a $21.8 million accrued litigation payable included in “Other current liabilities” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We believe the full amount of awarded damages will be covered by our various insurance policies. Accordingly, we also recorded a $21.8 million receivable included in “Other current assets” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2024. The plaintiff did not accept the reduced award by the court ordered deadline of October 10, 2023, and, as a result, the $21.8 million award has been vacated and a new trial will be scheduled. We, in conjunction with our insurance carriers, are challenging the initial verdict in an appellate court, and the plaintiff is cross appealing from the decision to reduce the award, among other issues, stemming from the trial. The parties are awaiting a briefing schedule from the Appellate Court.

On September 29, 2023 and June 5, 2024, the Company received subpoenas from the Division of Enforcement of the SEC seeking documents and information relating to the Company’s operations in India, the Company's entry into a PV module supply agreement with an India-based customer, and certain aspects of the Company's technology roadmap, among other things. The Company is cooperating with the SEC and cannot predict the ultimate timing, scope, or outcome of this matter.

We are party to other legal matters and claims in the normal course of our operations. While we believe the ultimate outcome of these matters and claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, the outcome of such matters and claims is not determinable with certainty, and negative outcomes may adversely affect us.

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11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

We recognize revenue for module sales at a point in time following the transfer of control of the modules to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery depending on the terms of the underlying contracts. Such contracts may contain provisions that require us to pay the customer liquidated damages if we fail to ship or deliver modules by scheduled dates. For certain contracts, we may also be required to pay liquidated damages if we fail to deliver modules that meet certain U.S. domestic content requirements. We recognize these liquidated damages as a reduction of revenue in the period we transfer control of the modules to the customer.

The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities, which we classify as “Deferred revenue,” for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Six Month Change
Deferred revenue$1,948,348 $2,005,183 $(56,835)(3)%

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, our contract liabilities decreased by $56.8 million primarily due to the recognition of revenue for sales of solar modules for which payment was received in prior years. Additionally, we restructured the payment security for one of our customer contracts, which resulted in the return of previously received advance payments in exchange for a letter of credit. These decreases were partially offset by advance payments received in the current year for future sales of solar modules. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we recognized revenue of $221.3 million and $215.5 million, respectively, that was included in the corresponding contract liability balance at the beginning of the periods.

As of June 30, 2024, we had entered into contracts with customers for the future sale of 74.6 GW of solar modules for an aggregate transaction price of $22.3 billion, which we expect to recognize as revenue through 2030 as we transfer control of the modules to the customers. Such aggregate transaction price excludes estimates of variable consideration associated with (i) future module technology improvements, including enhancements to certain energy related attributes, (ii) sales freight in excess of defined thresholds, (iii) changes to certain commodity prices, and (iv) the module wattage committed for delivery, among other things. As a result, the revenue recognized from such contracts may increase or decrease in future periods relative to the original transaction price. These contracts may also be subject to amendments as agreed to by the parties to the contract. These amendments may increase or decrease the volume of modules to be sold under the contract, change delivery schedules, or otherwise adjust the expected revenue under these contracts.

See Note 16. “Segment Reporting” for the disaggregation of revenue by reportable segment.

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12. Share-Based Compensation

The following table presents share-based compensation expense recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Cost of sales$1,388 $1,349 $2,415 $2,275 
Selling, general and administrative6,005 5,981 10,874 10,763 
Research and development1,006 1,035 1,926 1,912 
Production start-up1 46 (24)61 
Total share-based compensation expense$8,400 $8,411 $15,191 $15,011 

As of June 30, 2024, we had $44.1 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock and performance units, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.4 years.

In March 2020, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved grants of performance units (“PU” or “PUs”) for key executive officers to be earned over a multi-year performance period, which ended in December 2022. Vesting of the 2020 grants of PUs was contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, module wattage, and return on capital metrics. In March 2023, the compensation committee certified the achievement of the vesting conditions applicable to the grants, which approximated the target level of performance. Accordingly, each participant received one share of common stock for each vested PU granted, net of any tax withholdings.

In May 2021, the compensation committee approved grants of PUs for key executive officers to be earned over a multi-year performance period, which ended in December 2023. Vesting of the 2021 grants of PUs was contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, cost per watt, incremental average selling price, and operating income metrics. In February 2024, the compensation committee certified the achievement of the vesting conditions applicable to the grants, which approximated the maximum level of performance. Accordingly, each participant received one share of common stock for each vested PU granted, net of any tax withholdings.

In March 2022, the compensation committee approved additional grants of PUs for key executive officers. Such grants are expected to be earned over a multi-year performance period ending in December 2024. Vesting of the 2022 grants of PUs is contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, cost per watt, and return on capital metrics.

In March 2023, the compensation committee approved additional grants of PUs for key executive officers. Such grants are expected to be earned over a multi-year performance period ending in December 2025. Vesting of the 2023 grants of PUs is contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, production, and operating margin metrics.

In March 2024, the compensation committee approved additional grants of PUs for key executive officers. Such grants are expected to be earned over a multi-year performance period ending in December 2026. Vesting of the 2024 grants of PUs is contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, production, incremental average selling price, and operating margin metrics.

Vesting of PUs is also contingent upon the employment of program participants through the applicable vesting dates, with limited exceptions in case of death, disability, a qualifying retirement, or a change-in-control of First Solar. Outstanding PUs are included in the computation of diluted net income per share based on the number of shares that would be issuable if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period.
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13. Income Taxes

The Inflation Reduction Act. In August 2022, the 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 of 15% on certain large corporations, imposing a 1% excise tax on stock buybacks, and providing various incentives to address climate change, including the introduction of the advanced manufacturing production credit under Section 45X of the IRC. The provisions of the IRA are generally effective for tax years beginning after 2022. Certain developments to technical guidance and regulations include the following:

In May 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued initial guidance on various sections of the IRC, including Section 45X.

In December 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued a notice of proposed rulemaking and public hearing providing initial guidance confirming certain key aspects of the Section 45X credit.

In March 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued final regulations on the direct payment election under Section 6417 of the IRC. The final regulations apply to tax years ending on or after March 11, 2024, but taxpayers may choose to apply the rules in the final regulations in taxable years ending before March 11, 2024, provided the final regulations are applied in their entirety and in a consistent manner. The final regulations mostly adopted and confirmed the proposed regulations previously issued in June 2023.

In April 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued final regulations on the elective transfer provisions under Section 6418 of the IRC. The final regulations apply to taxable years ending on or after April 30, 2024, but taxpayers may choose to apply the rules in the final regulations in taxable years ending before April 30, 2024, provided the final regulations are applied in their entirety and in a consistent manner. The final regulations mostly adopted and confirmed the proposed regulations previously issued in June 2023.

Given the complexities of the IRA, which is pending additional technical guidance and final regulations from the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS, we expect to continue to monitor these developments and evaluate their potential future impact to our results of operations.

Foreign tax credit regulations. In November 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department released proposed foreign tax credit (“FTC”) regulations addressing various aspects of the U.S. FTC regime. Among other items, these proposed regulations provide certain exceptions for determining creditable foreign withholding taxes. Taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations, which apply to tax years beginning on or after December 28, 2021. As a result of these proposed regulations, foreign withholding taxes will continue to be creditable. In July 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department issued Notice 2023-55, which provides temporary relief for taxpayers in determining whether a foreign tax is eligible for a foreign tax credit for taxable years beginning on or after December 28, 2021, and ending before December 31, 2023. In December 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department issued Notice 2023-80, which extends this relief period until future guidance is issued.


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Pillar Two. In December 2021, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development released model rules for a new global minimum tax framework (“Pillar Two”). Certain governments in countries in which we operate have enacted local Pillar Two legislation, with an effective date from January 1, 2024. We currently do not expect Pillar Two to have a material impact on our 2024 financial statements. As these legislative changes develop and expand, we expect to continue to monitor the changes and evaluate their potential impact to our results of operations.

Our effective tax rate was 7.4% and 4.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in our effective tax rate was primarily driven by lower excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. Our provision for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the effect of tax law changes associated with the IRA described above.

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we reversed our position to indefinitely reinvest the accumulated earnings of a foreign subsidiary and recorded discrete tax expense of approximately $6 million. There were no other changes to our indefinite reinvestment assertions during the period.

Our Malaysian subsidiary has been granted a long-term tax holiday that expires in 2027. The tax holiday, which generally provides for a full exemption from Malaysian income tax, is conditional upon our continued compliance with certain employment and investment thresholds, which we are currently in compliance with and expect to continue to comply with through the expiration of the tax holiday in 2027.

Our Vietnamese subsidiary has been granted a long-term tax incentive that generally provides a full exemption from Vietnamese income tax through 2023, followed by reduced annual tax rates of 5% through 2032 and 10% through 2036. Such long-term tax incentive is conditional upon our continued compliance with certain revenue and research and development (“R&D”) spending thresholds, which we are currently in compliance with and expect to continue to comply with through the expiration of the tax holiday.

We are subject to audit by federal, state, local, and foreign tax authorities. We are currently under examination in India, Chile, Singapore, the United States, and the State of Georgia. We believe that adequate provisions have been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax examinations cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed by our tax examinations are not resolved in a manner consistent with our expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs.

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14. Net Income per Share

The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Basic net income per share
Numerator:
Net income$349,356 $170,579 $585,972 $213,140 
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding107,042 106,827 107,011 106,791 
Diluted net income per share
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding107,042 106,827 107,011 106,791 
Effect of restricted stock and performance units483 451 491 465 
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share107,525 107,278 107,502 107,256 
Net income per share:
Basic$3.26 $1.60 $5.48 $2.00 
Diluted$3.25 $1.59 $5.45 $1.99 

The following table summarizes the potential shares of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 as such shares would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Anti-dilutive shares   24 

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15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (in thousands):
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2023$(118,366)$(54,610)$(1,155)$(174,131)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(11,477)(3,332)(873)(15,682)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (11)1,495 1,484 
Net tax effect
 143 (131)12 
Net other comprehensive (loss) income(11,477)(3,200)491 (14,186)
Balance as of June 30, 2024$(129,843)$(57,810)$(664)$(188,317)

The following table presents the pretax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Comprehensive Income Components
Income Statement
Line Item
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
Foreign currency translation adjustmentCost of sales$ $ $ $146 
Foreign currency translation adjustmentOther (expense) income, net   (10)
Total foreign currency translation adjustment   136 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted marketable securitiesOther (expense) income, net11 (9)11 (9)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments:
Commodity swap contractsCost of sales(346)(1,997)(1,495)(4,665)
Total loss reclassified$(335)$(2,006)$(1,484)$(4,538)

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16. Segment Reporting

Our primary segment is our modules business, which involves the design, manufacture, and sale of cadmium telluride (“CdTe”) solar modules, which convert sunlight into electricity. Third-party customers of our modules segment include system developers, independent power producers, utilities, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners and operators. Our residual business operations include certain project development activities, O&M services, the results of operations from PV solar power systems we owned and operated in certain international regions, and the sale of such systems to third-party customers.

See Note 21. “Segment and Geographical Information” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional discussion of our segment reporting.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of certain financial information for our reportable segment to information presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2024Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
 ModulesOtherTotalModulesOtherTotal
Net sales$1,008,765 $1,717 $1,010,482 $802,237 $8,436 $810,673 
Gross profit
498,333 556 498,889 301,917 8,503 310,420 
Depreciation and amortization expense
86,432 3 86,435 72,587 2 72,589 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2024Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
 ModulesOtherTotalModulesOtherTotal
Net sales$1,802,199 $2,391 $1,804,590 $1,338,827 $20,132 $1,358,959 
Gross profit
844,501 391 844,892 408,811 13,660 422,471 
Depreciation and amortization expense
167,494 6 167,500 134,170 4 134,174 
June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
ModulesOtherTotalModulesOtherTotal
Goodwill$28,834 $ $28,834 $29,687 $ $29,687 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. All statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements include statements, among other things, concerning: effects resulting from certain module manufacturing changes; our business strategy, including anticipated trends and developments in and management plans for our business and the markets in which we operate; future financial results, operating results, module volumes produced, module volumes sold, revenues, gross margin, operating expenses, products, projected costs (including estimated future module collection and recycling costs), warranties, solar module technology and cost reduction roadmaps, product reliability, investments, and capital expenditures; our ability to successfully integrate an acquired business; our ability to continue to reduce the cost per watt of our solar modules; the impact of public policies; the potential impact of legislation intended to encourage renewable energy investments through tax credits; our ability to expand manufacturing capacity worldwide, including the construction of new manufacturing facilities in the United States and related increases in manufacturing capacity; the impact of supply chain disruptions, which may affect the procurement of raw materials used in our manufacturing process and the distribution of our modules; R&D programs and our ability to improve the wattage of our solar modules; sales and marketing initiatives; and competition. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words, such as “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “goal,” “target,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “predict,” “continue,” “contingent,” and the negative or plural of these words, and other comparable terminology.

Forward-looking statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and our projections about future events. All forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based upon information available to us as of the filing date of the report and therefore speak only as of the filing date. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to:

structural imbalances in global supply and demand for PV solar modules;
our competitive position and other key competitive factors;
the reduction, elimination, or expiration of government subsidies, policies, and support programs for solar energy projects and other renewable energy projects;
the impact of public policies, such as tariffs or other trade remedies imposed on solar cells and modules;
the passage of legislation intended to encourage renewable energy investments through tax credits, such as the IRA;
our ability to execute on our long-term strategic plans, including our ability to secure financing and realize the potential benefits of strategic acquisitions and investments;
our ability to execute on our solar module technology and cost reduction roadmaps;
our ability to incorporate technology improvements into our manufacturing process, including the implementation of our copper replacement program;
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our ability to avoid manufacturing interruptions, including during the ramp of our manufacturing facilities;
our ability to improve the wattage of our solar modules;
interest rate fluctuations and our customers’ ability to secure financing;
the loss of any of our large customers, or the ability of our customers and counterparties to perform under their contracts with us;
the severity and duration of public health threats, including the potential impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations;
our ability to attract new customers and to develop and maintain existing customer and supplier relationships;
our ability to construct new production facilities to support new product lines;
general economic and business conditions, including those influenced by U.S., international, and geopolitical events;
environmental responsibility, including with respect to CdTe and other semiconductor materials;
evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations and expectations, including with respect to environmental, social, and governance matters;
claims under our limited warranty obligations;
changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations and environmental, health, and safety requirements;
effects arising from and results of pending litigation;
future collection and recycling costs for solar modules covered by our module collection and recycling program or otherwise as required by external laws and regulation;
supply chain disruptions;
our ability to protect our intellectual property;
our ability to prevent and/or minimize the impact of cybersecurity incidents or information security breaches;
our continued investment in R&D;
the supply and price of components and raw materials, including CdTe;
our ability to attract, train, retain and successfully integrate key talent into our team; and
all other matters discussed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and our other reports filed with the SEC.

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in this section. The following discussion and analysis of our business, financial condition, and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Executive Overview

We are a leading American solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced eco-efficient PV solar energy solutions. Developed at our R&D labs in California and Ohio, we manufacture and sell PV solar modules with an advanced thin film semiconductor technology that provide a high-performance, lower-carbon and lower-water alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV solar modules, and the smallest environmental footprint in the industry. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, we are committed to reducing the environmental impacts and enhancing the social and economic benefits of our products. Our PV solar modules are produced using a fully integrated, continuous process that does not rely on Chinese crystalline silicon supply chains.

We are the world’s largest thin film PV solar module manufacturer and the largest PV solar module manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere. We are in the process of expanding our manufacturing capacity in the United States, which includes our fourth and fifth manufacturing facilities expected to commence operations in the second halves of 2024 and 2025, respectively. With a global footprint that spans the United States, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam, we expect to have an annual manufacturing capacity of over 25 GW by the end of 2026.

Certain of our financial results and other key operational developments for the three months ended June 30, 2024 include the following:

Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2024 increased by 25% to $1.0 billion compared to $0.8 billion for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in the volume of modules sold to third parties and an increase in the average selling price per watt of our modules.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2024 increased 11.1 percentage points to 49.4% from 38.3% for the same period in 2023. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to a higher sales mix of modules qualifying for the advanced manufacturing production credit under Section 45X of the IRC, higher utilization across our manufacturing plants, and our entitlement to a contract termination payment from one of our European customers that reduced its module demand in the current period.

As of June 30, 2024, the total installed nameplate production capacity across all our facilities was approximately 17.6 GW. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we produced 3.7 GW and sold 3.4 GW of solar modules. During 2024, we expect to produce between 15.6 GW and 16.0 GW and sell between 15.6 GW and 16.3 GW of solar modules.

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we achieved a new world record CdTe research cell conversion efficiency of 23.1%, which was certified by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we completed certain key construction and equipment installation activities at our dedicated R&D innovation center in Ohio, and in July 2024, the facility was formally commissioned. This R&D facility features a high-tech pilot manufacturing line, which is expected to enable the production of full-sized prototypes of thin film and tandem PV modules, supporting the implementation of our technology roadmap.

In December 2023, we entered into an agreement with Fiserv for the sale of $687.2 million of Section 45X tax credits generated during 2023 for aggregate cash proceeds of $659.7 million. We received the full cash proceeds during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

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Market Overview

Solar energy is one of the fastest growing forms of renewable energy with numerous economic and environmental benefits that make it an attractive complement to or substitute for traditional forms of energy generation. Over the past decade, the cost of producing electricity from PV solar power systems has decreased to levels that are competitive with or below the wholesale price of electricity in many markets. This price decline has opened new possibilities to develop systems in many locations with limited or no financial incentives, thereby promoting the widespread adoption of solar energy. 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 alternative to traditional forms of energy generation. In addition to these economic benefits, solar energy has substantial environmental benefits. For example, PV solar power systems generate no greenhouse gas or other emissions and use minimal amounts of water compared to traditional energy generation assets. As a result of these and other factors, worldwide solar markets continue to develop and expand.

Recently enacted government support programs, such as the IRA, have contributed and are expected to continue to contribute to this momentum by providing solar module manufacturers, project developers, and project owners with certain subsidies and tax incentives to accelerate the ongoing transition to clean energy. 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 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.

Supply and demand. As a result of the market opportunities described above, we are in the process of expanding our manufacturing capacity, including the construction of our fourth and fifth manufacturing facilities in the United States, which are expected to commence operations in the second halves of 2024 and 2025, respectively. We continue to evaluate opportunities for future expansion worldwide. We believe manufacturers of solar cells and modules, particularly those in China, have significant installed production capacity, relative to global demand, and the ability for additional capacity expansion. Accordingly, we believe the solar industry may experience periods of structural imbalance between supply and demand, which could lead to periods of pricing volatility. Further, demand for solar energy in key markets, such as the United States, India, and Europe, may be affected by the nature and extent of commitments to the renewable energy transition at the local and global levels. For example, certain large oil and gas and energy companies have experienced investor pressure to pursue returns commensurate with those currently associated with fossil fuel projects. Notwithstanding these considerations, utility and corporate demand for clean energy, and overall electric load growth, especially as a result of artificial intelligence-driven data center demand, continue to increase. In light of such market realities, we continue to advocate for industrial and trade policies that provide a level playing field for manufacturers of solar cells and modules. We also continue to focus on our strategies and points of differentiation, which include our advanced module technology, our manufacturing process and distributed manufacturing presence, our R&D capabilities, the sustainability advantage of our modules, and our financial stability.

Pricing competition. The solar industry has been 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. For certain of our competitors, including many in China, these practices may be enabled by their direct or indirect access to sovereign capital or other forms of state support. Although module average selling prices in many global markets have declined, near-term module pricing in the United States, our primary market, remains relatively stable due, in part, to the rising demand for domestically manufactured modules as a result of the IRA.

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Diverse offerings. We face intense competition from manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules and other emerging technologies. Solar module manufacturers compete with one another on sales price per watt, which may be influenced by several module value attributes, including energy yield, wattage (through a larger form factor or an improved conversion efficiency), degradation, sustainability, and reliability. Sales price per watt may also be influenced by warranty terms, customer payment terms, and/or module content attributes. We believe that utility-scale solar will continue to be a compelling offering and will continue to represent an increasing portion of the overall electricity generation mix. However, this focus on utility-scale module offerings exists within a current market environment that includes rooftop and distributed generation solar, which may influence our future offerings.

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. Such technologies include the development of bifacial modules, the implementation of our CuRe program, and ongoing research and development of multi-junction solar modules.

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 efficiency, but by converting both front and rear side irradiance, such technology may improve the overall energy production of a module relative to nameplate efficiency when applied in certain applications, which could potentially lower the overall levelized cost of electricity (“LCOE”) of a system when compared to systems using monofacial solar modules. We recently began commercial production of bifacial solar modules at certain of our manufacturing facilities in Ohio and, during the three months ended June 30, 2024, delivered our first bifacial modules to customers. Our bifacial module features an innovative transparent back contact which, in addition to converting both front and rear side irradiance, allows infrared light to pass through rather than be absorbed as heat. This design lowers the operational temperature of the module, resulting in a higher energy yield.

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 capacity. We currently expect to complete the lead line implementation of our CuRe technology in late 2024 and intend to begin replication of the technology across our fleet in late 2025.

Multi-junction. We continue to evaluate opportunities to develop and leverage other solar cell technologies in multi-junction applications that combine our thin film PV technology with another high efficiency PV semiconductor, with each layer optimized for a different range of the solar spectrum. We believe such applications, which are expected to utilize at least one thin-film semiconductor, have the potential to significantly increase the efficiency of PV modules beyond the limits of traditional single-junction devices. Our acquisition of Evolar is expected to accelerate the development of high efficiency multi-junction devices by integrating Evolar’s expertise with First Solar’s existing R&D capabilities.

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Product efficiencies. The efficiencies gained from the vertical integration of our manufacturing model and our continued ability to reduce costs allow us to compete favorably in markets where pricing for modules and systems is highly competitive. 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. 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.

Energy performance. In many climates our solar modules provide certain energy production advantages relative to competing crystalline silicon solar 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.

In addition to these technological advantages, we warrant that our solar modules will produce at least 98% of their labeled power output rating during the first year, with the warranty coverage reducing by a degradation factor between 0.3% and 0.5%, depending on the module series, every year thereafter throughout the limited power output warranty period of up to 30 years. As a result of these and other factors, our solar modules can produce more annual energy in real world operating conditions than conventional crystalline silicon modules with the same nameplate capacity.

While our modules are generally competitive in cost, reliability, and performance attributes, there can be no guarantee such competitiveness will continue to exist in the future to the same extent or at all. Any declines in the competitiveness of our products could result in further declines in the average selling prices of our modules and additional margin compression. Accordingly, we continue to focus on enhancing the competitiveness of our solar modules through our module technology and cost reduction roadmaps.

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Certain Trends and Uncertainties

We believe that our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be favorably or unfavorably impacted by the following trends and uncertainties. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for discussions of other risks (the “Risk Factors”) that may affect us.

Our business is evolving worldwide and is shaped by the varying ways in which our offerings can be compelling and economically viable solutions to energy needs in various markets. In addressing electricity demands, we are focused on providing utility-scale module offerings in key geographic markets that we believe have a significant need for mass-scale PV solar electricity, including markets throughout the United States, India, and Europe. We closely evaluate and monitor the appropriate level of resources required to support such markets and their associated sales opportunities. When deployed in utility-scale applications, our modules provide energy at a lower LCOE compared to traditional forms of energy generation, making them an attractive alternative to or replacement for aging fossil fuel-based generation resources. Accordingly, future retirements of aging energy generation resources represent a significant increase in the potential market for solar energy.

Demand for our PV solar module offerings depends, in part, on market factors outside our control. For example, many governments have proposed or enacted policies or support 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 support programs, our net sales and profits remain subject to variability based on the availability and size of government subsidies and economic incentives. Adverse changes in these factors could increase the cost of utility-scale systems, which could reduce demand for our solar modules. Recent developments to government support programs include the following:

United States. In August 2022, the U.S. President signed the IRA into law, which is intended to accelerate the country’s ongoing transition to clean energy. Among other things, the financial incentives provided by the IRA have significantly increased demand for modules manufactured in the United States. Accordingly, the demand for these solar modules is expected to increase domestic manufacturing in the near term, which may result in localized supply chain constraints and periods of inflationary pricing for certain of our key raw materials. The financial incentives provided by the IRA have also increased demand for solar modules in general due to the incremental tax credit available for the qualified production of clean hydrogen that is powered by renewable resources. There are currently several critical and complex aspects of the IRA pending further technical guidance and final regulations from the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. Given the complexities of the IRA, we continue to evaluate the extent of benefits available to us, which we expect will favorably impact our results of operations in future periods. For example, we currently 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. See Note 5. “Government Grants” and Note 13. “Income Taxes” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our expectation of the financial benefits available to us under the IRA and developments to technical guidance and regulations, respectively.

United States. In September 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (“SETO”) announced the Advancing U.S. Thin-Film Solar Photovoltaics Funding Opportunity, which provides up to $44 million for qualifying solar R&D projects related to CdTe development and the manufacturing of perovskite tandem PV products. In May 2024, SETO announced the award recipients for this funding opportunity, which included two of our R&D projects. These grants are intended to accelerate and expand domestic solar R&D to strengthen U.S. solar manufacturing and contribute to renewable energy targets.

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India. In March 2023, the government of India allocated financial incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (“PLI”) scheme to certain PV module manufacturers, including First Solar. The PLI scheme is expected to provide aggregate funding of INR 185 billion ($2.3 billion), of which INR 11.8 billion ($143 million) was allocated to First Solar, to promote the manufacturing of high efficiency solar modules in India and to reduce India’s dependency on foreign imports of solar modules. Under the PLI scheme, manufacturers were selected through a competitive bid process and may be entitled to receive certain cash incentives over a five-year period following the commissioning of their manufacturing facilities. Among other things, such incentives are subject to attaining certain minimum thresholds for module efficiency and temperature coefficient and require that a certain proportion of raw materials be sourced from the domestic market. Such conditions will be evaluated on a quarterly basis from 2026 through 2031. At this time, it is uncertain to what extent we may qualify for such incentives.

Demand for our solar energy solutions also depends on domestic or international trade policies and government regulations, which may be proposed, revised, and/or enacted across short- and long-term time horizons with varying degrees of impact to our net sales, profit, and manufacturing operations. Changes in these policies and regulations could adversely impact the competitive landscape of solar markets, which could reduce demand for our solar modules. Recent revisions or proposed changes to trade policy and government regulations include the following:

United States. The United States currently imposes antidumping and countervailing duties (“AD/CVD”) on certain imported crystalline silicon PV cells and modules from China and Taiwan. Such AD/CVD can change over time pursuant to annual reviews conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce (“USDOC”), and a decline in duty rates or the USDOC’s failure to fully enforce U.S. AD/CVD laws could have an adverse impact on our operating results. In August 2023, the USDOC issued final affirmative circumvention rulings, finding that solar panels 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 are not used or installed on or before December 3, 2024. Our operating results could be adversely impacted if the USDOC and other U.S. government agencies do not enforce the affirmative circumvention rulings as expected or if pending litigation challenges result in a modification of the rulings. Conversely, effective enforcement could positively impact our operating results.

United States. In October 2023, a coalition of U.S. aluminum extruders and a labor union filed AD/CVD petitions with the USDOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“USITC”) related to aluminum extrusions from 15 countries. The USDOC and USITC have initiated investigations based on the petitions. We import certain items that appear to be within the scope of the investigations. Our operating results could be adversely impacted if the USDOC imposes duties on such imports. The USITC issued affirmative preliminary AD/CVD determinations in November 2023, and the USDOC issued preliminary antidumping determinations in May 2024, which found that our Malaysian supplier of aluminum extrusions was not dumping. The USDOC’s and USITC’s final determinations are expected to be announced in September 2024 and October 2024, respectively.

United States. 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. The investigations could potentially lead to the imposition of AD/CVD orders on such solar products. In June 2024, the USITC issued affirmative preliminary determinations. The USDOC is expected to announce preliminary determinations in the CVD and AD investigations in October 2024 and November 2024, respectively.

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India. The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (“ALMM”) was introduced in 2021 as a non-tariff barrier to incentivize local manufacturing of PV modules by approving the list of models and manufacturers who can participate in certain solar development projects. The ALMM is approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and any modifications to the list and its application may affect future investments in solar module manufacturing in India. 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. Our operating results could be adversely impacted if the ALMM requirements are significantly relaxed to allow modules to be imported from other countries. 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.

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. We may also adjust our shipping plans to include additional lead times for module deliveries and/or utilize our network of U.S. distribution centers to mitigate logistics costs. Additionally, our manufacturing capacity expansions are expected to bring production activities closer to customer demand, further mitigating our exposure to the cost of ocean freight.

We generally price and sell our solar modules on a per watt basis. As of June 30, 2024, we had entered into contracts with customers for the future sale of 74.6 GW of solar modules for an aggregate transaction price of $22.3 billion, which we expect to recognize as revenue through 2030 as we transfer control of the modules to our customers. Such volume includes contracts for the sale of 38.4 GW of solar modules with anticipated price adjustments for future module technology improvements, including enhancements to certain energy related attributes. Based on these potential improvements, the contracted module volume as of June 30, 2024, the expected timing such improvements being incorporated into our manufacturing process, and the expected timing of module deliveries, such adjustments, if realized, could result in additional revenue of up to $0.7 billion, the majority of which would be recognized between 2025 and 2028. In addition to these price adjustments, certain of our contracts with customers may include favorable price adjustments associated with sales freight in excess of defined thresholds and/or favorable or unfavorable price adjustments associated with changes to (i) certain commodity prices, (ii) the module wattage committed for delivery, and (iii) the volume of modules sold that meet certain U.S. domestic content requirements. As a result, the revenue recognized from such contracts may increase or decrease in future periods relative to the original transaction price.

We continue to increase the nameplate production capacity of our existing manufacturing facilities by improving our production throughput, increasing module wattage, and reducing manufacturing yield losses. Additionally, we are in the process of expanding our manufacturing capacity by approximately 7.6 GW, including the construction of our fourth and fifth manufacturing facilities in the United States, as well as capacity expansion at our existing facilities. This additional capacity, and any other potential investments to add to or otherwise modify our existing manufacturing capacity in response to market demand and competition, may require significant internal and possibly external sources of capital, and may be subject to certain risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Net sales100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
Cost of sales50.6 %61.7 %53.2 %68.9 %
Gross profit49.4 %38.3 %46.8 %31.1 %
Selling, general and administrative4.6 %5.7 %5.1 %6.6 %
Research and development5.1 %4.5 %5.2 %4.9 %
Production start-up2.7 %2.9 %2.4 %3.2 %
Litigation loss— %4.4 %— %2.6 %
Gain on sales of businesses, net— %— %0.1 %— %
Operating income36.9 %20.8 %34.1 %13.7 %
Foreign currency loss, net(1.0)%(0.6)%(0.7)%(0.8)%
Interest income2.4 %3.1 %2.9 %3.7 %
Interest expense, net(1.0)%(0.2)%(1.1)%(0.2)%
Other (expense) income, net(0.1)%0.1 %(0.2)%— %
Income tax expense(2.7)%(2.2)%(2.6)%(0.8)%
Net income34.6 %21.0 %32.5 %15.7 %

Segment Overview

Our primary segment is our modules business, which involves the design, manufacture, and sale of CdTe solar modules, which convert sunlight into electricity. Third-party customers of our modules segment include system developers, independent power producers, utilities, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners and operators. Our residual business operations include certain project development activities, O&M services, the results of operations from PV solar power systems we owned and operated in certain international regions, and the sale of such systems to third-party customers.

Net sales

We generally price and sell our solar modules on a per watt basis. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, we sold the majority of our solar modules to developers and operators of systems in the United States, and substantially all of our modules business net sales were denominated in U.S. dollars. We recognize revenue for module sales at a point in time following the transfer of control of the modules to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery depending on the terms of the underlying contracts. Net sales from our residual business operations primarily consists of revenue recognized for sales of development projects or completed systems, including any modules installed in such systems and any revenue from energy generated by such systems.
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The following table shows net sales by reportable segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Modules$1,008,765 $802,237 $206,528 26 %$1,802,199 $1,338,827 $463,372 35 %
Other1,717 8,436 (6,719)(80)%2,391 20,132 (17,741)(88)%
Net sales$1,010,482 $810,673 $199,809 25 %$1,804,590 $1,358,959 $445,631 33 %

Net sales from our modules segment increased $206.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to a 21% increase in the volume of modules sold to third parties and an 4% increase in the average selling price per watt. Net sales from our residual business operations during the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $6.7 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023 as our residual business operations continue to wind down.

Net sales from our modules segment increased $463.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to a 29% increase in the volume of modules sold to third parties and a 5% increase in the average selling price per watt. Net sales from our residual business operations during the six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $17.7 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 as our residual business operations continue to wind down.

Cost of sales

Our modules business 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. In addition, our cost of sales includes direct labor for the manufacturing of solar modules and manufacturing overhead, such as engineering, equipment maintenance, quality and production control, and information technology. Our cost of sales also includes depreciation of manufacturing plant and equipment, facility-related expenses, environmental health and safety costs, and costs associated with shipping, warranties, and solar module collection and recycling (excluding accretion). Cost of sales for our residual business operations includes project-related costs, such as development costs (legal, consulting, transmission upgrade, interconnection, permitting, and other similar costs), EPC costs (consisting primarily of solar modules, inverters, electrical and mounting hardware, project management and engineering, and construction labor), and site-specific costs.

The following table shows cost of sales by reportable segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Modules$510,432 $500,320 $10,112 %$957,698 $930,016 $27,682 %
Other1,161 (67)1,228 N/A2,000 6,472 (4,472)(69)%
Cost of sales$511,593 $500,253 $11,340 %$959,698 $936,488 $23,210 %
% of net sales50.6 %61.7 %  53.2 %68.9 %

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Cost of sales increased $11.3 million, or 2%, and decreased 11.1 percentage points as a percent of net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in cost of sales was driven by a $10.1 million increase in our modules segment cost of sales primarily due to (i) higher costs of $128.6 million due to an increase in the volume of modules sold, partially offset by (ii) a higher sales mix of modules qualifying for the advanced manufacturing production credit under Section 45X of the IRC, which decreased cost of sales by $103.6 million compared to the prior period, (iii) lower ramp costs at our newest Ohio and our Indian manufacturing facilities of $23.1 million, and (iv) lower sales freight of $13.7 million due to a reduction in rates.

Cost of sales increased $23.2 million, or 2%, and decreased 15.7 percentage points as a percent of net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in cost of sales was driven by a $27.7 million increase in our modules segment cost of sales primarily due to (i) an increase in the volume of modules sold resulting in higher costs of $304.5 million and (ii) continued module costs reductions of $10.0 million. These increases were partially offset by (iii) the recognition of the above-mentioned advanced manufacturing production credit, which decreased costs by $227.9 million, (iv) lower sales freight of $70.3 million, and (v) lower production ramp costs of $29.7 million. The overall increase in cost of sales was partially offset by a $4.5 million decrease in our residual business operations cost of sales as our residual business operations continue to wind down.

Gross profit

Gross profit may be affected by numerous factors, including the selling prices of our modules and the selling prices of projects and services included in our residual business operations, our manufacturing costs, the capacity utilization of our manufacturing facilities, and foreign exchange rates. Gross profit may also be affected by the mix of net sales from our modules business and residual business operations.

The following table shows gross profit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Gross profit$498,889 $310,420 $188,469 61 %$844,892 $422,471 $422,421 100 %
% of net sales49.4 %38.3 %  46.8 %31.1 %

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 11.1 percentage points to 49.4% during the three months ended June 30, 2024 from 38.3% during the three months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to (i) a higher sales mix of modules qualifying for the advanced manufacturing production credit described above, (ii) higher utilization across our manufacturing plants, and (iii) our entitlement to a contract termination payment from one of our European customers that reduced its module demand in the current period.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 15.7 percentage points to 46.8% during the six months ended June 30, 2024 from 31.1% during the six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to (i) a higher sales mix of modules qualifying for the advanced manufacturing production credit described above, (ii) higher utilization across our manufacturing facilities, (iii) an increase in the volume of modules sold, and (iv) lower sales freight.

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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.

The following table shows selling, general and administrative expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Selling, general and administrative$46,560 $46,328 $232 %$92,387 $90,356 $2,031 %
% of net sales4.6 %5.7 %  5.1 %6.6 %

Selling, general and administrative expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was consistent with the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

Research and development

Research and development expense consists primarily of salaries and other personnel-related costs; the cost of products, materials, and outside services used in our R&D activities; and depreciation and amortization expense associated with R&D specific facilities and equipment. We maintain a number of programs and activities to improve our technology and processes in order to enhance the performance and reduce the costs of our solar modules.

The following table shows research and development expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Research and development$51,937 $36,745 $15,192 41 %$94,679 $67,255 $27,424 41 %
% of net sales5.1 %4.5 %  5.2 %4.9 %

Research and development expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to higher depreciation and maintenance costs resulting from our investments in R&D facilities and equipment and higher employee compensation expense resulting from an increase in headcount.

Production start-up

Production start-up expense consists of costs associated with operating a production line before it is qualified for commercial production, including the cost of raw materials for solar modules run through the production line during the qualification phase, employee compensation for individuals supporting production start-up activities, and applicable facility related costs. Production start-up expense also includes costs related to the selection of a new site and implementation costs for manufacturing process improvements to the extent we cannot capitalize these expenditures.

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The following table shows production start-up expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Production start-up$27,451 $23,377 $4,074 17 %$42,859 $42,871 $(12)— %
% of net sales2.7 %2.9 %  2.4 %3.2 %

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, we incurred production start-up expense primarily for our fourth manufacturing facility in the U.S., which is expected to commence operations in the second half of 2024. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, we incurred production start-up expense primarily for our first manufacturing facility in India, which commenced operations during 2023.


Foreign currency loss, net

Foreign currency loss, net consists of the net effect of gains and losses resulting from holding assets and liabilities and conducting transactions denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries’ functional currencies.

The following table shows foreign currency loss, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Foreign currency loss, net$(9,649)$(4,652)$(4,997)107 %$(12,507)$(10,599)$(1,908)18 %

Foreign currency loss, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 largely due to higher costs associated with hedging activities related to our subsidiaries in India.

Interest income

Interest income is earned on our cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents, and restricted marketable securities. Interest income also includes interest earned from late customer payments.

The following table shows interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Interest income$24,599 $25,026 $(427)(2)%$51,844 $50,848 $996 %

Interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was consistent with the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. Although yields on our investments were generally higher in 2024, they were partially offset by lower average holdings of time deposits.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense, net is primarily comprised of interest incurred on debt. We may capitalize interest expense to our property, plant and equipment when such costs qualify for interest capitalization, which reduces the amount of net interest expense reported in any given period.

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The following table shows interest expense, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Interest expense, net$(9,765)$(1,415)$(8,350)>500%$(18,975)$(2,163)$(16,812)>500%

Interest expense, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to additional borrowing under various arrangements in India.

Other (expense) income, net

Other (expense) income, net is primarily comprised of miscellaneous items and realized gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities and restricted marketable securities.

The following table shows other (expense) income, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Other (expense) income, net$(565)$997 $(1,562)N/A$(3,364)$(459)$(2,905)>500%

Other (expense) income, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to commitment fees on our Revolving Credit Facility.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense or benefit, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect our best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions in which we operate, principally Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. Significant judgments and estimates are required to determine our consolidated income tax expense. The statutory federal corporate income tax rate in the United States is 21%, and the tax rates in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India are 17%, 24%, 20%, and 17%, respectively. In Malaysia, we have been granted a long-term tax holiday, scheduled to expire in 2027, pursuant to which substantially all of our income earned in Malaysia is exempt from income tax, conditional upon our continued compliance with certain employment and investment thresholds. In Vietnam, we have been granted a long-term tax incentive, scheduled to expire at the end of 2036, pursuant to which income earned in Vietnam is subject to reduced annual tax rates, conditional upon our continued compliance with certain revenue and R&D spending thresholds.

The following table shows income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)20242023Three Month Change20242023Six Month Change
Income tax expense$(27,775)$(17,892)$(9,883)55 %$(46,678)$(11,004)$(35,674)324 %
Effective tax rate7.4 %9.5 %  7.4 %4.9 %

Our tax rate is affected by the advanced manufacturing production credit under Section 45X and recurring items such as tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and the relative amounts of income we earn in those jurisdictions. The rate is also affected by discrete items that may occur in any given period but are not consistent from period to period. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we reversed our position to indefinitely reinvest the accumulated earnings of a foreign subsidiary and recorded discrete tax expense of approximately $6 million. There were no other changes to our indefinite reinvestment assertions during the quarter.
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Income tax expense increased $9.9 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to higher pretax income and the discrete tax expense associated with the reversal of our indefinite reinvestment assertion described above.

Income tax expense increased $35.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to higher pretax income and lower excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In preparing our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of reported assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Some of our accounting policies require the application of significant judgment in the selection of the appropriate assumptions for making these estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. We base our judgments and estimates on our historical experience, our forecasts, and other available information as appropriate. We believe the judgments and estimates involved in accrued solar module collection and recycling, product warranties, and government grants have the greatest potential impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. The actual results experienced by us may differ materially and adversely from our estimates. To the extent there are material differences between our estimates and the actual results, our future results of operations will be affected. For a description of the accounting policies that require the most significant judgment and estimates in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. There have been no material changes to our accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) — Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires greater disaggregation of an entity’s income tax disclosures. Among other things, ASU 2023-09 requires entities to disclose (i) specific categories in the effective tax rate reconciliation, (ii) pretax income or loss from continuing operations, separated between domestic and foreign jurisdictions, (iii) income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations, separated by federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions, and (iv) income taxes paid to federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. ASU 2023-09 is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024; although early adoption is permitted, we do not expect to do so. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2023-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of June 30, 2024, we believe that our cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, cash flows from operating activities, and contracts with customers for the future sale of solar modules will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs for at least the next 12 months. In addition, we have availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, which is unused as of June 30, 2024. As necessary, we also believe we will have adequate access to the capital markets. We monitor our working capital to ensure we have adequate liquidity, both domestically and internationally. We intend to maintain appropriate debt levels based upon cash flow expectations, our overall cost of capital, and expected cash requirements for operations, including near-term construction activities and purchases of manufacturing equipment for our newest manufacturing and R&D facilities in the United States. However, our ability to raise capital on terms commercially acceptable to us could be constrained if there is insufficient lender or investor interest due to company-specific, industry-wide, or broader market concerns. Any incremental debt financing could result in increased debt service expenses and/or restrictive covenants, which could limit our ability to pursue our strategic plans.

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As of June 30, 2024, we had $1.7 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities compared to $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by purchases of property, plant and equipment for our U.S. and Indian facilities, various operating expenditures, and certain advance payments of raw materials, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of Section 45X tax credits and cash receipts from module sales As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion of our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, respectively, was held by our foreign subsidiaries and was primarily based in U.S. dollar denominated holdings. Our investment policy seeks to preserve our investment principal and maintain adequate liquidity to meet our cash flow requirements, while at the same time optimizing the return on our investments. Such policy applies to all invested funds, whether managed internally or externally. Pursuant to such policy, we place our investments with a diversified group of high-quality financial institutions and limit the concentration of such investments with any one counterparty. We place significant emphasis on the creditworthiness of financial institutions and assess the credit ratings and financial health of our counterparty financial institutions when making investment decisions.

We utilize a variety of tax planning and financing strategies in an effort to ensure that our worldwide cash is available in the locations in which it is needed. If certain international funds were needed for our operations in the United States, we may be required to accrue and pay certain U.S. and foreign taxes to repatriate such funds. We maintain the intent and ability to permanently reinvest our accumulated earnings outside the United States, with the exception of certain subsidiaries for which applicable income taxes have been recorded as of June 30, 2024. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we reversed our position to indefinitely reinvest the accumulated earnings of a foreign subsidiary, allowing us to repatriate certain offshore funds to support our strategic investments in the United States. Accordingly, in July 2024, we repatriated $1.0 billion of offshore funds. Our worldwide cash may also be affected by changes to foreign government banking regulations that restrict our ability to move funds among various jurisdictions under certain circumstances, which could negatively impact our access to capital, resulting in an adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources.

Although we compete in markets that do not require solar-specific government subsidies or support programs, such incentives continue to influence the demand for PV solar energy around the world. For example, the financial incentives provided by the IRA are expected to increase both the demand for, and the domestic manufacturing of, solar modules in the United States. We continue to evaluate the extent of benefits available to us by the IRA, which are expected to favorably impact our liquidity and capital resources in future periods. For example, we currently 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. Such credit may be refundable by the IRS or transferable to a third party and is available from 2023 to 2032, subject to phase down beginning in 2030. Based on the current form factor of our modules, we expect to qualify for a credit of approximately 17 cents per watt for each module produced in the United States and sold to a third party. Accordingly, we expect the advanced manufacturing production credit will provide us with a significant source of funding throughout its 10-year period. In December 2023, we entered into an agreement with Fiserv for the sale of $687.2 million of Section 45X tax credits we generated during 2023 for aggregate cash proceeds of $659.7 million. We received the full cash proceeds during the six months ended June 30, 2024. For more information about certain risks associated with the benefits available to us under the IRA, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 5. “Government Grants” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information about government grants.

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As a result of various market opportunities and increased demand for our products, we commenced production of Series 7 modules at our third manufacturing facility in Ohio and our first manufacturing facility in India during 2023. We are in the process of expanding our manufacturing capacity, including the construction of our fourth and fifth manufacturing facilities in the United States, which are expected to commence operations in the second halves of 2024 and 2025, respectively. In aggregate, we currently expect our remaining investment in these U.S. facilities and upgrades to be approximately $1.4 billion, which we expect to incur throughout 2024 and 2025. The capital expenditures necessary to expand our capacity may be financed, in part, by cash on hand, advance payments from customers for module sales in future periods, the advanced manufacturing production credit described above, and/or near-term bridge financing instruments.

In addition to the expansion plans described above, we continue to increase the nameplate production capacity of our existing manufacturing facilities by improving our production throughput, increasing module wattage, and reducing manufacturing yield losses. We have a demonstrated history of innovation, continuous improvement, and manufacturing success driven by our significant investments in various R&D initiatives. We continue to invest significant financial resources in such initiatives, including the completion of a dedicated R&D innovation center in the United States to support the implementation of our technology roadmap. This facility features a high-tech pilot manufacturing line, which is expected to enable the production of full-sized prototypes of thin film and tandem PV modules. Such R&D facility was commissioned in July 2024. During 2024, we expect to spend between $1.8 billion and $2.0 billion for capital expenditures, including the new facilities mentioned above, and upgrades to machinery and equipment that we believe will further increase our module wattage and expand capacity and throughput at our facilities. These capital investments, and any other potential investments to implement our technology roadmap, may require significant internal and possibly external sources of capital, and may be subject to certain risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

We have also committed and expect to continue committing 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 interrupt or impair our ability to manufacture our solar modules or increase our manufacturing costs. Accordingly, we may enter into long-term supply agreements to mitigate potential risks related to the procurement of key raw materials and components, and such agreements may be noncancelable or cancelable with a significant penalty. For example, we have entered into long-term supply agreements for the purchase of certain specified minimum volumes of substrate glass and cover glass for our PV solar modules. We have the right to terminate certain of these agreements upon payment of specified termination penalties (which, in aggregate, are up to $518.5 million as of June 30, 2024 and decline over the remaining supply periods). Additionally, for certain strategic suppliers, we have made, and may in the future be required to make, certain advance payments to secure the raw materials necessary for our module manufacturing.

We have also committed certain financial resources to fulfill our solar module collection and recycling obligations and have established a trust under which these funds are put into custodial accounts with an established and reputable bank. As of June 30, 2024, such funds were comprised of restricted marketable securities of $200.2 million and associated restricted cash and cash equivalents balances of $1.8 million. As of June 30, 2024, our module collection and recycling liability was $134.8 million. Trust funds may be disbursed for qualified module collection and recycling costs (including capital and facility related recycling costs), payments to customers for assuming collection and recycling obligations, and reimbursements of any overfunded amounts. Investments in the trust must meet certain investment quality criteria comparable to highly rated government or agency bonds. As necessary, we adjust the funded amounts for our estimated collection and recycling obligations based on the estimated costs of collecting and recycling covered modules, estimated rates of return on our restricted marketable securities, and an estimated solar module life of 25 years, less amounts already funded in prior years.

51

As of June 30, 2024, we had no off-balance sheet debt or similar obligations, other than financial assurance related instruments, which are not classified as debt. We do not guarantee any third-party debt. See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information about our financial assurance related instruments.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes key cash flow activity for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 20242023
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$460,737 $(124,276)
Net cash used in investing activities
(675,974)(743,622)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(27,655)216,578 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents(5,600)2,454 
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents$(248,492)$(648,866)

Operating Activities

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by proceeds from sale of Section 45X credits.

Investing Activities

The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to lower purchases of marketable securities in the current period and net cash paid for a business acquisition in the prior period, partially offset by higher purchases of property, plant and equipment in the current period for our U.S. and Indian facilities.

Financing Activities

The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to lower net borrowing under various debt agreements in the current period.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes to the information previously provided under Item 7A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

52

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of June 30, 2024 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We also carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of our “internal control over financial reporting” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) to determine whether any changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2024 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there were no such changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2024.

CEO and CFO Certifications

We have attached as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, which are required in accordance with the Exchange Act. We recommend that this Item 4. be read in conjunction with those certifications for a more complete understanding of the subject matter presented.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control systems’ objectives are being met. Further, the design of any system of controls must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of all controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of error or mistake. Control systems can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

53

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” under the heading “Legal Proceedings” of our condensed consolidated financial statements for legal proceedings and related matters.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. There have been no material changes in the risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 5. Other Information

From time to time, our directors and officers may adopt plans for the purchase or sale of our securities. Such plans may be designed to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act or may constitute non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K). During the three months ended June 30, 2024, none of our officers or directors adopted or terminated non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements. However, certain of our officers adopted Rule 10b5-1 trading plans for the sale of our securities. The following table provides certain terms of such plans:
Name
Position
Action
Adoption Date
Expiration Date
Aggregate Number of
Securities to be Sold (1)
Byron Jeffers
Chief Accounting Officer
Adoption
May 9, 2024April 30, 20252,266
——————————
(1)Represents the gross number of shares subject to the Rule 10b5-1(c) plan, excluding the potential effect of shares withheld for taxes.

54

Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
Exhibit NumberExhibit Description
3.1
3.2
10.1*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1
101.INSXBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover page formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101
——————————
*    Filed herewith.

†    Furnished herewith. This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in such filings.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Date: July 30, 2024By:/s/ BYRON JEFFERS
Name:Byron Jeffers
Title:Chief Accounting Officer

55
Execution Version
EXHIBIT 10.1
Execution Version

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO GUARANTY AGREEMENT

This AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of June 21, 2024, is by and between:
(1)    FIRST SOLAR INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Guarantor”); and
(2)    UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION, an agency of the United States of America (“DFC”).
WHEREAS:
(1)FS India Solar Ventures Private Limited, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of India with CIN U29308DL2020FTC371690 (the “Borrower”), and DFC have entered into a Finance Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2022, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Finance Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2022, and as further amended by that certain Waiver and Amendment No. 2 to Finance Agreement, dated as of April 18, 2024 (as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Finance Agreement”);
(2)the Guarantor and DFC have entered into that certain Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Agreement”), pursuant to which the Guarantor has agreed, among other things, to guarantee the obligations of the Borrower under the Finance Agreement;
(3)the Guarantor and DFC desire to amend the Agreement to require the Guarantor to maintain a Current Ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00, in replacement of the existing requirement to maintain a Current Ratio of no less than 2.50 to 1.00, subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Amendment; and
(4)capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings set forth in Section 1(a) of the Agreement, and the rules of interpretation set forth in Section 1(b) of the Agreement shall apply to this Amendment as if fully set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.Amendments. Section 8(e)(iii) of the Agreement is amended by deleting the existing section and replacing it with the following:
“(iii) at all times and on a Consolidated Basis, a Current Ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00.”
        Amendment No. 1 to Guaranty Agreement
        (DFC/FSLR)


2.Representations. The Guarantor represents and warrants that the representations and warranties of the Guarantor set forth in the Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (except with respect to any provision including the word “material” or words of similar import, with respect to which such representations and warranties are true and correct) as of the date hereof, or if any such representation relates exclusively to an earlier date, as of such earlier date.
3.Miscellaneous.
(a)No Other Amendments. Except as specifically amended by Section 1 (Amendments) of this Amendment, all of the terms, conditions and provisions of the Agreement shall remain unaltered and in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed.
(b)Effect of Amendment. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment as provided in clause (c) below, each reference in the Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “herein,” or any other word or words of similar import, shall mean and be a reference to the Agreement as amended hereby, and each reference in any other document to the “Finance Agreement” or any word or words of similar import referring to the Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Agreement as amended hereby.
(c)Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Amendment may be executed and delivered in counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Amendment shall become effective when it shall have been executed by each party hereto and when DFC shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment in an electronic format (including .pdf, .tif, and .jpeg file format) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment. The words “execution”, “signed”, “signature” and words of like import shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity, or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any Applicable Law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 7001 to 7006, 7021, 7031; the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, NY State Tech. Law § 301; or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
(d)GOVERNING LAW. THIS AMENDMENT AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE, OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AMENDMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD OTHERWISE DIRECT APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.
[Signature pages follow]

    2    Amendment No. 1 to Guaranty Agreement
        (DFC/FSLR)


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
FIRST SOLAR, INC.
By:     
Name:
Title:




    3    Amendment No. 1 to Guaranty Agreement
        (DFC/FSLR)



UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION
By:     
Name:
Title:

    4    Amendment No. 1 to Guaranty Agreement
        (DFC/FSLR)

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 15 U.S.C. SECTION 7241, AS
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Mark R. Widmar, certify that:

(1)I have reviewed the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for the period ended June 30, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;

(2)Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual Report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

(5)The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



July 30, 2024By:/s/ MARK R. WIDMAR
Name:Mark R. Widmar
Title:Chief Executive Officer



EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 15 U.S.C. SECTION 7241, AS
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Alexander R. Bradley, certify that:

(1)I have reviewed the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for the period ended June 30, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;

(2)Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual Report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

(5)The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



July 30, 2024By:/s/ ALEXANDER R. BRADLEY
Name:Alexander R. Bradley
Title:Chief Financial Officer



EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for the period ended June 30, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, each of the undersigned officers of First Solar, Inc. certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his respective knowledge:

(1)the quarterly report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2)the information contained in the quarterly report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of First Solar, Inc. for the periods presented therein

July 30, 2024By:/s/ MARK R. WIDMAR
Name:Mark R. Widmar
Title:Chief Executive Officer

July 30, 2024By:/s/ ALEXANDER R. BRADLEY
Name:Alexander R. Bradley
Title:Chief Financial Officer


v3.24.2
Document - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jul. 26, 2024
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2024  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-33156  
Entity Registrant Name First Solar, Inc.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 20-4623678  
Entity Address, Address Line One 350 West Washington Street, Suite 600  
Entity Address, City or Town Tempe  
Entity Address, State or Province AZ  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 85288  
City Area Code 602  
Local Phone Number 414-9300  
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, $0.001 par value  
Trading Symbol FSLR  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   107,046,913
Entity Central Index Key 0001274494  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2024  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
v3.24.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Net sales $ 1,010,482 $ 810,673 $ 1,804,590 $ 1,358,959
Cost of sales 511,593 500,253 959,698 936,488
Gross profit 498,889 310,420 844,892 422,471
Operating expenses:        
Selling, general and administrative 46,560 46,328 92,387 90,356
Research and development 51,937 36,745 94,679 67,255
Production start-up 27,451 23,377 42,859 42,871
Litigation loss 430 35,590 430 35,590
Total operating expenses 126,378 142,040 230,355 236,072
Gain on sales of businesses, net 0 135 1,115 118
Operating income 372,511 168,515 615,652 186,517
Foreign currency loss, net (9,649) (4,652) (12,507) (10,599)
Interest income 24,599 25,026 51,844 50,848
Interest expense, net (9,765) (1,415) (18,975) (2,163)
Other (expense) income, net (565) 997 (3,364) (459)
Income before taxes 377,131 188,471 632,650 224,144
Income tax expense (27,775) (17,892) (46,678) (11,004)
Net income $ 349,356 $ 170,579 $ 585,972 $ 213,140
Net income per share:        
Basic $ 3.26 $ 1.60 $ 5.48 $ 2.00
Diluted $ 3.25 $ 1.59 $ 5.45 $ 1.99
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculations:        
Basic 107,042 106,827 107,011 106,791
Diluted 107,525 107,278 107,502 107,256
v3.24.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Net income $ 349,356 $ 170,579 $ 585,972 $ 213,140
Other comprehensive (loss) income        
Foreign currency translation adjustments (2,944) (5,348) (11,477) (2,693)
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted marketable securities, net of tax of $41, $85, $143 and $(317) (1,197) (1,315) (3,200) 5,651
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $177, $(165), $(131) and $(873) (571) 594 491 2,808
Other comprehensive (loss) income (4,712) (6,069) (14,186) 5,766
Comprehensive income 344,644 164,510 571,786 218,906
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]        
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted marketable securities, tax 41 85 143 (317)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, tax $ 177 $ (165) $ (131) $ (873)
v3.24.2
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,702,913 $ 1,946,994
Marketable securities 37,430 155,495
Accounts receivable trade, net 647,565 660,776
Government grants receivable, net 6,034 659,745
Inventories 1,027,872 819,899
Other current assets 527,109 391,900
Total current assets 3,948,923 4,634,809
Property, plant and equipment, net 5,139,000 4,397,285
Deferred tax assets, net 201,801 142,819
Restricted marketable securities 200,243 198,310
Government grants receivable 607,086 152,208
Goodwill 28,834 29,687
Intangibles assets, net 59,267 64,511
Inventories 273,977 266,899
Other assets 555,124 478,604
Total assets 11,014,255 10,365,132
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 230,894 207,178
Income taxes payable 81,172 22,134
Accrued expenses 540,126 524,829
Current portion of debt 140,175 96,238
Deferred revenue 689,468 413,579
Other current liabilities 90,794 42,200
Total current liabilities 1,772,629 1,306,158
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability 134,803 135,123
Long-term debt 418,725 464,068
Deferred revenue 1,258,880 1,591,604
Other liabilities 173,821 180,710
Total liabilities 3,758,858 3,677,663
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:    
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 107,045,972 and 106,847,475 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 107 107
Additional paid-in capital 2,886,569 2,890,427
Accumulated earnings 4,557,038 3,971,066
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (188,317) (174,131)
Total stockholders' equity 7,255,397 6,687,469
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 11,014,255 $ 10,365,132
v3.24.2
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 500,000,000 500,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued 107,045,972 106,847,475
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 107,045,972 106,847,475
v3.24.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Accumulated Earnings [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Common stock, shares, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2022   106,609,000      
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 5,836,055 $ 107 $ 2,887,476 $ 3,140,289 $ (191,817)
Net income 213,140     213,140  
Other comprehensive loss 5,766       5,766
Common stock issued for share-based compensation, shares   371,000      
Common stock issued for share-based compensation 0 $ 0 0    
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock, shares   (149,000)      
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock (30,247) $ 0 (30,247)    
Share-based compensation expense 14,924   14,924    
Common stock, shares, ending balance at Jun. 30, 2023   106,831,000      
Stockholders' equity, ending balance at Jun. 30, 2023 6,039,638 $ 107 2,872,153 3,353,429 (186,051)
Common stock, shares, beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2023   106,825,000      
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2023 5,868,728 $ 107 2,865,753 3,182,850 (179,982)
Net income 170,579     170,579  
Other comprehensive loss (6,069)       (6,069)
Common stock issued for share-based compensation, shares   7,000      
Common stock issued for share-based compensation 0 $ 0 0    
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock, shares   (1,000)      
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock (1,933) $ 0 (1,933)    
Share-based compensation expense 8,333   8,333    
Common stock, shares, ending balance at Jun. 30, 2023   106,831,000      
Stockholders' equity, ending balance at Jun. 30, 2023 $ 6,039,638 $ 107 2,872,153 3,353,429 (186,051)
Common stock, shares, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2023 106,847,475 106,847,000      
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2023 $ 6,687,469 $ 107 2,890,427 3,971,066 (174,131)
Net income 585,972     585,972  
Other comprehensive loss (14,186)       (14,186)
Common stock issued for share-based compensation, shares   322,000      
Common stock issued for share-based compensation 0 $ 0 0    
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock, shares   (123,000)      
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock (19,148) $ 0 (19,148)    
Share-based compensation expense $ 15,290   15,290    
Common stock, shares, ending balance at Jun. 30, 2024 107,045,972 107,046,000      
Stockholders' equity, ending balance at Jun. 30, 2024 $ 7,255,397 $ 107 2,886,569 4,557,038 (188,317)
Common stock, shares, beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2024   107,041,000      
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2024 6,902,514 $ 107 2,878,330 4,207,682 (183,605)
Net income 349,356     349,356  
Other comprehensive loss (4,712)       (4,712)
Common stock issued for share-based compensation, shares   6,000      
Common stock issued for share-based compensation 0 $ 0 0    
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock, shares   (1,000)      
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock (196) $ 0 (196)    
Share-based compensation expense $ 8,435   8,435    
Common stock, shares, ending balance at Jun. 30, 2024 107,045,972 107,046,000      
Stockholders' equity, ending balance at Jun. 30, 2024 $ 7,255,397 $ 107 $ 2,886,569 $ 4,557,038 $ (188,317)
v3.24.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $ 585,972 $ 213,140
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:    
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 187,921 140,560
Share-based compensation 15,191 15,011
Deferred income taxes (58,399) (42,607)
Gain on sales of businesses, net (1,115) (118)
Other, net 1,650 (8,843)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable, trade 29,613 (177,591)
Inventories (215,493) (131,625)
Government grants receivable 205,528 (225,121)
Other assets (168,363) (96,617)
Income tax receivable and payable 3,774 (20,090)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (113,255) (42,994)
Deferred revenue (12,499) 211,721
Other liabilities 212 40,898
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 460,737 (124,276)
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (778,618) (753,656)
Purchases of marketable securities and restricted marketable securities (1,113,826) (2,492,495)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities 1,224,167 2,538,069
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 0 (35,540)
Other investing activities (7,697) 0
Net cash used in investing activities (675,974) (743,622)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from borrowings under debt arrangements, net of issuance costs 110,395 246,825
Repayments of Debt (111,375) 0
Payments of tax withholdings for restricted shares (19,148) (30,247)
Contingent consideration payment and other financing activities (7,527) 0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (27,655) 216,578
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents (5,600) 2,454
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents (248,492) (648,866)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of the period 1,965,069 1,493,462
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, end of the period 1,716,577 844,596
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:    
Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities 402,263 183,482
Proceeds to be received from asset-based government grants 158,908 0
Acquisitions funded by liabilities and contingent consideration $ 11,000 $ 18,686
v3.24.2
1. Basis of Presentation (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries in this Quarterly Report have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of First Solar management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and reasonable assumptions, actual results could differ materially from such estimates and assumptions. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024 or for any other period. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the SEC.

Unless expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “First Solar” refer to First Solar, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, and the term “condensed consolidated financial statements” refers to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report.
v3.24.2
2. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments [Abstract]  
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities
2. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash$943,765 $841,310 
Money market funds759,148 1,105,684 
Total cash and cash equivalents1,702,913 1,946,994 
Marketable securities:
Foreign debt— 34,895 
U.S. debt8,517 44,089 
Time deposits28,913 76,511 
Total marketable securities37,430 155,495 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities$1,740,343 $2,102,489 
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents reported within our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 to the total of such amounts as presented in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
Balance Sheet Line ItemJune 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,702,913 $1,946,994 
Restricted cash current
Other current assets8,262 8,262 
Restricted cash noncurrent
Other assets3,601 3,621 
Restricted cash equivalents – noncurrentOther assets1,801 6,192 
Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents$1,716,577 $1,965,069 

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we sold marketable securities for proceeds of $67.5 million and realized a gain of less than $0.1 million on such sales. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, we sold marketable securities for proceeds of $34.9 million and realized a loss of less than $0.1 million on such sales. See Note 8. “Fair Value Measurements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the fair value of our marketable securities.

The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our available-for-sale marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 As of June 30, 2024
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
U.S. debt$10,000 $— $1,483 $— $8,517 
Time deposits28,916 — — 28,913 
Total$38,916 $— $1,483 $$37,430 
 As of December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
Foreign debt$35,000 $— $91 $14 $34,895 
U.S. debt45,625 88 1,614 10 44,089 
Time deposits76,533 — — 22 76,511 
Total$157,158 $88 $1,705 $46 $155,495 

The contractual maturities of our marketable securities as of June 30, 2024 were as follows (in thousands):
Fair
Value
Within one year
$28,913 
After one year through five years
4,615 
After five years through ten years
3,902 
Total$37,430 
v3.24.2
3. Restricted Marketable Securities (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Restricted [Abstract]  
Restricted Cash and Investments
3. Restricted Marketable Securities

Restricted marketable securities consisted of the following as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 
 
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Foreign government obligations$48,910 $51,229 
Supranational debt22,900 15,339 
U.S. debt110,116 113,326 
U.S. government obligations18,317 18,416 
Total restricted marketable securities$200,243 $198,310 

Our restricted marketable securities represent long-term investments to fund the estimated future cost of collecting and recycling modules covered under our solar module collection and recycling program. We have established a trust under which funds are put into custodial accounts with an established and reputable bank, for which First Solar, Inc.; First Solar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.; and First Solar Manufacturing GmbH are grantors. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, such custodial accounts also included noncurrent restricted cash and cash equivalents balances of $1.8 million and $6.2 million, respectively, which were reported within “Other assets.” Trust funds may be disbursed for qualified module collection and recycling costs (including capital and facility related recycling costs), payments to customers for assuming collection and recycling obligations, and reimbursements of any overfunded amounts. Investments in the trust must meet certain investment quality criteria comparable to highly rated government or agency bonds. As necessary, we fund any incremental amounts for our estimated collection and recycling obligations on an annual basis based on the estimated costs of collecting and recycling covered modules, estimated rates of return on our restricted marketable securities, and an estimated solar module life of 25 years, less amounts already funded in prior years. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we purchased $7.9 million of restricted marketable securities as part of our ongoing management of the custodial accounts.

See Note 8. “Fair Value Measurements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the fair value of our restricted marketable securities. The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our restricted marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 As of June 30, 2024
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
Foreign government obligations$63,752 $— $14,842 $— $48,910 
Supranational debt25,460 2,561 — 22,900 
U.S. debt145,573 — 35,457 — 110,116 
U.S. government obligations24,414 — 6,097 — 18,317 
Total$259,199 $$58,957 $— $200,243 
 As of December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
Foreign government obligations$65,202 $— $13,963 $10 $51,229 
Supranational debt17,688 — 2,349 — 15,339 
U.S. debt146,484 — 33,129 29 113,326 
U.S. government obligations24,460 — 6,039 18,416 
Total$253,834 $— $55,480 $44 $198,310 

As of June 30, 2024, the contractual maturities of these securities were between 7 years and 15 years.
v3.24.2
4. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]  
Consolidated Balance Sheet Details
4. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details

Accounts receivable trade, net

Accounts receivable trade, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Accounts receivable trade, gross$649,241 $662,390 
Allowance for credit losses(1,676)(1,614)
Accounts receivable trade, net$647,565 $660,776 

Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Raw materials$449,084 $478,138 
Work in process101,780 78,463 
Finished goods750,985 530,197 
Inventories$1,301,849 $1,086,798 
Inventories – current$1,027,872 $819,899 
Inventories – noncurrent$273,977 $266,899 

Other current assets

Other current assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Spare maintenance materials and parts$182,229 $148,218 
Indirect tax receivables114,484 65,301 
Prepaid expenses78,931 62,480 
Operating supplies54,425 43,995 
Prepaid income taxes39,285 7,064 
Insurance receivable for accrued litigation (1)21,800 21,800 
Restricted cash8,262 8,262 
Derivative instruments (2)267 1,778 
Other27,426 33,002 
Other current assets$527,109 $391,900 
——————————
(1)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our legal proceedings.

(2)See Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our derivative instruments.
Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Land$38,780 $35,364 
Buildings and improvements 1,354,644 1,037,421 
Machinery and equipment 3,921,930 3,593,347 
Office equipment and furniture175,177 161,187 
Leasehold improvements40,313 40,084 
Construction in progress1,476,532 1,223,998 
Property, plant and equipment, gross7,007,376 6,091,401 
Accumulated depreciation(1,868,376)(1,694,116)
Property, plant and equipment, net$5,139,000 $4,397,285 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment was $93.4 million and $180.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and $76.9 million and $142.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.

Other assets

Other assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Advance payments for raw materials$261,849 $204,370 
Lease assets (1)99,834 101,468 
Income tax receivables87,025 68,591 
Prepaid expenses30,836 23,954 
Project assets24,984 28,430 
Restricted cash3,601 3,621 
Restricted cash equivalents1,801 6,192 
Other (2)45,194 41,978 
Other assets$555,124 $478,604 
——————————
(1)See Note 7. “Leases” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our lease arrangements.

(2)In November 2023, First Solar entered into a power purchase agreement with Cleantech Solar (“Cleantech”), a leading provider of renewable energy solutions in India and Southeast Asia. Under the agreement, Cleantech plans to construct certain photovoltaic (“PV”) solar and wind generating assets, which are expected to supply electricity to our manufacturing facility in India.

In February 2024, we purchased an ownership interest in a subsidiary of Cleantech for $3.0 million. This subsidiary owns certain of the generation assets that are expected to supply our facility, and we account for our investment in the subsidiary under the equity method of accounting. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized revenue of $19.0 million for module sales of 75 megawatts to this subsidiary.
Accrued expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Accrued property, plant and equipment$257,296 $210,233 
Accrued freight100,465 58,494 
Accrued inventory 45,536 101,161 
Accrued other taxes38,448 26,781 
Accrued compensation and benefits31,315 55,960 
Accrued interest11,408 11,011 
Product warranty liability (1)5,684 5,920 
Other49,974 55,269 
Accrued expenses$540,126 $524,829 
——————————
(1)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our “Product Warranties.”

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Accrued litigation (1)$21,800 $21,800 
Lease liabilities (2)10,806 10,358 
Derivative instruments (3)4,199 1,744 
Contingent consideration (4)— 7,500 
Other53,989 798 
Other current liabilities$90,794 $42,200 
——————————
(1)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our legal proceedings.

(2)See Note 7. “Leases” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our lease arrangements.

(3)See Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our derivative instruments.

(4)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our contingent consideration arrangements.
Other liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Lease liabilities (1)$52,228 $53,725 
Deferred tax liabilities, net44,048 42,771 
Other taxes payable34,626 39,431 
Product warranty liability (2)18,011 19,571 
Contingent consideration (3)11,000 11,000 
Other13,908 14,212 
Other liabilities$173,821 $180,710 
——————————
(1)See Note 7. “Leases” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our lease arrangements.

(2)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our “Product Warranties.”

(3)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our contingent consideration arrangements.
v3.24.2
5. Government Grants (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Government Assistance [Abstract]  
Government Assistance
5. Government Grants

Government grants represent benefits provided by federal, state, or local governments that are not subject to the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740. We recognize a grant when we have reasonable assurance that we will comply with the grant’s conditions and that the grant will be received. Government grants whose primary condition is the purchase, construction, or acquisition of a long-lived asset are considered asset-based grants and are recognized as a reduction to such asset’s cost-basis, which reduces future depreciation. Other government grants not related to long-lived assets are considered income-based grants, which are recognized as a reduction to the related cost of activities that generated the benefit.

The following table presents the benefits recognized from asset-based government grants in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Balance Sheet Line ItemJune 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Property, plant and equipment, net$153,064 $146,348 
Other assets5,844 5,860 

In February 2021, the state government of Tamil Nadu, India granted First Solar certain incentives associated with the construction of our first manufacturing facility in the country. Among other things, such incentives provide a 24% subsidy for eligible capital investments, contingent upon meeting certain minimum investment and employment commitments. The capital subsidy funding application process begins in the fiscal year following the initial period of module production and is expected to be paid in six annual installments thereafter. The timing of cash receipts is subject to the completion of audit certifications, funding applications by First Solar, and review by state government authorities. Module production in India began during the year ended December 31, 2023. We expect to submit initial funding applications in the second half of 2024. Such credit is reflected on our condensed consolidated balance sheets within “Government grants receivable.”
The following table presents the benefits recognized from income-based government grants in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Income Statement Line Item2024202320242023
Cost of sales$258,580 $155,007 $453,007 $225,121 
Research and development  4,000  

In August 2022, the U.S. President signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”). Among other things, the IRA offers a tax credit, pursuant to Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), for solar modules and solar module components manufactured in the United States and sold to third parties. Such credit may be refundable by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or transferable to a third party and is available from 2023 to 2032, subject to phase down beginning in 2030. For eligible components, the credit is equal to (i) $12 per square meter for a PV wafer, (ii) 4 cents multiplied by the capacity of a PV cell, and (iii) 7 cents multiplied by the capacity of a PV module. Based on the current form factor of our modules, we expect to qualify for a credit of approximately 17 cents per watt for each module produced in the United States and sold to a third party. We recognize such credit as a reduction to “Cost of sales” in the period the modules are sold to customers. Such credit is also reflected on our condensed consolidated balance sheets within “Government grants receivable.”

In December 2023, we entered into an agreement with Fiserv, Inc. (“Fiserv”) for the sale of $687.2 million of Section 45X tax credits we generated during 2023 for aggregate cash proceeds of $659.7 million. We received the full cash proceeds during the six months ended June 30, 2024.
v3.24.2
6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Financial Instruments
6. Derivative Financial Instruments

As a global company, we are exposed in the normal course of business to various risks, including foreign currency and commodity price risks, that could affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We may use derivative instruments to hedge against these risks and only hold such instruments for hedging purposes, not for speculative or trading purposes.

Depending on the terms of the specific derivative instruments and market conditions, some of our derivative instruments may be assets and others liabilities at any particular balance sheet date. We report all of our derivative instruments at fair value and account for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments within “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” if the derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting. For those derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting (i.e., “economic hedges”), we record the changes in fair value directly to earnings. See Note 8. “Fair Value Measurements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the techniques we use to measure the fair value of our derivative instruments.
The following tables present the fair values of derivative instruments included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30, 2024
Other Current AssetsOther Current Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity swap contracts$— $780 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$— $780 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forward contracts$267 $3,419 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$267 $3,419 
Total derivative instruments$267 $4,199 
 December 31, 2023
Other Current AssetsOther Current Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity swap contracts$— $344 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$— $344 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forward contracts$1,778 $1,400 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$1,778 $1,400 
Total derivative instruments$1,778 $1,744 

The following table presents the pretax amounts related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges affecting accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Commodity Swap Contracts
Balance as of December 31, 2023$(1,493)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)(873)
Amount reclassified to cost of sales1,495 
Balance as of June 30, 2024$(871)
Balance as of December 31, 2022$(7,242)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)(984)
Amount reclassified to cost of sales4,665 
Balance as of June 30, 2023$(3,561)
The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedges on our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Amount of Loss Recognized in Income Statement
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Income Statement Line Item2024202320242023
Foreign exchange forward contractsForeign currency loss, net$(6,859)$(9,418)(15,808)(14,101)

Foreign Currency Risk

Transaction Exposure and Economic Hedging

Many of our subsidiaries have assets and liabilities (primarily cash, receivables, deferred taxes, payables, accrued expenses, lease liabilities, debt, and solar module collection and recycling liabilities) that are denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries’ functional currencies. Changes in the exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the other currencies in which these assets and liabilities are denominated will create fluctuations in our reported condensed consolidated statements of operations. We may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts or other financial instruments to economically hedge assets and liabilities against the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations. The gains and losses on such foreign exchange forward contracts will economically offset all or part of the transaction gains and losses that we recognize in earnings on the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

We also enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to economically hedge balance sheet and other exposures related to transactions between certain of our subsidiaries and transactions with third parties. Such contracts are considered economic hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, we recognize gains or losses from the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and the fair value of these derivative contracts in “Foreign currency loss, net” on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the notional values of our foreign exchange forward contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):
June 30, 2024
TransactionCurrencyNotional AmountUSD Equivalent
SellCanadian dollarCAD 4.2$3.1
PurchaseEuro€148.1$158.5
SellEuro€15.7$16.8
PurchaseIndian rupeeINR 7,710.0$92.4
SellIndian rupeeINR 72,554.5$869.9
SellJapanese yen¥563.6$3.5
PurchaseMalaysian ringgitMYR 186.0$39.4
SellMalaysian ringgitMYR 12.4$2.6
SellMexican pesoMXN 34.6$1.9
PurchaseSingapore dollarSGD 25.8$19.0
SellSingapore dollarSGD 18.8$13.9
December 31, 2023
TransactionCurrencyNotional AmountUSD Equivalent
SellCanadian dollarCAD 4.2$3.2
SellChilean pesoCLP 1,372.6$1.6
PurchaseEuro€98.3$108.7
SellEuro€14.1$15.6
SellIndian rupeeINR 62,967.4$756.9
PurchaseJapanese yen¥1,053.6$7.5
SellJapanese yen¥705.2$5.0
PurchaseMalaysian ringgitMYR 160.7$35.0
SellMexican pesoMXN 34.6$2.0
PurchaseSingapore dollarSGD 6.5$4.9

Commodity Price Risk

From time to time, we use commodity swap contracts to mitigate our exposure to commodity price fluctuations for certain raw materials used in the production of our modules. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we entered into various commodity swap contracts to hedge a portion of our forecasted cash flows for purchases of aluminum frames between July 2022 and December 2023. Such swaps had an aggregate initial notional value based on metric tons of forecasted aluminum purchases, equivalent to $70.5 million, and entitled us to receive a three-month average London Metals Exchange price for aluminum while requiring us to pay certain fixed prices. The notional amount of the commodity swap contracts proportionately adjusted with forecasted purchases of aluminum frames.

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we entered into various commodity swap contracts to hedge a portion of our forecasted cash flows for purchases of steel between April 2024 and December 2024. Such swaps had an aggregate initial notional value based on short tons of forecasted steel purchases, equivalent to $7.6 million, and entitle us to receive the price based on the U.S. Midwest Hot-Rolled Coil Steel Index while requiring us to pay certain fixed prices. The notional amount of the commodity swap contracts proportionately adjusts with forecasted purchases of steel. As of June 30, 2024, the notional value associated with these contracts was $3.2 million.

These commodity swap contracts qualify for accounting as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated them as such. We report unrealized gains or losses on such contracts in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” and subsequently reclassify applicable amounts into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and impact earnings. We determined that these derivative financial instruments were highly effective as cash flow hedges as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. In the following 12 months, we expect to reclassify into earnings $0.9 million of net unrealized losses related to these commodity swap contracts that are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” at June 30, 2024 as we realize the earnings effects of the related forecasted transactions.
v3.24.2
7. Leases (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Leases [Abstract]  
Lessee, Operating Leases
7. Leases

Our lease arrangements include land associated with our corporate and administrative offices, land for our manufacturing facilities, and certain of our manufacturing equipment. Such leases primarily relate to assets located in the United States, Malaysia, India, and Vietnam.

The following table presents certain quantitative information related to our lease arrangements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets$120$$236$
Interest on lease liabilities254484
Operating lease cost3,2283,0146,4495,951
Variable lease cost7231,1211,4322,016
Short-term lease cost29498478168
Total lease cost$4,619$4,233$9,079$8,135
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of:
Operating lease liabilities$6,123$5,721
Finance lease liabilities110
Lease assets obtained in exchange for:
Operating lease liabilities$532$1,080
Finance lease liabilities3,428
June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Lease assets$79,593$20,241$84,419$17,049
Lease liabilities current
10,27253410,30751
Lease liabilities noncurrent
31,84620,38236,66217,063
Weighted-average remaining lease term4 years36 years5 years40 years
Weighted-average discount rate5.2 %5.9 %5.2 %5.4 %

As of June 30, 2024, the future payments associated with our lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Remainder of 2024$6,029 $271 
202511,539 587 
20269,865 1,405 
20277,317 1,405 
20286,950 1,407 
20295,285 1,442 
Thereafter13 47,539 
Total future payments46,998 54,056 
Less: interest(4,880)(33,140)
Total lease liabilities$42,118 $20,916 
Lessee, Finance Leases
7. Leases

Our lease arrangements include land associated with our corporate and administrative offices, land for our manufacturing facilities, and certain of our manufacturing equipment. Such leases primarily relate to assets located in the United States, Malaysia, India, and Vietnam.

The following table presents certain quantitative information related to our lease arrangements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets$120$$236$
Interest on lease liabilities254484
Operating lease cost3,2283,0146,4495,951
Variable lease cost7231,1211,4322,016
Short-term lease cost29498478168
Total lease cost$4,619$4,233$9,079$8,135
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of:
Operating lease liabilities$6,123$5,721
Finance lease liabilities110
Lease assets obtained in exchange for:
Operating lease liabilities$532$1,080
Finance lease liabilities3,428
June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Lease assets$79,593$20,241$84,419$17,049
Lease liabilities current
10,27253410,30751
Lease liabilities noncurrent
31,84620,38236,66217,063
Weighted-average remaining lease term4 years36 years5 years40 years
Weighted-average discount rate5.2 %5.9 %5.2 %5.4 %

As of June 30, 2024, the future payments associated with our lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Remainder of 2024$6,029 $271 
202511,539 587 
20269,865 1,405 
20277,317 1,405 
20286,950 1,407 
20295,285 1,442 
Thereafter13 47,539 
Total future payments46,998 54,056 
Less: interest(4,880)(33,140)
Total lease liabilities$42,118 $20,916 
v3.24.2
8. Fair Value Measurements (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
8. Fair Value Measurements

The following is a description of the valuation techniques that we use to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities that we measure and report at fair value on a recurring basis:

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Equivalents. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents consisted of money market funds. We value our cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics and classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 1.

Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our marketable securities consisted of foreign debt, U.S. debt, and time deposits, and our restricted marketable securities consisted of foreign and U.S. government obligations, supranational debt, and U.S. debt. We value our marketable securities and restricted marketable securities using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics or quoted prices for securities with similar characteristics and other observable inputs (such as interest rates that are observable at commonly quoted intervals). Accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as either Level 1 or Level 2 depending on the inputs used. We also consider the effect of our counterparties’ credit standing in these fair value measurements.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our derivative assets and liabilities consisted of foreign exchange forward contracts involving major currencies and commodity swap contracts involving major commodity prices. Since our derivative assets and liabilities are not traded on an exchange, we value them using standard industry valuation models. As applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs, including credit risk, foreign exchange rates, forward and spot prices for currencies, and forward prices for commodities. These inputs are observable in active markets over the contract term of the derivative instruments we hold, and accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques as Level 2. In evaluating credit risk, we consider the effect of our counterparties’ and our own credit standing in the fair value measurements of our derivative assets and liabilities, respectively.
At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting
Date Using
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2024
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$759,148 $759,148 $— $— 
Restricted cash equivalents:
Money market funds1,801 1,801 — — 
Marketable securities:
U.S. debt8,517 — 8,517 — 
Time deposits28,913 28,913 — — 
Restricted marketable securities200,243 — 200,243 — 
Derivative assets267 — 267 — 
Total assets$998,889 $789,862 $209,027 $— 
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities$4,199 $— $4,199 $— 
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting
Date Using
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2023
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:    
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$1,105,684 $1,105,684 $— $— 
Restricted cash equivalents:
Money market funds6,192 6,192 — — 
Marketable securities:
Foreign debt34,895 — 34,895 — 
U.S. debt44,089 — 44,089 — 
Time deposits76,511 76,511 — — 
Restricted marketable securities198,310 — 198,310 — 
Derivative assets1,778 — 1,778 — 
Total assets$1,467,459 $1,188,387 $279,072 $— 
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities$1,744 $— $1,744 $— 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the carrying values and fair values of our financial instruments not measured at fair value were as follows (in thousands):
 June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
 
 
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Assets:    
Government grants receivable - noncurrent$607,086 $569,686 $152,208 $107,111 
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, including current maturities (1)$500,000 $481,389 $500,000 $453,015 
——————————
(1)Excludes unamortized issuance costs and debt arrangements with an original maturity of less than one year.

The carrying values in our condensed consolidated balance sheets of our current trade accounts receivable, restricted cash, current government grants receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and debt arrangements with an original maturity of less than one year approximated their fair values due to their nature and relatively short maturities; therefore, we excluded them from the foregoing table. The fair value measurements for our noncurrent government grants receivable and long-term debt are considered Level 2 measurements under the fair value hierarchy.

Credit Risk

We have certain financial and derivative instruments that subject us to credit risk. These consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents, restricted marketable securities, foreign exchange forward contracts, and commodity swap contracts. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our financial and derivative instruments. We place these instruments with various high-quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit risk from any one counterparty. We monitor the credit standing of our counterparty financial institutions. Our net sales are primarily concentrated among a limited number of customers. We monitor the financial condition of our customers and perform credit evaluations whenever considered necessary. We typically require some form of payment security from our customers, including, but not limited to, advance payments, parent guarantees, letters of credit, bank guarantees, or surety bonds.
v3.24.2
9. Debt (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Debt Instruments [Abstract]  
Debt
9. Debt

Our debt arrangements consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Balance (USD)
Loan AgreementCurrencyJune 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Revolving Credit FacilityUSD$— $— 
India Credit FacilityUSD500,000 500,000 
India JPM Working Capital FacilityINR— 60,827 
India HSBC Working Capital FacilityINR59,352 — 
Total debt principal559,352 560,827 
Less: unamortized issuance costs(452)(521)
Total debt558,900 560,306 
Less: current portion(140,175)(96,238)
Noncurrent portion$418,725 $464,068 

Revolving Credit Facility

In June 2023, we entered into a credit agreement with several financial institutions as lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, which provides us with a senior secured credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with an aggregate borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion. Borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, (i) the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“Term SOFR”), plus a credit spread of 0.10%, plus a margin that ranges from 1.25% to 2.25% or (ii) an alternate base rate as defined in the credit agreement, plus a margin that ranges from 0.25% to 1.25%. The margins under the Revolving Credit Facility are based on the Company’s net leverage ratio or, if the Company elects to switch to a credit ratings-based system after the investment grade ratings trigger date occurs (as defined in the credit agreement), the Company’s public debt rating.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Revolving Credit Facility, we are required to pay an unused commitment fee that ranges from 0.125% to 0.375% per annum based on the same factors discussed above and the daily unused commitments under the facility. We are also required to pay (i) a letter of credit fee based on the applicable margin for Term SOFR loans on the face amount of each letter of credit, (ii) a letter of credit fronting fee as agreed by the Company and such issuing lender, and (iii) other customary letter of credit fees. Our Revolving Credit Facility matures in June 2028.

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding debt or letters of credit under our Revolving Credit Facility. Loans and letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by liens on substantially all of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets.

India Credit Facility

In July 2022, FS India Solar Ventures Private Limited (“FSISV”), our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a finance agreement (the “India Credit Facility”) with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for aggregate borrowing of up to $500.0 million for the development and construction of a solar module manufacturing facility in India. Principal on the India Credit Facility is payable in scheduled semi-annual installments beginning in the second half of 2024 through the facility’s expected maturity in August 2029. The India Credit Facility is guaranteed by First Solar, Inc.
India JPM Working Capital Facility

In December 2022, FSISV entered into a working capital facility agreement (the “India JPM Working Capital Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. for the issuance of bank guarantees, bonds, and other similar forms of security. During 2023, the India JPM Working Capital Facility was amended to include certain working capital loans of up to INR 6.2 billion ($74.8 million). The India JPM Working Capital Facility is guaranteed by First Solar, Inc. As of June 30, 2024, there was no balance outstanding on the India JPM Working Capital Facility.

India HSBC Working Capital Facility

In February 2024, FSISV entered into a working capital facility agreement (the “India HSBC Working Capital Facility”) with the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, which provides certain working capital loans of up to INR 8.2 billion ($98.4 million). The outstanding balance matures in the third quarter of 2024. The India HSBC Working Capital Facility is guaranteed by First Solar, Inc.

Interest Rates

As of June 30, 2024, the borrowing rates for our outstanding debt arrangements were as follows:
Loan AgreementInterest Rate DescriptionInterest Rate
India Credit FacilityU.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Yield plus 1.75%5.57%
India HSBC Working Capital Facility (1)
India Treasury bill rate plus 1.5% to 1.6%
8.36%
——————————
(1)The weighted-average interest rate for our outstanding short-term debt arrangements was 8.36% as of June 30, 2024.
v3.24.2
10. Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
10. Commitments and Contingencies

Commercial Commitments

During the normal course of business, we enter into commercial commitments in the form of letters of credit and surety bonds to provide financial and performance assurance to third parties. As of June 30, 2024, the issued and outstanding amounts and available capacities under these commitments were as follows (in millions):
Issued and OutstandingAvailable Capacity
Revolving Credit Facility (1)$— $250.0 
Bilateral facilities (2)178.5 126.4 
Surety bonds28.6 225.0 
——————————
(1)Our Revolving Credit Facility provides us with a sub-limit of $250.0 million to issue letters of credit, at a fee based on the applicable margin for Term SOFR loans, a fronting fee, and other customary letter of credit fees.

(2)Of the total letters of credit issued under the bilateral facilities, $9.2 million was secured with cash.
Product Warranties

When we recognize revenue for sales of modules, we accrue liabilities for the estimated future costs of meeting our limited warranty obligations. We estimate our limited product warranty liability for power output and defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service conditions based on return rates for each series of module technology. We make and revise these estimates based primarily on the number of solar modules under warranty installed at customer locations, our historical experience with and projections of warranty claims, and our estimated per-module replacement costs. We also monitor our expected future module performance through certain quality and reliability testing and actual performance in certain field installation sites. From time to time, we have taken remediation actions with respect to affected modules beyond our limited warranties and may elect to do so in the future, in which case we would incur additional expenses. Such potential voluntary future remediation actions beyond our limited warranty obligations may be material to our condensed consolidated statements of operations if we commit to any such remediation actions.

Product warranty activities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2024202320242023
Product warranty liability, beginning of period$25,194 $33,315 $25,491 $33,787 
Accruals for new warranties issued1,653 851 3,050 1,845 
Settlements(3,152)(1,867)(5,344)(3,193)
Changes in estimate of product warranty liability— (330)498 (470)
Product warranty liability, end of period$23,695 $31,969 $23,695 $31,969 
Current portion of warranty liability$5,684 $9,243 $5,684 $9,243 
Noncurrent portion of warranty liability$18,011 $22,726 $18,011 $22,726 

Indemnifications

In certain limited circumstances, we have provided indemnifications to customers or other parties under which we are contractually obligated to compensate such parties for losses they suffer resulting from a breach of a representation, warranty, or covenant; the resolution of specific matters associated with a project’s development or construction; guarantees of a third party’s payment or performance obligations; or any disallowance or lack of the right to claim all or any portion of certain tax credits. For contracts that have such indemnification provisions, we initially recognize a liability under ASC 460 for the estimated premium that would be required by a guarantor to issue the same indemnity in a standalone arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated party. We may base these estimates on the cost of insurance or other instruments that cover the underlying risks being indemnified and may purchase such instruments to mitigate our exposure to potential indemnification payments. We subsequently measure such liabilities at the greater of the initially estimated premium or the contingent liability required to be recognized under ASC 450. We recognize any indemnification liabilities as a reduction of earnings associated with the related transaction.

After an indemnification liability is recorded, we derecognize such amount pursuant to ASC 460 depending on the nature of the indemnity, which derecognition typically occurs upon expiration or settlement of the arrangement, and any contingent aspects of the indemnity are accounted for in accordance with ASC 450. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we accrued $2.5 million and $3.3 million of current indemnification liabilities, respectively. As of June 30, 2024, the maximum potential amount of future payments under our indemnifications was $688.8 million.
Contingent Consideration

As part of our acquisition of Evolar AB (“Evolar”) in May 2023, we agreed to pay additional consideration of up to $42.5 million to the selling shareholders contingent upon the successful achievement of certain technical milestones. As of December 31, 2023, we recorded $7.5 million of current liabilities and $11.0 million of long-term liabilities for such contingent obligations based on their estimated fair values. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we paid $7.5 million of contingent consideration to the selling shareholders, and $11.0 million remains in our long-term liabilities as of June 30, 2024.

Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability

We previously established a module collection and recycling program, which has since been discontinued, to collect and recycle modules sold and covered under such program once the modules reach the end of their service lives. For legacy customer sales contracts that are covered under this program, we agreed to pay the costs for the collection and recycling of qualifying solar modules, and the end-users agreed to notify us, disassemble their solar power systems, package the solar modules for shipment, and revert ownership rights over the modules back to us at the end of the modules’ service lives. Accordingly, we recorded any collection and recycling obligations within “Cost of sales” at the time of sale based on the estimated cost to collect and recycle the covered solar modules.

We estimate the cost of our collection and recycling obligations based on the present value of the expected future cost of collecting and recycling the solar modules, which includes estimates for the cost of packaging materials; the cost of freight from the solar module installation sites to a recycling center; material, labor, and capital costs; and by-product credits for certain materials recovered during the recycling process. We base these estimates on our experience collecting and recycling solar modules and certain assumptions regarding costs at the time the solar modules will be collected and recycled. In the periods between the time of sale and the related settlement of the collection and recycling obligation, we accrete the carrying amount of the associated liability and classify the corresponding expense within “Selling, general and administrative” expense on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Our module collection and recycling liability was $134.8 million and $135.1 million as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. See Note 3. “Restricted Marketable Securities” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for more information about our arrangements for funding this liability.

Legal Proceedings

In July 2021, Southern Power Company and certain of its affiliates (“Southern”) filed an arbitration demand with the American Arbitration Association against two subsidiaries of the Company, alleging breach of the engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”) agreements for five projects in the United States, for which the Company’s subsidiaries served as the EPC contractor. The arbitration demand asserts breach of obligations to design and engineer the projects in accordance with the EPC agreements, particularly as such obligations relate to the procurement of tracker systems and inverters. The Company and its subsidiaries denied the claims, and defended the claims in arbitration hearings, which concluded in February 2023. In May 2023, the parties submitted their final proposals of individual award claims to the arbitration panel. In July 2023, the arbitration panel entered an interim award to Southern for $35.6 million, which was paid during the year ended December 31, 2023. As a result, we recognized a loss for such interim award in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. The final arbitration award, which did not change the results of the interim award, was signed on November 6, 2023. On February 2, 2024, First Solar commenced an action in the New York County Supreme Court seeking to vacate certain aspects of the final award. On May 6, 2024, such action was denied. First Solar has elected not to appeal, and considers this matter closed.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we received several indemnification demands from certain customers, for whom we provided EPC services, regarding claims that such customers’ PV tracker systems infringe, in part, on patents owned by Rovshan Sade (“Plaintiff”), the owner of a company called Trabant Solar, Inc. In January 2023, we were notified by two of our customers that Plaintiff served them with patent infringement complaints, and we have assumed the defense of these claims. We have conducted due diligence on the patents and claims and believe that we will prevail in the actions. In April 2023, we commenced an Inter Partes Review (“IPR”) before the United States Patent and Trademark Office seeking to invalidate such claims. In November 2023, the United States Patent Trial and Appeal Board declined to hear the First Solar IPR. In July 2024, Plaintiff’s counsel filed a motion seeking to withdraw as counsel. The court granted the motion and issued a 45-day stay of all proceedings while Plaintiff seeks new representation. Because all case discovery has been stayed until September 24, 2024, at this time we are not in a position to assess the likelihood of any potential loss or adverse effect on our financial condition or to estimate the amount or range of possible loss, if any, from these actions.

In April 2019, a subcontractor of First Solar sustained certain injuries while performing work at a former project site and, in May 2019, commenced legal action against a subsidiary of the Company. In June 2023, a jury awarded damages of approximately $51.3 million to the plaintiff. On September 21, 2023, the Superior Court of California for Monterey County ruled, in response to a motion for remittitur filed by the Company, that the damages awarded to the plaintiff were excessive and reduced the award from $51.3 million to $21.8 million. The plaintiff and defendant have appealed and cross appealed varying aspects of the verdict and the remittitur. Accordingly, due to the uncertainty surrounding the multiple decisions and appeals, as of June 30, 2024, we recorded a $21.8 million accrued litigation payable included in “Other current liabilities” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We believe the full amount of awarded damages will be covered by our various insurance policies. Accordingly, we also recorded a $21.8 million receivable included in “Other current assets” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2024. The plaintiff did not accept the reduced award by the court ordered deadline of October 10, 2023, and, as a result, the $21.8 million award has been vacated and a new trial will be scheduled. We, in conjunction with our insurance carriers, are challenging the initial verdict in an appellate court, and the plaintiff is cross appealing from the decision to reduce the award, among other issues, stemming from the trial. The parties are awaiting a briefing schedule from the Appellate Court.

On September 29, 2023 and June 5, 2024, the Company received subpoenas from the Division of Enforcement of the SEC seeking documents and information relating to the Company’s operations in India, the Company's entry into a PV module supply agreement with an India-based customer, and certain aspects of the Company's technology roadmap, among other things. The Company is cooperating with the SEC and cannot predict the ultimate timing, scope, or outcome of this matter.

We are party to other legal matters and claims in the normal course of our operations. While we believe the ultimate outcome of these matters and claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, the outcome of such matters and claims is not determinable with certainty, and negative outcomes may adversely affect us.
v3.24.2
11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Text Block]
11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

We recognize revenue for module sales at a point in time following the transfer of control of the modules to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery depending on the terms of the underlying contracts. Such contracts may contain provisions that require us to pay the customer liquidated damages if we fail to ship or deliver modules by scheduled dates. For certain contracts, we may also be required to pay liquidated damages if we fail to deliver modules that meet certain U.S. domestic content requirements. We recognize these liquidated damages as a reduction of revenue in the period we transfer control of the modules to the customer.

The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities, which we classify as “Deferred revenue,” for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Six Month Change
Deferred revenue$1,948,348 $2,005,183 $(56,835)(3)%

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, our contract liabilities decreased by $56.8 million primarily due to the recognition of revenue for sales of solar modules for which payment was received in prior years. Additionally, we restructured the payment security for one of our customer contracts, which resulted in the return of previously received advance payments in exchange for a letter of credit. These decreases were partially offset by advance payments received in the current year for future sales of solar modules. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we recognized revenue of $221.3 million and $215.5 million, respectively, that was included in the corresponding contract liability balance at the beginning of the periods.

As of June 30, 2024, we had entered into contracts with customers for the future sale of 74.6 GW of solar modules for an aggregate transaction price of $22.3 billion, which we expect to recognize as revenue through 2030 as we transfer control of the modules to the customers. Such aggregate transaction price excludes estimates of variable consideration associated with (i) future module technology improvements, including enhancements to certain energy related attributes, (ii) sales freight in excess of defined thresholds, (iii) changes to certain commodity prices, and (iv) the module wattage committed for delivery, among other things. As a result, the revenue recognized from such contracts may increase or decrease in future periods relative to the original transaction price. These contracts may also be subject to amendments as agreed to by the parties to the contract. These amendments may increase or decrease the volume of modules to be sold under the contract, change delivery schedules, or otherwise adjust the expected revenue under these contracts.

See Note 16. “Segment Reporting” for the disaggregation of revenue by reportable segment.
v3.24.2
12. Share-Based Compensation (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Recognized Amount [Abstract]  
Share-Based Compensation
12. Share-Based Compensation

The following table presents share-based compensation expense recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Cost of sales$1,388 $1,349 $2,415 $2,275 
Selling, general and administrative6,005 5,981 10,874 10,763 
Research and development1,006 1,035 1,926 1,912 
Production start-up46 (24)61 
Total share-based compensation expense$8,400 $8,411 $15,191 $15,011 

As of June 30, 2024, we had $44.1 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock and performance units, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.4 years.

In March 2020, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved grants of performance units (“PU” or “PUs”) for key executive officers to be earned over a multi-year performance period, which ended in December 2022. Vesting of the 2020 grants of PUs was contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, module wattage, and return on capital metrics. In March 2023, the compensation committee certified the achievement of the vesting conditions applicable to the grants, which approximated the target level of performance. Accordingly, each participant received one share of common stock for each vested PU granted, net of any tax withholdings.

In May 2021, the compensation committee approved grants of PUs for key executive officers to be earned over a multi-year performance period, which ended in December 2023. Vesting of the 2021 grants of PUs was contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, cost per watt, incremental average selling price, and operating income metrics. In February 2024, the compensation committee certified the achievement of the vesting conditions applicable to the grants, which approximated the maximum level of performance. Accordingly, each participant received one share of common stock for each vested PU granted, net of any tax withholdings.

In March 2022, the compensation committee approved additional grants of PUs for key executive officers. Such grants are expected to be earned over a multi-year performance period ending in December 2024. Vesting of the 2022 grants of PUs is contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, cost per watt, and return on capital metrics.

In March 2023, the compensation committee approved additional grants of PUs for key executive officers. Such grants are expected to be earned over a multi-year performance period ending in December 2025. Vesting of the 2023 grants of PUs is contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, production, and operating margin metrics.

In March 2024, the compensation committee approved additional grants of PUs for key executive officers. Such grants are expected to be earned over a multi-year performance period ending in December 2026. Vesting of the 2024 grants of PUs is contingent upon the relative attainment of target contracted revenue, production, incremental average selling price, and operating margin metrics.

Vesting of PUs is also contingent upon the employment of program participants through the applicable vesting dates, with limited exceptions in case of death, disability, a qualifying retirement, or a change-in-control of First Solar. Outstanding PUs are included in the computation of diluted net income per share based on the number of shares that would be issuable if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period.
v3.24.2
13. Income Taxes (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
13. Income Taxes

The Inflation Reduction Act. In August 2022, the 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 of 15% on certain large corporations, imposing a 1% excise tax on stock buybacks, and providing various incentives to address climate change, including the introduction of the advanced manufacturing production credit under Section 45X of the IRC. The provisions of the IRA are generally effective for tax years beginning after 2022. Certain developments to technical guidance and regulations include the following:

In May 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued initial guidance on various sections of the IRC, including Section 45X.

In December 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued a notice of proposed rulemaking and public hearing providing initial guidance confirming certain key aspects of the Section 45X credit.

In March 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued final regulations on the direct payment election under Section 6417 of the IRC. The final regulations apply to tax years ending on or after March 11, 2024, but taxpayers may choose to apply the rules in the final regulations in taxable years ending before March 11, 2024, provided the final regulations are applied in their entirety and in a consistent manner. The final regulations mostly adopted and confirmed the proposed regulations previously issued in June 2023.

In April 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued final regulations on the elective transfer provisions under Section 6418 of the IRC. The final regulations apply to taxable years ending on or after April 30, 2024, but taxpayers may choose to apply the rules in the final regulations in taxable years ending before April 30, 2024, provided the final regulations are applied in their entirety and in a consistent manner. The final regulations mostly adopted and confirmed the proposed regulations previously issued in June 2023.

Given the complexities of the IRA, which is pending additional technical guidance and final regulations from the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS, we expect to continue to monitor these developments and evaluate their potential future impact to our results of operations.

Foreign tax credit regulations. In November 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department released proposed foreign tax credit (“FTC”) regulations addressing various aspects of the U.S. FTC regime. Among other items, these proposed regulations provide certain exceptions for determining creditable foreign withholding taxes. Taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations, which apply to tax years beginning on or after December 28, 2021. As a result of these proposed regulations, foreign withholding taxes will continue to be creditable. In July 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department issued Notice 2023-55, which provides temporary relief for taxpayers in determining whether a foreign tax is eligible for a foreign tax credit for taxable years beginning on or after December 28, 2021, and ending before December 31, 2023. In December 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department issued Notice 2023-80, which extends this relief period until future guidance is issued.
Pillar Two. In December 2021, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development released model rules for a new global minimum tax framework (“Pillar Two”). Certain governments in countries in which we operate have enacted local Pillar Two legislation, with an effective date from January 1, 2024. We currently do not expect Pillar Two to have a material impact on our 2024 financial statements. As these legislative changes develop and expand, we expect to continue to monitor the changes and evaluate their potential impact to our results of operations.

Our effective tax rate was 7.4% and 4.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in our effective tax rate was primarily driven by lower excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. Our provision for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the effect of tax law changes associated with the IRA described above.

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we reversed our position to indefinitely reinvest the accumulated earnings of a foreign subsidiary and recorded discrete tax expense of approximately $6 million. There were no other changes to our indefinite reinvestment assertions during the period.

Our Malaysian subsidiary has been granted a long-term tax holiday that expires in 2027. The tax holiday, which generally provides for a full exemption from Malaysian income tax, is conditional upon our continued compliance with certain employment and investment thresholds, which we are currently in compliance with and expect to continue to comply with through the expiration of the tax holiday in 2027.

Our Vietnamese subsidiary has been granted a long-term tax incentive that generally provides a full exemption from Vietnamese income tax through 2023, followed by reduced annual tax rates of 5% through 2032 and 10% through 2036. Such long-term tax incentive is conditional upon our continued compliance with certain revenue and research and development (“R&D”) spending thresholds, which we are currently in compliance with and expect to continue to comply with through the expiration of the tax holiday.

We are subject to audit by federal, state, local, and foreign tax authorities. We are currently under examination in India, Chile, Singapore, the United States, and the State of Georgia. We believe that adequate provisions have been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax examinations cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed by our tax examinations are not resolved in a manner consistent with our expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs.
v3.24.2
14. Net Income per Share (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Net Income per Share
14. Net Income per Share

The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Basic net income per share
Numerator:
Net income$349,356 $170,579 $585,972 $213,140 
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding107,042 106,827 107,011 106,791 
Diluted net income per share
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding107,042 106,827 107,011 106,791 
Effect of restricted stock and performance units483 451 491 465 
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share107,525 107,278 107,502 107,256 
Net income per share:
Basic$3.26 $1.60 $5.48 $2.00 
Diluted$3.25 $1.59 $5.45 $1.99 

The following table summarizes the potential shares of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 as such shares would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Anti-dilutive shares— — — 24 
v3.24.2
15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (in thousands):
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2023$(118,366)$(54,610)$(1,155)$(174,131)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(11,477)(3,332)(873)(15,682)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss— (11)1,495 1,484 
Net tax effect
— 143 (131)12 
Net other comprehensive (loss) income(11,477)(3,200)491 (14,186)
Balance as of June 30, 2024$(129,843)$(57,810)$(664)$(188,317)

The following table presents the pretax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Comprehensive Income Components
Income Statement
Line Item
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
Foreign currency translation adjustmentCost of sales$— $— $— $146 
Foreign currency translation adjustmentOther (expense) income, net— — — (10)
Total foreign currency translation adjustment— — — 136 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted marketable securitiesOther (expense) income, net11 (9)11 (9)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments:
Commodity swap contractsCost of sales(346)(1,997)(1,495)(4,665)
Total loss reclassified$(335)$(2,006)$(1,484)$(4,538)
v3.24.2
16. Segment Reporting (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]  
Segment Reporting
16. Segment Reporting

Our primary segment is our modules business, which involves the design, manufacture, and sale of cadmium telluride (“CdTe”) solar modules, which convert sunlight into electricity. Third-party customers of our modules segment include system developers, independent power producers, utilities, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners and operators. Our residual business operations include certain project development activities, O&M services, the results of operations from PV solar power systems we owned and operated in certain international regions, and the sale of such systems to third-party customers.

See Note 21. “Segment and Geographical Information” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional discussion of our segment reporting.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of certain financial information for our reportable segment to information presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2024Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
 ModulesOtherTotalModulesOtherTotal
Net sales$1,008,765 $1,717 $1,010,482 $802,237 $8,436 $810,673 
Gross profit
498,333 556 498,889 301,917 8,503 310,420 
Depreciation and amortization expense
86,432 86,435 72,587 72,589 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2024Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
 ModulesOtherTotalModulesOtherTotal
Net sales$1,802,199 $2,391 $1,804,590 $1,338,827 $20,132 $1,358,959 
Gross profit
844,501 391 844,892 408,811 13,660 422,471 
Depreciation and amortization expense
167,494 167,500 134,170 134,174 
June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
ModulesOtherTotalModulesOtherTotal
Goodwill$28,834 $— $28,834 $29,687 $— $29,687 
v3.24.2
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Pay vs Performance Disclosure        
Net income $ 349,356 $ 170,579 $ 585,972 $ 213,140
v3.24.2
Insider Trading Arrangements
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
shares
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Material Terms of Trading Arrangement
From time to time, our directors and officers may adopt plans for the purchase or sale of our securities. Such plans may be designed to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act or may constitute non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K). During the three months ended June 30, 2024, none of our officers or directors adopted or terminated non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements. However, certain of our officers adopted Rule 10b5-1 trading plans for the sale of our securities. The following table provides certain terms of such plans:
Name
Position
Action
Adoption Date
Expiration Date
Aggregate Number of
Securities to be Sold (1)
Byron Jeffers
Chief Accounting Officer
Adoption
May 9, 2024April 30, 20252,266
——————————
(1)Represents the gross number of shares subject to the Rule 10b5-1(c) plan, excluding the potential effect of shares withheld for taxes.
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Byron Jeffers [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Name Byron Jeffers
Title Chief Accounting Officer
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted true
Adoption Date May 9, 2024
Expiration Date April 30, 2025
Aggregate Available 2,266
v3.24.2
2. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments [Abstract]  
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash$943,765 $841,310 
Money market funds759,148 1,105,684 
Total cash and cash equivalents1,702,913 1,946,994 
Marketable securities:
Foreign debt— 34,895 
U.S. debt8,517 44,089 
Time deposits28,913 76,511 
Total marketable securities37,430 155,495 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities$1,740,343 $2,102,489 
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents reported within our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 to the total of such amounts as presented in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
Balance Sheet Line ItemJune 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,702,913 $1,946,994 
Restricted cash current
Other current assets8,262 8,262 
Restricted cash noncurrent
Other assets3,601 3,621 
Restricted cash equivalents – noncurrentOther assets1,801 6,192 
Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents$1,716,577 $1,965,069 
Available-for-sale Marketable Securities
The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our available-for-sale marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 As of June 30, 2024
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
U.S. debt$10,000 $— $1,483 $— $8,517 
Time deposits28,916 — — 28,913 
Total$38,916 $— $1,483 $$37,430 
 As of December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
Foreign debt$35,000 $— $91 $14 $34,895 
U.S. debt45,625 88 1,614 10 44,089 
Time deposits76,533 — — 22 76,511 
Total$157,158 $88 $1,705 $46 $155,495 
Available-for-sale Marketable Securities by Maturity
The contractual maturities of our marketable securities as of June 30, 2024 were as follows (in thousands):
Fair
Value
Within one year
$28,913 
After one year through five years
4,615 
After five years through ten years
3,902 
Total$37,430 
v3.24.2
3. Restricted Marketable Securities (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Restricted [Abstract]  
Schedule of Restricted Marketable Securities
Restricted marketable securities consisted of the following as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 
 
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Foreign government obligations$48,910 $51,229 
Supranational debt22,900 15,339 
U.S. debt110,116 113,326 
U.S. government obligations18,317 18,416 
Total restricted marketable securities$200,243 $198,310 
Restricted Available-for-sale Marketable Securities The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our restricted marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 As of June 30, 2024
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
Foreign government obligations$63,752 $— $14,842 $— $48,910 
Supranational debt25,460 2,561 — 22,900 
U.S. debt145,573 — 35,457 — 110,116 
U.S. government obligations24,414 — 6,097 — 18,317 
Total$259,199 $$58,957 $— $200,243 
 As of December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit LossesFair
Value
Foreign government obligations$65,202 $— $13,963 $10 $51,229 
Supranational debt17,688 — 2,349 — 15,339 
U.S. debt146,484 — 33,129 29 113,326 
U.S. government obligations24,460 — 6,039 18,416 
Total$253,834 $— $55,480 $44 $198,310 
v3.24.2
4. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accounts Receivable Trade, Net
Accounts receivable trade, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Accounts receivable trade, gross$649,241 $662,390 
Allowance for credit losses(1,676)(1,614)
Accounts receivable trade, net$647,565 $660,776 
Schedule of Inventories, Current and Noncurrent
Inventories consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Raw materials$449,084 $478,138 
Work in process101,780 78,463 
Finished goods750,985 530,197 
Inventories$1,301,849 $1,086,798 
Inventories – current$1,027,872 $819,899 
Inventories – noncurrent$273,977 $266,899 
Schedule of Other Current Assets
Other current assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Spare maintenance materials and parts$182,229 $148,218 
Indirect tax receivables114,484 65,301 
Prepaid expenses78,931 62,480 
Operating supplies54,425 43,995 
Prepaid income taxes39,285 7,064 
Insurance receivable for accrued litigation (1)21,800 21,800 
Restricted cash8,262 8,262 
Derivative instruments (2)267 1,778 
Other27,426 33,002 
Other current assets$527,109 $391,900 
——————————
(1)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our legal proceedings.

(2)See Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our derivative instruments.
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Land$38,780 $35,364 
Buildings and improvements 1,354,644 1,037,421 
Machinery and equipment 3,921,930 3,593,347 
Office equipment and furniture175,177 161,187 
Leasehold improvements40,313 40,084 
Construction in progress1,476,532 1,223,998 
Property, plant and equipment, gross7,007,376 6,091,401 
Accumulated depreciation(1,868,376)(1,694,116)
Property, plant and equipment, net$5,139,000 $4,397,285 
Schedule of Other Assets
Other assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Advance payments for raw materials$261,849 $204,370 
Lease assets (1)99,834 101,468 
Income tax receivables87,025 68,591 
Prepaid expenses30,836 23,954 
Project assets24,984 28,430 
Restricted cash3,601 3,621 
Restricted cash equivalents1,801 6,192 
Other (2)45,194 41,978 
Other assets$555,124 $478,604 
——————————
(1)See Note 7. “Leases” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our lease arrangements.

(2)In November 2023, First Solar entered into a power purchase agreement with Cleantech Solar (“Cleantech”), a leading provider of renewable energy solutions in India and Southeast Asia. Under the agreement, Cleantech plans to construct certain photovoltaic (“PV”) solar and wind generating assets, which are expected to supply electricity to our manufacturing facility in India.

In February 2024, we purchased an ownership interest in a subsidiary of Cleantech for $3.0 million. This subsidiary owns certain of the generation assets that are expected to supply our facility, and we account for our investment in the subsidiary under the equity method of accounting. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized revenue of $19.0 million for module sales of 75 megawatts to this subsidiary.
Schedule of Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Accrued property, plant and equipment$257,296 $210,233 
Accrued freight100,465 58,494 
Accrued inventory 45,536 101,161 
Accrued other taxes38,448 26,781 
Accrued compensation and benefits31,315 55,960 
Accrued interest11,408 11,011 
Product warranty liability (1)5,684 5,920 
Other49,974 55,269 
Accrued expenses$540,126 $524,829 
——————————
(1)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our “Product Warranties.”
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Accrued litigation (1)$21,800 $21,800 
Lease liabilities (2)10,806 10,358 
Derivative instruments (3)4,199 1,744 
Contingent consideration (4)— 7,500 
Other53,989 798 
Other current liabilities$90,794 $42,200 
——————————
(1)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our legal proceedings.

(2)See Note 7. “Leases” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our lease arrangements.

(3)See Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our derivative instruments.

(4)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our contingent consideration arrangements.
Schedule of Other Liabilities
Other liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Lease liabilities (1)$52,228 $53,725 
Deferred tax liabilities, net44,048 42,771 
Other taxes payable34,626 39,431 
Product warranty liability (2)18,011 19,571 
Contingent consideration (3)11,000 11,000 
Other13,908 14,212 
Other liabilities$173,821 $180,710 
——————————
(1)See Note 7. “Leases” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our lease arrangements.

(2)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our “Product Warranties.”

(3)See Note 10. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of our contingent consideration arrangements.
v3.24.2
5. Government Grants (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Government Assistance [Abstract]  
Schedule of Benefits Recognized From Asset-Based Government Grants
The following table presents the benefits recognized from asset-based government grants in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Balance Sheet Line ItemJune 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Property, plant and equipment, net$153,064 $146,348 
Other assets5,844 5,860 
Schedule of Benefits Recognized From Income-Based Government Grants
The following table presents the benefits recognized from income-based government grants in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Income Statement Line Item2024202320242023
Cost of sales$258,580 $155,007 $453,007 $225,121 
Research and development  4,000  
v3.24.2
6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
The following tables present the fair values of derivative instruments included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 June 30, 2024
Other Current AssetsOther Current Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity swap contracts$— $780 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$— $780 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forward contracts$267 $3,419 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$267 $3,419 
Total derivative instruments$267 $4,199 
 December 31, 2023
Other Current AssetsOther Current Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity swap contracts$— $344 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$— $344 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forward contracts$1,778 $1,400 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$1,778 $1,400 
Total derivative instruments$1,778 $1,744 
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
The following table presents the pretax amounts related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges affecting accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Commodity Swap Contracts
Balance as of December 31, 2023$(1,493)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)(873)
Amount reclassified to cost of sales1,495 
Balance as of June 30, 2024$(871)
Balance as of December 31, 2022$(7,242)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)(984)
Amount reclassified to cost of sales4,665 
Balance as of June 30, 2023$(3,561)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]
The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedges on our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Amount of Loss Recognized in Income Statement
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Income Statement Line Item2024202320242023
Foreign exchange forward contractsForeign currency loss, net$(6,859)$(9,418)(15,808)(14,101)
Schedule of Notional Value of Foreign Exchange Forward Derivatives [Table Text Block]
As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the notional values of our foreign exchange forward contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):
June 30, 2024
TransactionCurrencyNotional AmountUSD Equivalent
SellCanadian dollarCAD 4.2$3.1
PurchaseEuro€148.1$158.5
SellEuro€15.7$16.8
PurchaseIndian rupeeINR 7,710.0$92.4
SellIndian rupeeINR 72,554.5$869.9
SellJapanese yen¥563.6$3.5
PurchaseMalaysian ringgitMYR 186.0$39.4
SellMalaysian ringgitMYR 12.4$2.6
SellMexican pesoMXN 34.6$1.9
PurchaseSingapore dollarSGD 25.8$19.0
SellSingapore dollarSGD 18.8$13.9
December 31, 2023
TransactionCurrencyNotional AmountUSD Equivalent
SellCanadian dollarCAD 4.2$3.2
SellChilean pesoCLP 1,372.6$1.6
PurchaseEuro€98.3$108.7
SellEuro€14.1$15.6
SellIndian rupeeINR 62,967.4$756.9
PurchaseJapanese yen¥1,053.6$7.5
SellJapanese yen¥705.2$5.0
PurchaseMalaysian ringgitMYR 160.7$35.0
SellMexican pesoMXN 34.6$2.0
PurchaseSingapore dollarSGD 6.5$4.9
v3.24.2
7. Leases (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of lease cost and related information
The following table presents certain quantitative information related to our lease arrangements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets$120$$236$
Interest on lease liabilities254484
Operating lease cost3,2283,0146,4495,951
Variable lease cost7231,1211,4322,016
Short-term lease cost29498478168
Total lease cost$4,619$4,233$9,079$8,135
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of:
Operating lease liabilities$6,123$5,721
Finance lease liabilities110
Lease assets obtained in exchange for:
Operating lease liabilities$532$1,080
Finance lease liabilities3,428
June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Lease assets$79,593$20,241$84,419$17,049
Lease liabilities current
10,27253410,30751
Lease liabilities noncurrent
31,84620,38236,66217,063
Weighted-average remaining lease term4 years36 years5 years40 years
Weighted-average discount rate5.2 %5.9 %5.2 %5.4 %
Operating lease liability maturity
As of June 30, 2024, the future payments associated with our lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Remainder of 2024$6,029 $271 
202511,539 587 
20269,865 1,405 
20277,317 1,405 
20286,950 1,407 
20295,285 1,442 
Thereafter13 47,539 
Total future payments46,998 54,056 
Less: interest(4,880)(33,140)
Total lease liabilities$42,118 $20,916 
Finance lease liabilities maturity
As of June 30, 2024, the future payments associated with our lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
Operating LeasesFinance
Leases
Remainder of 2024$6,029 $271 
202511,539 587 
20269,865 1,405 
20277,317 1,405 
20286,950 1,407 
20295,285 1,442 
Thereafter13 47,539 
Total future payments46,998 54,056 
Less: interest(4,880)(33,140)
Total lease liabilities$42,118 $20,916 
v3.24.2
8. Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting
Date Using
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2024
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$759,148 $759,148 $— $— 
Restricted cash equivalents:
Money market funds1,801 1,801 — — 
Marketable securities:
U.S. debt8,517 — 8,517 — 
Time deposits28,913 28,913 — — 
Restricted marketable securities200,243 — 200,243 — 
Derivative assets267 — 267 — 
Total assets$998,889 $789,862 $209,027 $— 
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities$4,199 $— $4,199 $— 
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting
Date Using
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2023
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:    
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$1,105,684 $1,105,684 $— $— 
Restricted cash equivalents:
Money market funds6,192 6,192 — — 
Marketable securities:
Foreign debt34,895 — 34,895 — 
U.S. debt44,089 — 44,089 — 
Time deposits76,511 76,511 — — 
Restricted marketable securities198,310 — 198,310 — 
Derivative assets1,778 — 1,778 — 
Total assets$1,467,459 $1,188,387 $279,072 $— 
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities$1,744 $— $1,744 $— 
Carrying value and fair value of financial instruments not measured at fair value
At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the carrying values and fair values of our financial instruments not measured at fair value were as follows (in thousands):
 June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
 
 
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Assets:    
Government grants receivable - noncurrent$607,086 $569,686 $152,208 $107,111 
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, including current maturities (1)$500,000 $481,389 $500,000 $453,015 
——————————
(1)Excludes unamortized issuance costs and debt arrangements with an original maturity of less than one year.
v3.24.2
9. Debt (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Debt Instruments [Abstract]  
Schedule of Debt Arrangements
Our debt arrangements consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Balance (USD)
Loan AgreementCurrencyJune 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Revolving Credit FacilityUSD$— $— 
India Credit FacilityUSD500,000 500,000 
India JPM Working Capital FacilityINR— 60,827 
India HSBC Working Capital FacilityINR59,352 — 
Total debt principal559,352 560,827 
Less: unamortized issuance costs(452)(521)
Total debt558,900 560,306 
Less: current portion(140,175)(96,238)
Noncurrent portion$418,725 $464,068 
Schedule of Borrowing Rate on Debt
As of June 30, 2024, the borrowing rates for our outstanding debt arrangements were as follows:
Loan AgreementInterest Rate DescriptionInterest Rate
India Credit FacilityU.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Yield plus 1.75%5.57%
India HSBC Working Capital Facility (1)
India Treasury bill rate plus 1.5% to 1.6%
8.36%
v3.24.2
10. Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Commercial Commitments As of June 30, 2024, the issued and outstanding amounts and available capacities under these commitments were as follows (in millions):
Issued and OutstandingAvailable Capacity
Revolving Credit Facility (1)$— $250.0 
Bilateral facilities (2)178.5 126.4 
Surety bonds28.6 225.0 
——————————
(1)Our Revolving Credit Facility provides us with a sub-limit of $250.0 million to issue letters of credit, at a fee based on the applicable margin for Term SOFR loans, a fronting fee, and other customary letter of credit fees.

(2)Of the total letters of credit issued under the bilateral facilities, $9.2 million was secured with cash.
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability
Product warranty activities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2024202320242023
Product warranty liability, beginning of period$25,194 $33,315 $25,491 $33,787 
Accruals for new warranties issued1,653 851 3,050 1,845 
Settlements(3,152)(1,867)(5,344)(3,193)
Changes in estimate of product warranty liability— (330)498 (470)
Product warranty liability, end of period$23,695 $31,969 $23,695 $31,969 
Current portion of warranty liability$5,684 $9,243 $5,684 $9,243 
Noncurrent portion of warranty liability$18,011 $22,726 $18,011 $22,726 
v3.24.2
11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Changes in Contract Liabilities [Table Text Block]
The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities, which we classify as “Deferred revenue,” for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (in thousands):
 June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Six Month Change
Deferred revenue$1,948,348 $2,005,183 $(56,835)(3)%
v3.24.2
12. Share-Based Compensation (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Recognized Amount [Abstract]  
Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Expense Recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
The following table presents share-based compensation expense recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Cost of sales$1,388 $1,349 $2,415 $2,275 
Selling, general and administrative6,005 5,981 10,874 10,763 
Research and development1,006 1,035 1,926 1,912 
Production start-up46 (24)61 
Total share-based compensation expense$8,400 $8,411 $15,191 $15,011 
v3.24.2
14. Net Income per Share (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Net Income per Share, Basic and Diluted
The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Basic net income per share
Numerator:
Net income$349,356 $170,579 $585,972 $213,140 
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding107,042 106,827 107,011 106,791 
Diluted net income per share
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding107,042 106,827 107,011 106,791 
Effect of restricted stock and performance units483 451 491 465 
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share107,525 107,278 107,502 107,256 
Net income per share:
Basic$3.26 $1.60 $5.48 $2.00 
Diluted$3.25 $1.59 $5.45 $1.99 
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Net Income per Share
The following table summarizes the potential shares of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 as such shares would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Anti-dilutive shares— — — 24 
v3.24.2
15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax
The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (in thousands):
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2023$(118,366)$(54,610)$(1,155)$(174,131)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(11,477)(3,332)(873)(15,682)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss— (11)1,495 1,484 
Net tax effect
— 143 (131)12 
Net other comprehensive (loss) income(11,477)(3,200)491 (14,186)
Balance as of June 30, 2024$(129,843)$(57,810)$(664)$(188,317)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table presents the pretax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Comprehensive Income Components
Income Statement
Line Item
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024202320242023
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
Foreign currency translation adjustmentCost of sales$— $— $— $146 
Foreign currency translation adjustmentOther (expense) income, net— — — (10)
Total foreign currency translation adjustment— — — 136 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted marketable securitiesOther (expense) income, net11 (9)11 (9)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments:
Commodity swap contractsCost of sales(346)(1,997)(1,495)(4,665)
Total loss reclassified$(335)$(2,006)$(1,484)$(4,538)
v3.24.2
16. Segment Reporting (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
The following tables provide a reconciliation of certain financial information for our reportable segment to information presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2024Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
 ModulesOtherTotalModulesOtherTotal
Net sales$1,008,765 $1,717 $1,010,482 $802,237 $8,436 $810,673 
Gross profit
498,333 556 498,889 301,917 8,503 310,420 
Depreciation and amortization expense
86,432 86,435 72,587 72,589 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2024Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
 ModulesOtherTotalModulesOtherTotal
Net sales$1,802,199 $2,391 $1,804,590 $1,338,827 $20,132 $1,358,959 
Gross profit
844,501 391 844,892 408,811 13,660 422,471 
Depreciation and amortization expense
167,494 167,500 134,170 134,174 
June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
ModulesOtherTotalModulesOtherTotal
Goodwill$28,834 $— $28,834 $29,687 $— $29,687 
v3.24.2
2. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities (Details) - Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,702,913   $ 1,946,994  
Marketable securities 37,430   155,495  
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities 1,740,343   2,102,489  
Restricted cash - current 8,262   8,262  
Restricted cash - noncurrent 3,601   3,621  
Restricted cash equivalents - noncurrent 1,801   6,192  
Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents 1,716,577 $ 844,596 1,965,069 $ 1,493,462
Marketable Securities, Sale Proceeds 67,500 34,900    
Marketable Securities, Realized Gain 100      
Marketable Securities, Realized Loss   $ (100)    
Foreign debt [Member]        
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]        
Marketable securities 0   34,895  
U.S. debt [Member]        
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]        
Marketable securities 8,517   44,089  
Time deposits [Member]        
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]        
Marketable securities 28,913   76,511  
Cash [Member]        
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents 943,765   841,310  
Money market funds [Member]        
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 759,148   $ 1,105,684  
v3.24.2
2. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities (Details) - Available For Sale - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost $ 38,916 $ 157,158
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 0 88
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 1,483 1,705
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 3 46
Marketable securities, total 37,430 155,495
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling Maturity, Fair Value [Abstract]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Rolling within One Year 28,913  
Debt securities, Available-for-sale, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year One Through Five 4,615  
Debt securities, Available-for-sale, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Five Through Ten 3,902  
Foreign debt [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost   35,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax   0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax   91
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss   14
Marketable securities, total 0 34,895
U.S. debt [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost 10,000 45,625
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 0 88
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 1,483 1,614
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 0 10
Marketable securities, total 8,517 44,089
Time deposits [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost 28,916 76,533
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 0 0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 0 0
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 3 22
Marketable securities, total $ 28,913 $ 76,511
v3.24.2
3. Restricted Marketable Securities (Details) - Restricted Marketable Securities - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]      
Restricted marketable securities $ 200,243 $ 200,243 $ 198,310
Product minimum service life   25 years  
Restricted Debt Securities [Member]      
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]      
Restricted marketable securities 200,243 $ 200,243 198,310
Payments to acquire restricted marketable securities 7,900    
Cash Held In Trust [Member]      
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]      
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - noncurrent 1,800 1,800 6,200
Foreign government obligations [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]      
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]      
Restricted marketable securities 48,910 48,910 51,229
Supranational debt [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]      
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]      
Restricted marketable securities 22,900 22,900 15,339
U.S. debt [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]      
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]      
Restricted marketable securities 110,116 110,116 113,326
U.S. government obligations [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]      
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]      
Restricted marketable securities $ 18,317 $ 18,317 $ 18,416
v3.24.2
3. Restricted Marketable Securities (Details) - Available For Sale - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost $ 38,916 $ 157,158
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 0 88
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 1,483 1,705
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 3 46
Restricted marketable securities 200,243 198,310
Restricted Debt Securities [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost 259,199 253,834
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 1 0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 58,957 55,480
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 0 44
Restricted marketable securities $ 200,243 198,310
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Contractual maturities of Debt securities, Available-for-sale, range start (in years) 7 years  
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Contractual Maturities Of Debt securities, Available-for-sale, Range End (In Years) 15 years  
Foreign government obligations [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost $ 63,752 65,202
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 0 0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 14,842 13,963
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 0 10
Restricted marketable securities 48,910 51,229
Supranational debt [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost 25,460 17,688
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 1 0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 2,561 2,349
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 0 0
Restricted marketable securities 22,900 15,339
U.S. debt [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost 10,000 45,625
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 0 88
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 1,483 1,614
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 0 10
U.S. debt [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost 145,573 146,484
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 0 0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 35,457 33,129
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 0 29
Restricted marketable securities 110,116 113,326
U.S. government obligations [Member] | Restricted Debt Securities [Member]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost 24,414 24,460
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 0 0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 6,097 6,039
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 0 5
Restricted marketable securities $ 18,317 $ 18,416
v3.24.2
4. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounts receivable trade          
Accounts receivable trade, gross $ 649,241   $ 649,241   $ 662,390
Allowance for credit losses (1,676)   (1,676)   (1,614)
Accounts receivable trade, net 647,565   647,565   660,776
Inventories          
Raw materials 449,084   449,084   478,138
Work in process 101,780   101,780   78,463
Finished goods 750,985   750,985   530,197
Inventories 1,301,849   1,301,849   1,086,798
Inventories - current 1,027,872   1,027,872   819,899
Inventories - noncurrent 273,977   273,977   266,899
Other current assets          
Spare maintenance materials and parts 182,229   182,229   148,218
Indirect tax receivables, current 114,484   114,484   65,301
Prepaid expenses 78,931   78,931   62,480
Operating supplies 54,425   54,425   43,995
Prepaid income taxes 39,285   39,285   7,064
Insurance receivable for accrued litigation 21,800   21,800   21,800
Restricted cash 8,262   8,262   8,262
Derivative instruments 267   267   1,778
Other 27,426   27,426   33,002
Other current assets 527,109   527,109   391,900
Property, plant and equipment, net          
Property, plant and equipment, gross 7,007,376   7,007,376   6,091,401
Accumulated depreciation (1,868,376)   (1,868,376)   (1,694,116)
Property, plant and equipment, net 5,139,000   5,139,000   4,397,285
Other assets          
Advance payments for raw materials 261,849   261,849   204,370
Lease assets 99,834   99,834   101,468
Income tax receivables 87,025   87,025   68,591
Prepaid expense 30,836   30,836   23,954
Project assets 24,984   24,984   28,430
Restricted cash - noncurrent 3,601   3,601   3,621
Restricted cash equivalents - noncurrent 1,801   1,801   6,192
Other 45,194   45,194   41,978
Other assets 555,124   555,124   478,604
Net sales 1,010,482 $ 810,673 1,804,590 $ 1,358,959  
Accrued expenses          
Accrued property, plant and equipment 257,296   257,296   210,233
Accrued freight 100,465   100,465   58,494
Accrued inventory 45,536   45,536   101,161
Accrued other taxes 38,448   38,448   26,781
Accrued compensation and benefits 31,315   31,315   55,960
Accrued interest 11,408   11,408   11,011
Product warranty liability, current 5,684   5,684   5,920
Other 49,974   49,974   55,269
Accrued expenses 540,126   540,126   524,829
Other current liabilities          
Accrued litigation 21,800   21,800   21,800
Lease liabilities, current 10,806   10,806   10,358
Derivative instruments 4,199   4,199   1,744
Contingent consideration, current 0   0   7,500
Other 53,989   53,989   798
Other current liabilities 90,794   90,794   42,200
Other liabilities          
Lease liabilities, noncurrent 52,228   52,228   53,725
Deferred tax liabilities, net 44,048   44,048   42,771
Other taxes payable 34,626   34,626   39,431
Product warranty liability, noncurrent 18,011   18,011   19,571
Contingent consideration, noncurrent 11,000   11,000   11,000
Other 13,908   13,908   14,212
Other liabilities 173,821   173,821   180,710
Cleantech Solar          
Other assets          
Payment to acquire equity method investments     3,000    
Net sales     19,000    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]          
Property, plant and equipment, net          
Depreciation 93,400 $ 76,900 180,100 $ 142,800  
Land [Member]          
Property, plant and equipment, net          
Property, plant and equipment, gross 38,780   38,780   35,364
Buildings and improvements [Member]          
Property, plant and equipment, net          
Property, plant and equipment, gross 1,354,644   1,354,644   1,037,421
Machinery and equipment [Member]          
Property, plant and equipment, net          
Property, plant and equipment, gross 3,921,930   3,921,930   3,593,347
Office equipment and furniture [Member]          
Property, plant and equipment, net          
Property, plant and equipment, gross 175,177   175,177   161,187
Leasehold improvements [Member]          
Property, plant and equipment, net          
Property, plant and equipment, gross 40,313   40,313   40,084
Construction in progress [Member]          
Property, plant and equipment, net          
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 1,476,532   $ 1,476,532   $ 1,223,998
v3.24.2
5. Government Grants (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Government Assistance [Line Items]          
Government Assistance, Gross Amount Prior To Transfer $ 687,200        
Aggregate Transaction Price for Sale of Section 45X Tax Credits 659,700        
Cost of sales [Member]          
Government Assistance [Line Items]          
Government Assistance, Amount, Consolidated Statement of Operations   $ 258,580 $ 155,007 $ 453,007 $ 225,121
Government Assistance, Consolidated Statement of Operations [Extensible Enumeration]   Cost of sales Cost of sales Cost of sales Cost of sales
Research and development          
Government Assistance [Line Items]          
Government Assistance, Amount, Consolidated Statement of Operations   $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,000 $ 0
Government Assistance, Consolidated Statement of Operations [Extensible Enumeration]   Research and development Research and development Research and development Research and development
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]          
Government Assistance [Line Items]          
Government Assistance, Amount, Noncurrent, Consolidated Balance Sheet $ 146,348 $ 153,064   $ 153,064  
Government Assistance, Noncurrent, Consolidated Balance Sheet [Extensible Enumeration] Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net   Property, plant and equipment, net  
Other Assets [Member]          
Government Assistance [Line Items]          
Government Assistance, Amount, Noncurrent, Consolidated Balance Sheet $ 5,860 $ 5,844   $ 5,844  
Government Assistance, Noncurrent, Consolidated Balance Sheet [Extensible Enumeration] Other assets Other assets   Other assets  
v3.24.2
6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Summary - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Other Current Assets    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net $ 267 $ 1,778
Other Current Assets | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 0 0
Other Current Assets | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 267 1,778
Other Current Liabilities    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net (4,199) (1,744)
Other Current Liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 780 344
Other Current Liabilities | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 3,419 1,400
Commodity swap contracts | Other Current Assets | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 0 0
Commodity swap contracts | Other Current Liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 780 344
Foreign exchange forward contracts | Other Current Assets | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 267 1,778
Foreign exchange forward contracts | Other Current Liabilities | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability $ 3,419 $ 1,400
v3.24.2
6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Hedging Relationship - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Commodity swap contracts | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging            
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]            
Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (871) $ (3,561) $ (871) $ (3,561) $ (1,493) $ (7,242)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)     (873) (984)    
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income, effective portion, net     $ 1,495 $ 4,665    
Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Effective Portion, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]     Cost of sales Cost of sales    
Foreign exchange forward contracts | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]            
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]            
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net $ (6,859) $ (9,418) $ (15,808) $ (14,101)    
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Foreign currency loss, net Foreign currency loss, net Foreign currency loss, net Foreign currency loss, net    
v3.24.2
6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Risk Management - Commodity swap contracts - Cash Flow Hedging - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jan. 31, 2024
Jul. 31, 2022
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]      
Derivative, notional amount $ 3.2 $ 7.6 $ 70.5
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months $ (0.9)    
v3.24.2
6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Transaction Exposure - Foreign exchange forward contracts - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
€ in Millions, ₨ in Millions, ¥ in Millions, RM in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
CAD ($)
Jun. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2024
EUR (€)
Jun. 30, 2024
INR (₨)
Jun. 30, 2024
JPY (¥)
Jun. 30, 2024
MYR (RM)
Jun. 30, 2024
MXN ($)
Jun. 30, 2024
SGD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2023
INR (₨)
Dec. 31, 2023
JPY (¥)
Dec. 31, 2023
MYR (RM)
Dec. 31, 2023
MXN ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
SGD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
CLP ($)
Canada, Dollars                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, Currency Sold Canadian dollar Canadian dollar                              
Chile, Pesos                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, Currency Sold   Chilean peso                              
Euro Member Countries, Euro                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, Currency Bought Euro Euro                              
Derivative, Currency Sold Euro Euro                              
India, Rupees                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, Currency Bought Indian rupee                                
Derivative, Currency Sold Indian rupee Indian rupee                              
Japan, Yen                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, Currency Bought   Japanese yen                              
Derivative, Currency Sold Japanese yen Japanese yen                              
Malaysia, Ringgits                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, Currency Bought Malaysian ringgit Malaysian ringgit                              
Derivative, Currency Sold Malaysian ringgit                                
Mexico, Pesos                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, Currency Sold Mexican peso Mexican peso                              
Singapore, Dollars                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, Currency Bought Singapore dollar Singapore dollar                              
Derivative, Currency Sold Singapore dollar                                
Long [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     $ 158.5 € 148.1           $ 108.7 € 98.3            
Long [Member] | India, Rupees                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     92.4   ₨ 7,710.0                        
Long [Member] | Japan, Yen                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount                   7.5     ¥ 1,053.6        
Long [Member] | Malaysia, Ringgits                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     39.4       RM 186.0     35.0       RM 160.7      
Long [Member] | Singapore, Dollars                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     19.0           $ 25.8 4.9           $ 6.5  
Short [Member] | Canada, Dollars                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount $ 4.2 $ 4.2 3.1             3.2              
Short [Member] | Chile, Pesos                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount                   1.6             $ 1,372.6
Short [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     16.8 € 15.7           15.6 € 14.1            
Short [Member] | India, Rupees                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     869.9   ₨ 72,554.5         756.9   ₨ 62,967.4          
Short [Member] | Japan, Yen                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     3.5     ¥ 563.6       5.0     ¥ 705.2        
Short [Member] | Malaysia, Ringgits                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     2.6       RM 12.4                    
Short [Member] | Mexico, Pesos                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     1.9         $ 34.6   $ 2.0         $ 34.6    
Short [Member] | Singapore, Dollars                                  
Derivative [Line Items]                                  
Derivative, notional amount     $ 13.9           $ 18.8                
v3.24.2
7. Leases (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]          
Finance lease, amortization of right-of-use assets $ 120 $ 0 $ 236 $ 0  
Finance lease, interest on lease liabilities 254 0 484 0  
Operating lease cost 3,228 3,014 6,449 5,951  
Variable lease cost 723 1,121 1,432 2,016  
Short-term lease cost 294 98 478 168  
Total lease cost 4,619 $ 4,233 9,079 8,135  
Payments of amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities     6,123 5,721  
Payments of amounts included in the measurement of finance lease liabilities     110 0  
Lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities     532 1,080  
Lease assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities     3,428 $ 0  
Operating lease assets 79,593   79,593   $ 84,419
Operating lease liabilities - current 10,272   10,272   10,307
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent $ 31,846   $ 31,846   $ 36,662
Operating lease, Weighted-average remaining lease term 4 years   4 years   5 years
Operating lease, Weighted-average discount rate 5.20%   5.20%   5.20%
Finance lease assets $ 20,241   $ 20,241   $ 17,049
Finance lease liabilities - current 534   534   51
Finance lease liabilities - noncurrent $ 20,382   $ 20,382   $ 17,063
Finance lease, Weighted-average remaining lease term 36 years   36 years   40 years
Finance lease, Weighted-average discount rate 5.90%   5.90%   5.40%
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid [Abstract]          
Operating lease, liability, to be paid, remainder of fiscal year $ 6,029   $ 6,029    
Operating lease, liability, to be paid, year one 11,539   11,539    
Operating lease, liability, to be paid, year two 9,865   9,865    
Operating lease, liability, to be paid, year three 7,317   7,317    
Operating lease, liability, to be paid, year four 6,950   6,950    
Operating lease, liability, to be paid, year five 5,285   5,285    
Operating lease, liability, to be paid, after year five 13   13    
Operating lease liabilities, total future payments 46,998   46,998    
Less: interest on operating lease liabilities (4,880)   (4,880)    
Total operating lease liabilities 42,118   42,118    
Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]          
Finance lease, liability, to be paid, remainder of fiscal year 271   271    
Finance lease, liability, to be paid, year one 587   587    
Finance lease, liability, to be paid, year two 1,405   1,405    
Finance lease, liability, to be paid, year three 1,405   1,405    
Finance lease, liability, to be paid, year four 1,407   1,407    
Finance lease, liability, to be paid, year five 1,442   1,442    
Finance lease, liability, to be paid, after year five 47,539   47,539    
Finance lease liabilities, total future payments 54,056   54,056    
Less: interest on finance lease liabilities (33,140)   (33,140)    
Total finance lease liabilities $ 20,916   $ 20,916    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]          
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other assets   Other assets   Other assets
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Other current liabilities   Other current liabilities   Other current liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Other liabilities   Other liabilities   Other liabilities
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other assets   Other assets   Other assets
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other current liabilities   Other current liabilities   Other current liabilities
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other liabilities   Other liabilities   Other liabilities
v3.24.2
8. Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Assets:    
Marketable securities $ 37,430 $ 155,495
Restricted marketable securities 200,243 198,310
Foreign debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 0 34,895
U.S. debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 8,517 44,089
Time deposits [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 28,913 76,511
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]    
Assets:    
Cash equivalents, Money market funds 759,148 1,105,684
Restricted cash equivalents, Money market funds 1,801 6,192
Restricted marketable securities 200,243 198,310
Derivative assets 267 1,778
Total assets 998,889 1,467,459
Liabilities:    
Derivative liabilities 4,199 1,744
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities   34,895
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 8,517 44,089
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Time deposits [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 28,913 76,511
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]    
Assets:    
Cash equivalents, Money market funds 759,148 1,105,684
Restricted cash equivalents, Money market funds 1,801 6,192
Restricted marketable securities 0 0
Derivative assets 0 0
Total assets 789,862 1,188,387
Liabilities:    
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities   0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Time deposits [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 28,913 76,511
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]    
Assets:    
Cash equivalents, Money market funds 0 0
Restricted cash equivalents, Money market funds 0 0
Restricted marketable securities 200,243 198,310
Derivative assets 267 1,778
Total assets 209,027 279,072
Liabilities:    
Derivative liabilities 4,199 1,744
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities   34,895
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 8,517 44,089
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Time deposits [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]    
Assets:    
Cash equivalents, Money market funds 0 0
Restricted cash equivalents, Money market funds 0 0
Restricted marketable securities 0 0
Derivative assets 0 0
Total assets 0 0
Liabilities:    
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities   0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. debt [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Time deposits [Member]    
Assets:    
Marketable securities $ 0 $ 0
v3.24.2
8. Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Balance Sheet Grouping - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]    
Government grants receivable - noncurrent $ 607,086 $ 152,208
Carrying Value Measurement [Member]    
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]    
Government grants receivable - noncurrent 607,086 152,208
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]    
Long-term debt, including current maturities 500,000 500,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]    
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]    
Government grants receivable - noncurrent 569,686 107,111
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]    
Long-term debt, including current maturities $ 481,389 $ 453,015
v3.24.2
9. Debt (Details)
$ in Thousands, ₨ in Billions
1 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Feb. 29, 2024
USD ($)
Feb. 29, 2024
INR (₨)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
INR (₨)
Jul. 27, 2022
USD ($)
Debt              
Total debt principal   $ 559,352     $ 560,827    
Less: unamortized issuance costs   (452)     (521)    
Total debt   558,900     560,306    
Current portion of debt   140,175     96,238    
Noncurrent portion of debt   $ 418,725     464,068    
Short-term debt, weighted-average interest rate   8.36%          
Revolving Credit Facility              
Debt              
Debt instrument, currency   USD          
Revolving credit facility   $ 0     0    
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity $ 1,000,000            
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, (i) the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“Term SOFR”), plus a credit spread of 0.10%, plus a margin that ranges from 1.25% to 2.25% or (ii) an alternate base rate as defined in the credit agreement, plus a margin that ranges from 0.25% to 1.25%.            
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum [Member]              
Debt              
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage 0.125%            
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum [Member]              
Debt              
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage 0.375%            
India Credit Facility              
Debt              
Debt instrument, currency   USD          
Long-term debt, gross   $ 500,000     500,000    
India Credit Facility | DFC              
Debt              
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis   U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Yield plus 1.75%          
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate   1.75%          
Long-term debt, weighted-average interest rate   5.57%          
India Credit Facility | DFC | FS India Solar Ventures Private Limited              
Debt              
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity             $ 500,000
India JPM Working Capital Facility              
Debt              
Debt instrument, currency   INR          
Short-term debt   $ 0     60,827    
India JPM Working Capital Facility | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | FS India Solar Ventures Private Limited              
Debt              
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity         74,800 ₨ 6.2  
India HSBC Working Capital Facility              
Debt              
Debt instrument, currency   INR          
Short-term debt   $ 59,352     $ 0    
India HSBC Working Capital Facility | Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited              
Debt              
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis   India Treasury bill rate plus 1.5% to 1.6%          
Short-term debt, weighted-average interest rate   8.36%          
India HSBC Working Capital Facility | Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited | Minimum [Member]              
Debt              
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate   1.50%          
India HSBC Working Capital Facility | Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited | Maximum [Member]              
Debt              
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate   1.60%          
India HSBC Working Capital Facility | Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited | FS India Solar Ventures Private Limited              
Debt              
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity     $ 98,400 ₨ 8.2      
v3.24.2
10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Commercial Commitments
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Revolving Credit Facility  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount $ 0.0
Letters of Credit, Remaining Borrowing Capacity 250.0
Line of Credit Facility, Letter of Credit Sub-Limit 250.0
Bilateral Facilities [Member]  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount 178.5
Letters of Credit, Remaining Borrowing Capacity 126.4
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Secured by Cash 9.2
Surety Bonds  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Surety Bonds Outstanding, Amount 28.6
Surety Bonds, Remaining Borrowing Capacity $ 225.0
v3.24.2
10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Product Warranties - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]        
Product warranty liability, beginning of period $ 25,194 $ 33,315 $ 25,491 $ 33,787
Accruals for new warranties issued 1,653 851 3,050 1,845
Settlements (3,152) (1,867) (5,344) (3,193)
Changes in estimate of product warranty liability 0 (330) 498 (470)
Product warranty liability, end of period 23,695 31,969 23,695 31,969
Current portion of warranty liability 5,684 9,243 5,684 9,243
Noncurrent portion of warranty liability $ 18,011 $ 22,726 $ 18,011 $ 22,726
v3.24.2
10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Indemnifications - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]    
Indemnification liabilities, current $ 2.5 $ 3.3
Indemnification liabilities, maximum exposure $ 688.8  
v3.24.2
10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Contingent Consideration - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
May 31, 2023
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]      
Contingent consideration, current $ 0 $ 7,500  
Contingent consideration, noncurrent 11,000 11,000  
Evolar AB      
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]      
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High     $ 42,500
Contingent consideration, current   7,500  
Contingent consideration, noncurrent 11,000 $ 11,000  
Contingent consideration payment $ 7,500    
v3.24.2
10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]    
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability $ 134,803 $ 135,123
v3.24.2
10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Legal Proceedings - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Sep. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Estimated Litigation Liability [Line Items]            
Litigation loss $ 430   $ 35,590 $ 430 $ 35,590  
Accrued litigation 21,800     21,800   $ 21,800
Insurance receivable for accrued litigation 21,800     21,800   21,800
Southern Power Company Arbitration [Member]            
Estimated Litigation Liability [Line Items]            
Litigation loss           $ 35,600
Other Matters and Claims - Workplace Injury [Member]            
Estimated Litigation Liability [Line Items]            
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party   $ 21,800 $ 51,300      
Accrued litigation 21,800     21,800    
Insurance receivable for accrued litigation $ 21,800     $ 21,800    
v3.24.2
11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Line Items]      
Deferred revenue $ 1,948,348   $ 2,005,183
Contract Liabilities, Net Change $ (56,835)    
Contract Liabilities, Percent Change (3.00%)    
Sales Revenue Net, from Beginning Contract Liability $ 221,300 $ 215,500  
Solar modules [Member]      
Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Line Items]      
Remaining Performance Obligation, Aggregate Transaction Price $ 22,300,000    
v3.24.2
12. Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation expense $ 8,400 $ 8,411 $ 15,191 $ 15,011
Restricted Stock and Performance Units        
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation expense, unrecognized, unvested restricted stock and performance units 44,100   $ 44,100  
Share-based compensation expense, unrecognized, unvested weighted average period of recognition (in years)     1 year 4 months 24 days  
Cost of sales [Member]        
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation expense 1,388 1,349 $ 2,415 2,275
Selling, general and administrative [Member]        
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation expense 6,005 5,981 10,874 10,763
Research and development [Member]        
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation expense 1,006 1,035 1,926 1,912
Production start-up [Member]        
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation expense $ 1 $ 46 $ (24) $ 61
v3.24.2
13. Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 48 Months Ended 108 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2022
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2036
Dec. 31, 2032
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]            
Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, Inflation Reduction Act, Percent 15.00%          
Excise Tax on Stock Buybacks, Inflation Reduction Act, Percent 1.00%          
Effective income tax rate     7.40% 4.90%    
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate     21.00%      
Reversal of indefinite reinvestment assertion, Discrete tax expense   $ 6        
Forecast            
Income Tax Holiday [Line Items]            
Vietnam long-term tax incentive tax rate         10.00% 5.00%
v3.24.2
14. Net Income per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]        
Net income $ 349,356 $ 170,579 $ 585,972 $ 213,140
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 107,042 106,827 107,011 106,791
Effect of restricted stock and performance units 483 451 491 465
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share 107,525 107,278 107,502 107,256
Net income per share, basic $ 3.26 $ 1.60 $ 5.48 $ 2.00
Net income per share, diluted $ 3.25 $ 1.59 $ 5.45 $ 1.99
Anti-dilutive shares 0 0 0 24
v3.24.2
15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance $ 6,902,514 $ 5,868,728 $ 6,687,469 $ 5,836,055
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 335 2,006 1,484 4,538
Net other comprehensive (loss) income (4,712) (6,069) (14,186) 5,766
Stockholders' equity, ending balance 7,255,397 6,039,638 7,255,397 6,039,638
Cost of sales 511,593 500,253 959,698 936,488
Other (expense) income, net (565) 997 (3,364) (459)
Total loss reclassified (335) (2,006) (1,484) (4,538)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance     (118,366)  
Other comprehensive loss income before reclassifications     (11,477)  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss     0  
Net tax effect     0  
Net other comprehensive (loss) income     (11,477)  
Stockholders' equity, ending balance (129,843)   (129,843)  
Total loss reclassified     0  
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Cost of sales 0 0 0 146
Other (expense) income, net 0 0 0 (10)
Total amount reclassified 0 0 0 136
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance     (54,610)  
Other comprehensive loss income before reclassifications     (3,332)  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss     (11)  
Net tax effect     143  
Net other comprehensive (loss) income     (3,200)  
Stockholders' equity, ending balance (57,810)   (57,810)  
Total loss reclassified     11  
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Other (expense) income, net 11 (9) 11 (9)
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivative Instruments [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance     (1,155)  
Other comprehensive loss income before reclassifications     (873)  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss     1,495  
Net tax effect     (131)  
Net other comprehensive (loss) income     491  
Stockholders' equity, ending balance (664)   (664)  
Total loss reclassified     (1,495)  
Total, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance (183,605) (179,982) (174,131) (191,817)
Other comprehensive loss income before reclassifications     (15,682)  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss     1,484  
Net tax effect     12  
Net other comprehensive (loss) income (4,712) (6,069) (14,186) 5,766
Stockholders' equity, ending balance (188,317) (186,051) (188,317) (186,051)
Total loss reclassified     (1,484)  
Commodity swap contracts | Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Cost of sales $ (346) $ (1,997) $ (1,495) $ (4,665)
v3.24.2
16. Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales $ 1,010,482 $ 810,673 $ 1,804,590 $ 1,358,959  
Gross profit 498,889 310,420 844,892 422,471  
Depreciation and amortization expense 86,435 72,589 167,500 134,174  
Goodwill 28,834   28,834   $ 29,687
Modules [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 1,008,765 802,237 1,802,199 1,338,827  
Gross profit 498,333 301,917 844,501 408,811  
Depreciation and amortization expense 86,432 72,587 167,494 134,170  
Goodwill 28,834   28,834   29,687
Other [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 1,717 8,436 2,391 20,132  
Gross profit 556 8,503 391 13,660  
Depreciation and amortization expense 3 $ 2 6 $ 4  
Goodwill $ 0   $ 0   $ 0

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