- Increased absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions due to doubled production capacity since 2020
- Potential supply chain disruptions due to climate events affecting suppliers
- Potential adverse effects on customers due to climate events damaging solar module installations
- Disruptions in the supply chain for CdTe and other key raw materials
First Solar, Inc.
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023 reporting, First Solar, Inc. disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 788.1K tCO2e/year (Scope 1 & 2). By scope: Scope 1: 11.6K tCO2e/year; Scope 2: 776.5K tCO2e/year; Scope 3: 3.7M tCO2e/year. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
788.1K tCO2e/year (Scope 1 & 2)
2023
Renewable Energy
1%
of total energy
Water Usage
3.9K megaliters/year
2023
Waste
52.5K tons/year
2023
Energy Use
1.4M MWh/year
2023
📊 Emissions by Scope (2023)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 11.6K tCO2e/year |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 776.5K tCO2e/year |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 3.7M tCO2e/year |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 788.1K tCO2e/year (Scope 1 & 2) |
| 2019 | 468.2K tCO2e/year (Scope 1 & 2) |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced manufacturing water intensity by 6% compared to 2022
- Reduced manufacturing waste intensity by 23% compared to 2022
- Recycled 318 million liters of water in 2023 (88% increase over 2022)
- Achieved a 95% global average module material recovery rate
- Series 6 Plus and Series 7 TR1 products became the world’s first PV modules to meet EPEAT’s ultra-low-carbon solar criteria and achieve EPEAT Silver with Climate+ designation.
- Opened the first operational solar recycling plant in India
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce global energy usage per watt produced by 30% by 2028
- Power global operations with 100% renewable energy by 2028
- Reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 34% by 2028
- Reduce scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services by 45% per MW by 2028
- Achieve >90% waste diversion from landfills globally by 2028
🔭 Long-term
- Reduce scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 95% by 2050
- Reduce scope 3 GHG emissions by 97% per MW produced by 2050
- Achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Climate ChangeResponsible Sourcing and Human RightsCircular EconomyDiversity, Equity, and InclusionGovernance