Photovoltaic manufacturer
American solar panel manufacturer known for its advanced thin-film technology and large-scale utility projects.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Mar 2026)
Praise
Criticism
Information
First Solar Inc
Praise
Criticism
Information
CDP Water Security score of A-
In 2024, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of A-.
Source: CDP
(2024)
CDP Climate Change score of B
In 2024, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of B.
Source: CDP
(2024)
B grade in ACT Core
The 2026 ACT Core Benchmark assessed 1,600 companies on the credibility of their climate transition plans. Companies are evaluated across six measurement areas; emissions reporting and target definition, planning for the low-carbon transition, governance and policy, low-carbon investments, current target alignment, and performance. Companies receive a letter grade from A to G. This company received a score of B (Consequential planning).
Global 100
The 2025 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list by Corporate Knights is based on a rigorous assessment of nearly 7,000 public companies with revenue over US$1 billion. All companies are scored on sustainable revenue and investment, gender and racial diversity, CEO pay versus employee average, carbon productivity, taxes paid and contributions to employee pensions. This company ranked #14 in the Global 100, with an overall score of B+.
Source: Corporate Knights
(2025)
JUST Capital ranking
JUST Capital polls Americans every year to identify the issues that matter most in defining just business behaviour. For their 2025 rankings the public identified 17 issues, which are organised under the headings Workers, Communities, Customers, Shareholders and Environment. JUST Capital then define metrics that map to those issues and track and analyse the largest, publicly traded U.S. companies. This analysis powers their rankings, in which this company ranked 168th of 940 companies, and 14th of 36 Semiconductors & Equipment companies.
Source: JUST Capital
(2025)
49.3% in Capital Goods Benchmark
The 2023 Capital Goods Benchmark ranks 11 capital goods companies on their alignment to a low-carbon world, together with social performance. This company ranked #4/11, with a total score of 49.3 out of 100. The average score was 42 and the highest score was 66.5.
Low ESG Risk
Sustainalytics, a top ESG research firm, evaluates environmental, social, and governance risks for over 16,000 companies. Its ESG Risk Rating reflects how much risk a company faces in its industry and how well it manages those risks. The final score includes both unmanaged and unmanageable risks, and companies are rated on a scale from negligible (0-10) to severe (40+). This company received an ESG Risk Rating of 17.3, placing it in the "low risk" category (retrieved April 2025).
Source: Sustainalytics
(2025)
63/100 in TIME rankings
World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025 by TIME and Statista recognises the Top 500 most sustainable companies in the world. From a selection of 5,000 of the world's largest companies, non-sustainable businesses were excluded, and the remaining companies were rated on Commitment & Ratings, Reporting & Transparency, and Environmental & Social Stewardship. This company received a total score of 63/100, ranking 293rd overall.
Source: TIME
(2025)
8.3% in Just Transition
The 2026 Just Transition Benchmark assessed 1,600 companies across multiple industries and sectors on how they integrate social equity, inclusivity and the rights of workers into their climate transition plan. This company received a score of 8.3/100. The average score was 5.7 and the highest score was 86.7.
13.44% for supply chain practices in China
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 13.44/100 (retrieved 9 March 2026).
Source: IPE
(2026)
16% in Gender Benchmark
In 2023 and 2024, the World Benchmarking Alliance assessed 2,000 companies on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, and violence and harassment. This company scored 16 out of 100. The average score was 15.3 and the highest score was 51.
CEO Pay Ratio of 171:1
In 2024 the median pay for a worker at this company was US$37,440. The CEO was paid 171 times this amount. Exorbitant CEO pay is a major contributor to rising inequality. CEOs are getting more because of their power to set pay, not because they are increasing productivity or possess specific, high-demand skills. The economy would suffer no harm if CEOs were paid less (or taxed more). In contrast, the CEO-to-typical-worker compensation ratio was 20-to-1 in 1965 and 58-to-1 in 1989.
Source: AFL-CIO
(2024)
Responsible Minerals Initiative member
This company is a member of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (formerly the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative), which helps companies address conflict minerals issues in their supply chains. The RMI provides information on conflict-free smelters and refiners, common tools to gather sourcing information, and forums for exchanging best practices on addressing conflict minerals. Membership is open to companies that use or transact in tantalum, tin, tungsten or gold (3TG). Founded in 2008 by members of the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative.
Source: RMI
(2025)
38.9% in Social Benchmark
The 2026 Social Benchmark assessed the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company received a score of 38.9/100. The average score was 20 and the highest score was 75.
Company Details
Type:
Public company
Founded:
1999
Revenue:
3.6 billion USD
(2015)
Employees:
6,400
(2020)
Contact Details
Products / Brands
First Solar
First Solar
Solar Panels