10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark one)

[x]	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013
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

First Solar, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	20-4623678
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

350 West Washington Street, Suite 600

Tempe, Arizona 85281

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(602) 414-9300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [x]	Accelerated filer [ ]	Non-accelerated filer [ ]	Smaller reporting company [ ]
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

As of August 2, 2013, 97,647,373 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share, were issued and outstanding.

FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
Part I.	Financial Information (Unaudited)
Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012	4
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	40
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	63
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	63
Part II.	Other Information	64
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	64
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	65
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	65
Item 5.	Other Information	65
Item 6.	Exhibits	66
Signature		67

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net sales	$	519,760		$	957,332		$	1,274,965		$	1,454,387
Cost of sales	379,662			713,591			965,541			1,133,901
Gross profit	140,098			243,741			309,424			320,486
Operating expenses:
Research and development	30,964			32,365			60,895			68,449
Selling, general and administrative	66,265			52,184			140,730			144,004
Production start-up	1,392			533			2,768			4,591
Restructuring	2,381			19,000			4,728			420,065
Total operating expenses	101,002			104,082			209,121			637,109
Operating income (loss)	39,096			139,659			100,303			(316,623		)
Foreign currency (loss) gain	(1,068		)	1,015			550			31
Interest income	3,405			3,379			8,352			6,290
Interest expense, net	(875		)	(7,372		)	(1,625		)	(8,292		)
Other income (expense), net	504			(1,334		)	(329		)	(2,545		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	41,062			135,347			107,251			(321,139		)
Income tax expense	7,464			24,364			14,511			17,294
Net income (loss)	$	33,598		$	110,983		$	92,740		$	(338,433	)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.38		$	1.28		$	1.05		$	(3.90	)
Diluted	$	0.37		$	1.27		$	1.03		$	(3.90	)
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculations:
Basic	89,201			86,855			88,209			86,681
Diluted	91,142			87,653			90,265			86,681

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$	33,598		$	110,983		$	92,740		$	(338,433	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,500			(9,795		)	(1,577		)	3,714
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments	(17,029		)	12,626			(27,370		)	8,562
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	2,909			2,585			(2,937		)	(12,715		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,620		)	5,416			(31,884		)	(439		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	20,978		$	116,399		$	60,856		$	(338,872	)

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	928,657		$	901,294
Marketable securities	356,615			102,578
Accounts receivable trade, net	192,580			553,567
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage	460,438			400,987
Inventories	334,261			434,921
Balance of systems parts	128,384			98,903
Deferred project costs	1,004,778			21,390
Deferred tax assets, net	28,878			44,070
Assets held for sale	49,521			49,521
Note receivable affiliate	—			17,725
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	117,167			207,368
Total current assets	3,601,279			2,832,324
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,560,908			1,525,382
Project assets and deferred project costs	559,151			845,478
Deferred tax assets, net	332,688			317,473
Restricted cash and investments	275,183			301,400
Goodwill	74,930			65,444
Inventories	132,668			134,375
Retainage	237,594			270,364
Other assets	93,725			56,452
Total assets	$	6,868,126		$	6,348,692
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	217,587		$	350,230
Income taxes payable	4,749			5,474
Accrued expenses	391,764			554,433
Current portion of long-term debt	61,194			62,349
Deferred revenue	1,682			2,056
Payments and billings for deferred project costs	1,116,670			94,535
Other current liabilities	61,149			32,297
Total current liabilities	1,854,795			1,101,374
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	248,178			212,835
Long-term debt	194,570			500,223
Payments and billings for deferred project costs	38,974			636,518
Other liabilities	374,871			292,216
Total liabilities	2,711,388			2,743,166
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 97,629,891 and 87,145,323 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	98			87
Additional paid-in capital	2,555,872			2,065,527
Accumulated earnings	1,622,473			1,529,733
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(21,705		)	10,179
Total stockholders’ equity	4,156,738			3,605,526
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	6,868,126		$	6,348,692

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash received from customers	$	2,050,622		$	1,639,136
Cash paid to suppliers and associates	(1,709,914		)	(1,169,399		)
Interest received	3,724			2,970
Interest paid	(5,974		)	(18,030		)
Income tax refunds (payments), net	5,976			25,561
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	(55,695		)	(66,853		)
Other operating activities	89			(1,050		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	288,828			412,335
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(156,856		)	(281,972		)
Purchases of marketable securities	(316,285		)	(14,446		)
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities	60,766			83,367
Investment in note receivable, affiliate	—			(21,883		)
Payments received on note receivable, affiliate	17,108			—
Purchase of restricted investments	—			(80,667		)
Change in restricted cash	5,136			21,547
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(30,745		)	(2,437		)
Purchase of equity and cost method investments	(14,894		)	—
Other investing activities	(1,850		)	(4,812		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(437,620		)	(301,303		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(635,876		)	(735,296		)
Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs	335,000			590,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	55,695			66,853
Repayment of economic development funding	(8,315		)	(6,820		)
Proceeds from equity offering, net of issuance costs	430,368			—
Other financing activities	349			(643		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	177,221			(85,906		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,066		)	(505		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	27,363			24,621
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	901,294			605,619
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	$	928,657		$	630,240
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities	$	57,681		$	61,615
Acquisitions funded by liabilities and contingent consideration	$	22,780		$	—

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST SOLAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted 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 management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013, or for any other period. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012 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 financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Such reclassifications did not affect total cash flows, total net sales, operating income, net income, total assets, total liabilities or stockholders’ equity.

Unless expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” and “First Solar” refer to First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates. 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 our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Significant estimates in these condensed consolidated financial statements include percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, estimates of future cash flows from and the economic useful lives of long-lived assets, certain accrued liabilities, income taxes and tax valuation allowances, reportable segment allocations, product warranties and manufacturing excursions, accrued collection and recycling expense, applying the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and goodwill. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and reasonable assumptions, actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.

Revenue Recognition — Systems Business. We recognize revenue for arrangements entered into by our systems business generally using two revenue recognition models, following the guidance in ASC 605, Accounting for Long-term Construction Contracts or, for arrangements which include land or land rights, ASC 360, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.

For systems business sales arrangements that do not include land or land rights and thus are accounted for under ASC 605, we use the percentage-of-completion method, as described further below, using actual costs incurred over total estimated costs to develop and construct a project (including module costs) as our standard accounting policy, unless we cannot make reasonably dependable estimates of the costs to complete the contract, in which case we would use the completed contract method.

For systems business sales arrangements that are accounted for under ASC 360, where we convey control of land or land rights, we record the sale as revenue using one of the following revenue recognition methods, based upon evaluation of the substance and form of the terms and conditions of such real estate sales arrangements:

(i) We apply the percentage-of-completion method, as further described below, to certain real estate sales arrangements covered under ASC 360, when a sale has been consummated, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met, we have the ability to estimate our costs and progress toward completion, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. The initial and continuing investment requirements, which demonstrate a buyer’s commitment to honor their obligations for the sales arrangement, can typically be met through the receipt of cash or an irrevocable letter of credit from a highly credit worthy lending institution. When evaluating whether the usual risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer, we consider whether we have or may be contingently required to have any prohibited forms of continuing involvement with the project. Prohibited forms of continuing involvement in a real estate sales arrangement may include us retaining risks or rewards associated with the project that are not customary with the range of risks or rewards that an engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) contractor may assume.

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(ii) Depending on whether the initial and continuing investment requirements have been met, and whether collectability from the buyer is reasonably assured, we may align our revenue recognition and release of project assets or deferred project costs to cost of sales with the receipt of payment from the buyer if the sale has been consummated and we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer.

(iii) We may also record revenue for certain sales arrangements after construction of discrete portions of a project or after the entire project is substantially complete, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, and we have received substantially all payments due from the buyer or the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met.

For any systems business sales arrangements containing multiple deliverables (including our solar modules) not required to be accounted for under ASC 360 (real estate) or ASC 605 (long-term construction contracts), we analyze each activity within the sales arrangement to ensure that we adhere to the separation guidelines of ASC 605 for multiple-element arrangements. We allocate revenue for any transactions involving multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on its relative selling price, and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when all revenue recognition criteria for a unit of accounting have been met.

Revenue Recognition - Percentage-of-Completion. In applying the percentage-of-completion method, we use the actual costs incurred relative to estimated costs to complete (including module costs) in order to estimate the progress towards completion to determine the amount of revenue and profit to recognize. Incurred costs include all installed direct materials, installed solar modules, labor, subcontractor costs, and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, and tools. We recognize direct material and solar module costs as incurred costs when the direct materials and solar modules have been installed in the project. When contracts specify that title to direct materials and solar modules transfers to the customer before installation has been performed, we will not recognize revenue or associated costs until those materials are installed and have met all other revenue recognition requirements. We consider direct materials and solar modules to be installed when they are permanently placed or fitted to a solar power system as required by engineering designs. Solar modules manufactured by us that will be used in our solar power systems, which we still hold title to, remain within inventory until such modules are installed in a solar power system.

The percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition requires us to make estimates of contract revenues and costs to complete our projects. In making such estimates, management judgments are required to evaluate significant assumptions including the cost of materials and labor, expected labor productivity, the impact of potential variances in schedule completion, the amount of net contract revenues and the impact of any penalties, claims, change orders, or performance incentives.

If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the contract revenues, we recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of the revisions to estimates related to contract revenues and costs to complete contracts, including penalties, incentive awards, claims, change orders, anticipated losses and others are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the changes on future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since revenue was initially recognized under the contract. Such revisions could occur in any reporting period and the effects may be material depending on the size of the contracts or changes in estimate.

Revenue Recognition - Components Business. Our components business sells solar modules directly to third party solar power system integrators and operators. We recognize revenue for module sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the module has occurred and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and the collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Under this policy, we record a trade receivable for the selling price of our module and reduce inventory for the cost of goods sold when delivery occurs in accordance with the terms of the sales contracts. Our customers typically do not have extended payment terms or rights of return for our products. We account for rebates or other customer incentives as a reduction to the selling price of our solar modules at the time of sale; and therefore, as a reduction to revenue.

Ventures and Variable Interest Entities. In the normal course of business we establish wholly owned project companies which may be considered variable interest entities.  We consolidate wholly owned variable interest entities, even if there are other variable interests in such entities, as we are considered the primary beneficiary of such entities.  Additionally, we have and may in the future form joint venture type arrangements (“ventures”), including partnerships and partially owned limited liability companies or similar legal structures, with one or more third parties primarily to develop and build specific or a pipeline of solar power projects. These types of ventures are core to our business and long-term strategy related to providing solar photovoltaic (“PV”) generation solutions using our modules to sustainable geographic markets. In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidations, we analyze all of our ventures and classify them into two groups: (i) ventures that must be consolidated because they are either not variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and we hold the majority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are the primary

8

beneficiary; and (ii) ventures that do not need to be consolidated and are accounted for under either the equity or cost methods of accounting because they are either not VIEs and we hold a minority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are not the primary beneficiary.

Ventures are considered VIEs if (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support; (ii) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the ability to make certain decisions, the obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive expected residual returns; or (iii) an equity investor has voting rights that are disproportionate to its economic interest and substantially all of the entity’s activities are on behalf of the investor. Our venture agreements typically require some form of project development capital or project equity ranging from amounts necessary to obtain a power purchase agreements (“PPA”) (or similar power off-take agreement) to a pro-rata portion of the total equity required to develop and complete construction of a project, depending upon the opportunity and the market our ventures are in. Our limited number of ventures as of June 30, 2013 and future ventures of a similar nature are typically VIEs because the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the ventures to finance their activities without additional financial support.

We are considered the primary beneficiary of and are required to consolidate a VIE if we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact that VIE’s economic performance, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of that VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If we determine that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the venture, then we are not primary beneficiary of the VIE.

We account for our unconsolidated ventures using either the equity or cost methods of accounting depending upon whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence over a venture. We consider the participating and protective rights we have as well as the legal form of the venture when evaluating whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence, which requires us to apply the equity method of accounting. Income from ventures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was immaterial to the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Refer to Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for a more complete summary of our significant accounting policies.

Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, updated by ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which requires companies to disclose information about financial instruments that have been offset and related arrangements to enable users of their financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on their financial position. Companies will be required to provide both net (offset amounts) and gross information in the notes to the financial statements for relevant assets and liabilities that are offset. ASU 2011-11, as amended by ASU 2013-01, is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2011-11, as amended by ASU 2013-01, in the first quarter of 2013, did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. ASU 2012-02 gives companies an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate it is more-likely-than-not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset (excluding goodwill) is impaired. If based on its qualitative assessment, a company concludes that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, quantitative impairment testing is required. However, if a company concludes otherwise, quantitative impairment testing is not required. ASU 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2012-02, in the first quarter of 2013, did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2013-02 supersedes and replaces the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASUs 2011-05 and 2011-12 for all public and private organizations. The amendment requires that an entity must report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after

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December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2013-02, in the first quarter of 2013, did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 4. Restructuring

The activity related to our restructuring charges for material restructuring initiatives that were not completed as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

February 2012 Manufacturing Restructuring

In February 2012, executive management completed an evaluation of and approved a set of manufacturing capacity and other initiatives primarily intended to adjust our previously planned manufacturing capacity expansions and global manufacturing footprint. The primary goal of these initiatives was to better align production capacity and geographic location of such capacity with expected geographic market requirements and demand. The remaining $5.1 million of asset impairment related charges from the February 2012 manufacturing restructuring as of December 31, 2012 is included within other liabilities and such amount is not expected to be paid within the next year.

April 2012 European Restructuring

In April 2012, executive management approved a set of restructuring initiatives intended to align the organization with our Long Term Strategic Plan including expected sustainable market opportunities and to reduce costs. As part of these initiatives, we substantially reduced our European operations including the closure of our manufacturing operations in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany at the end of 2012. Due to the then current lack of policy support for utility-scale solar projects in Europe at that time, we did not believe there was a business case for continuing manufacturing operations in Germany or to proceed with the previously announced 2-line plant in France. Additionally, we substantially reduced the size of our operations in Mainz, Germany and elsewhere in Europe. After the closure of our Frankfurt (Oder) manufacturing operations, which was comprised of eight production lines, at the end of 2012, First Solar’s installed manufacturing capacity consists of 24 production lines in Kulim, Malaysia and four production lines in Perrysburg, Ohio.

In connection with these restructuring initiatives, we incurred total charges to operating expense during 2012 of $342.0 million and $4.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2013. These total charges consisted of (i) $253.0 million in asset impairments and asset impairment related charges, primarily related to the closure of the Frankfurt (Oder) plants; (ii) $63.2 million in severance and termination related costs; and (iii) $30.5 million for the required repayment of German government grants related to the second Frankfurt (Oder) plant.

The following table summarizes the April 2012 European restructuring amounts remaining as of December 31, 2012, amounts recorded to restructuring expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, and the remaining balance at June 30, 2013 (in thousands):

April 2012 European Restructuring	Asset Impairments and Related Costs			Severance and Termination Related Costs			Grant Repayments			Total
Ending Balance at December 31, 2012	$	16,625		$	25,717		$	8,400		$	50,742
Charges to Income	—			2,347			—			2,347
Change in Estimates	—			—			—			—
Cash Payments	(7,193		)	(6,720		)	(8,315		)	(22,228		)
Non-Cash Amounts Including Foreign Exchange Impact	(304		)	(718		)	(85		)	(1,107		)
Ending Balance at March 31, 2013	9,128			20,626			—			29,754
Charges to Income	2,170			1,185			—			3,355
Change in Estimates	(945		)	(29		)	—			(974		)
Cash Payments	(6,597		)	(13,563		)	—			(20,160		)
Non-Cash Amounts Including Foreign Exchange Impact	(771		)	316			—			(455		)
Ending Balance at June 30, 2013	$	2,985		$	8,535		$	—		$	11,520

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Expenses recognized for restructuring activities are presented in “Restructuring” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Substantially all expenses related to the April 2012 European restructuring were related to our components segment. We expect to incur up to $1 million in additional restructuring expense through the end of 2013 primarily related to remaining asset impairment and related costs associated with such restructuring initiatives.

Note 5. Acquisitions

TetraSun

In April 2013, we acquired 100%, of the stock not previously owned by us, of TetraSun, Inc. (“TetraSun”), a development stage company that is in advanced stages of developing high efficiency crystalline silicon technology that is expected to provide improvements in performance relative to conventional crystalline silicon solar modules.

The all-cash acquisition was not material to our historical condensed consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows. We have included the financial results of TetraSun in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.

In connection with applying the acquisition method of accounting, $39.1 million of the purchase price consideration was assigned to an in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) intangible asset that will be amortized over its useful life upon successful completion of the project or expensed earlier if impaired and $6.1 million was assigned to goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of the underlying net tangible and intangible assets.

Solar Chile

In January 2013, we acquired 100% of the ownership interest of Solar Chile S.A. (“Solar Chile”), a Chilean-based solar project development company with substantially all of its assets being a portfolio of early to mid-stage utility-scale PV power projects in northern Chile, in an all-cash transaction which was not material to our historical condensed consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows. We have included the financial results of Solar Chile in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.

Note 6. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Cash:
Cash	$	882,091	$	889,065
Cash equivalents:
Commercial paper	3,199		1,500
Money market funds	43,367		10,729
Total cash and cash equivalents	928,657		901,294
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper	5,097		1,698
Corporate debt securities	137,704		23,384
Federal agency debt	25,813		29,936
Foreign agency debt	110,641		7,233
Foreign government obligations	26,191		4,142
Supranational debt	47,673		34,181
U.S. government obligations	3,496		2,004
Total marketable securities	356,615		102,578
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	$	1,285,272	$	1,003,872

We have classified our marketable securities as “available-for-sale.” Accordingly, we record them at fair value and account for net unrealized gains and losses as a part of other comprehensive income (loss). We report realized gains and losses on the sale

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or maturity of our marketable securities in other income (expense), net computed using the specific identification method. We may sell these securities prior to their stated maturities after consideration of our liquidity requirements. We view securities with maturities beyond 12 months as available to support current operations, and accordingly we classify all such securities as current assets under the caption marketable securities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, we realized an immaterial amount of gains and losses on the sale or maturities of our marketable securities. See Note 12. “Fair Value Measurements,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the fair value of our marketable securities.

All of our available-for-sale marketable securities are subject to a periodic impairment review. We consider a marketable security to be impaired when its fair value is less than its cost, in which case we would further review the marketable security to determine whether it is other-than-temporarily impaired. When we evaluate a marketable security for other-than-temporary impairment, we review factors such as the length of time and extent to which its fair value has been below its cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, our intent to sell, and whether it is more-likely-than-not that we will be required to sell the marketable security before we have recovered its cost basis. If a marketable security were other-than-temporarily impaired, we would write it down through other expense to its impaired value and establish that as a new cost basis. We did not identify any of our marketable securities as other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Commercial paper	$	5,097	$	—	$	—	$	5,097
Corporate debt securities	137,818		20		134		137,704
Federal agency debt	25,817		11		15		25,813
Foreign agency debt	110,788		6		153		110,641
Foreign government obligations	26,190		1		—		26,191
Supranational debt	47,692		40		59		47,673
U.S. government obligations	3,497		—		1		3,496
Total	$	356,899	$	78	$	362	$	356,615

	As of December 31, 2012
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Commercial paper	$	1,697	$	1	$	—	$	1,698
Corporate debt securities	23,358		26		—		23,384
Federal agency debt	29,888		49		1		29,936
Foreign agency debt	7,266		—		33		7,233
Foreign government obligations	4,138		4		—		4,142
Supranational debt	34,110		71		—		34,181
U.S. government obligations	2,000		4		—		2,004
Total	$	102,457	$	155	$	34	$	102,578

Contractual maturities of our marketable securities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
Maturity	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
One year or less	$	71,006	$	55	$	11	$	71,050
One year to two years	259,274		20		337		258,957
Two years to three years	26,619		3		14		26,608
Total	$	356,899	$	78	$	362	$	356,615

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	As of December 31, 2012
Maturity	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
One year or less	$	71,225	$	67	$	32	$	71,260
One year to two years	30,707		88		1		30,794
Two years to three years	525		—		1		524
Total	$	102,457	$	155	$	34	$	102,578

The net unrealized loss of $0.3 million and net unrealized gain of $0.1 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, on our marketable securities were primarily the result of changes in interest rates. Our investment policy requires marketable securities to be highly rated and limits the security types, issuer concentration, and duration to maturity of our marketable securities portfolio.

The following table shows gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values for those marketable securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, aggregated by major security type and the length of time the marketable securities have been in a continuous loss position (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
	In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months				In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater				Total
Security Type	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Corporate debt securities	$	48,170	$	134	$	—	$	—	$	48,170	$	134
Federal agency debt	10,016		15		—		—		10,016		15
Foreign agency debt	86,100		153		—		—		86,100		153
Foreign government obligations	1,053		—		—		—		1,053		—
Supranational debt	29,149		59		—		—		29,149		59
U.S. government obligations	3,502		1		—		—		3,502		1
Total	$	177,990	$	362	$	—	$	—	$	177,990	$	362

	As of December 31, 2012
	In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months				In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater				Total
Security Type	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Federal agency debt	$	524	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	524	$	1
Foreign agency debt	—		—		5,970		33		5,970		33
Total	$	524	$	1	$	5,970	$	33	$	6,494	$	34

Note 7. Restricted Cash and Investments

Restricted cash and investments consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Restricted cash (1)	$	157	$	184
Restricted investments	275,026		301,216
Restricted cash and investments	$	275,183	$	301,400

(1) There was $5.1 million of restricted cash included within prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 31, 2012 primarily related to required cash collateral for certain letters of credit provided for projects under development in foreign jurisdictions.

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At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our restricted investments consisted of long-term marketable securities that we hold through a custodial account to fund the estimated future costs of collecting and recycling modules covered under our solar module collection and recycling program and related obligations. We have classified our restricted investments as “available-for-sale.” Accordingly, we record them at fair value and account for net unrealized gains and losses as a part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We report realized gains and losses on the maturity or sale of our restricted investments in other income (expense), net computed using the specific identification method. Restricted investments are classified as noncurrent as the underlying accrued solar module collection and recycling liability is also noncurrent in nature.

We fund the estimated collection and recycling obligations incremental to amounts already pre-funded in prior years for the cumulative module sales covered by our solar module collection and recycling program within 90 days of the end of each year, assuming for this purpose a service life of 25 years for our solar modules. To ensure that our collection and recycling program for covered modules is available at all times and the pre-funded amounts are accessible regardless of our financial status in the future (even in the case of our own insolvency), we have established a trust structure (the “Trust”) under which estimated required funds are put into custodial accounts with an established and reputable bank as the investment advisor in the name of the Trust, for which First Solar, Inc. (“FSI”), First Solar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“FS Malaysia”), and First Solar Manufacturing GmbH (“FSM GmbH”) are grantors. Only the trustee can distribute funds from the custodial accounts and these funds cannot be accessed for any purpose other than to cover qualified costs of module collection and recycling, either by us or a third party executing the required collection and recycling services. Investments in this custodial account must meet the criteria of the highest quality investments, such as highly rated government or agency bonds. We closely monitor our exposure to European markets and maintain holdings primarily consisting of German and French sovereign debt securities which are not currently at risk of default. Under the Trust agreements, each year we determine the annual pre-funding requirement (if any) based upon the difference between the current estimated future costs of collecting and recycling all solar modules covered under our program combined with the rate of return restricted investments will earn prior to being utilized to cover qualified collection and recycling costs and amounts already pre-funded in prior years. Based primarily upon reductions in the estimated future costs of collecting and recycling solar modules covered under our program combined with the cumulative amounts pre-funded since the inception of our program, we have determined that no incremental funding was required in the first quarter of 2013 for all historical covered module sales through December 31, 2012.

The following table summarizes unrealized gains and losses related to our restricted investments by major security type as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Foreign government obligations	$	189,780	$	27,910	$	—	$	217,690
U.S. government obligations	54,626		3,559		849		57,336
Total	$	244,406	$	31,469	$	849	$	275,026

	As of December 31, 2012
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Foreign government obligations	$	188,350	$	47,921	$	—	$	236,271
U.S. government obligations	53,368		11,577		—		64,945
Total	$	241,718	$	59,498	$	—	$	301,216

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the contractual maturities of these restricted investments were between 15 years and 24 years. As of June 30, 2013, the gross unrealized loss of $0.8 million had been in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months.

Note 8. Net Income (Loss) per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed giving effect to all potential dilutive common stock, including employee stock options, restricted and performance stock units, stock purchase plan shares, and contingently issuable shares, unless there is a net loss for the period.

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The calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Basic net income (loss) per share
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	33,598	$	110,983	$	92,740	$	(338,433	)
Denominator:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding	89,201		86,855		88,209		86,681
Diluted net income (loss) per share
Denominator:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding	89,201		86,855		88,209		86,681
Effect of stock options, restricted and performance stock units, and stock purchase plan shares	1,941		798		2,056		—
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	91,142		87,653		90,265		86,681

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Per share information — basic:
Net income (loss) per share	$	0.38	$	1.28	$	1.05	$	(3.90	)
Per share information — diluted:
Net income (loss) per share	$	0.37	$	1.27	$	1.03	$	(3.90	)

The following number of outstanding employee stock options, restricted and performance stock units and stock purchase plan shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 as they would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013	June 30, 2012	June 30, 2013	June 30, 2012
Anti-dilutive shares	91	3,681	107	2,324

Note 9. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details

Accounts receivable trade, net

Accounts receivable trade, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Accounts receivable trade, gross	$	202,109		$	568,070
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(9,529		)	(14,503		)
Accounts receivable trade, net	$	192,580		$	553,567

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $51.6 million and $104.5 million, respectively, of our Accounts receivable trade, net were secured by letters of credit, bank guarantees or other forms of financial security issued by credit worthy financial institutions.

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Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage

Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Accounts receivable, unbilled	$	222,636	$	342,587
Retainage	237,802		58,400
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage	$	460,438	$	400,987

Accounts receivable, unbilled represents revenue that has been recognized in advance of billing the customer. This is common for long-term construction contracts. For example, we recognize revenue from contracts for the construction and sale of solar power systems which include the sale of project assets over the construction period using applicable accounting methods. One applicable accounting method is the percentage-of-completion method under which sales and gross profit are recognized as construction work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for constructing the project. Under this accounting method, revenue can be recognized in advance of billing the customer, resulting in an amount recorded to Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage. Once we meet the billing criteria under a construction contract, we bill our customers accordingly and reclassify the Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage to Accounts receivable trade, net. Billing requirements vary by contract, but are generally structured around completion of certain construction milestones.

Also included within Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage is the current portion of retainage. Retainage refers to the portion of the contract price earned by us for work performed, but held for payment by our customer as a form of security until we reach certain construction milestones. Retainage included within Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage is expected to be billed and collected within the next 12 months.

Retainage that is noncurrent in nature is expected to be collected in the second half of 2014 through 2015, after certain construction milestones have been met.

Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Raw materials	$	177,070	$	184,006
Work in process	11,672		14,868
Finished goods (solar modules)	278,187		370,422
Inventories	$	466,929	$	569,296
Inventories — current	$	334,261	$	434,921
Inventories — noncurrent (1)	$	132,668	$	134,375

(1) We purchase a critical raw material that is used in our core production process in quantities that exceed anticipated consumption within our operating cycle (which is 12 months). We classify the raw materials that we do not expect to be consumed within our operating cycle as noncurrent.

We regularly review the cost of inventories, including noncurrent inventories, against their estimated market value and record a lower of cost or market write-down if any inventories have a cost in excess of their estimated market value as defined by ASC 330, Inventories. We also regularly evaluate the quantities and values of our inventories, including noncurrent inventories, in light of current market conditions and market trends among other factors and record write-downs for any quantities in excess of demand and for any new obsolescence.

Balance of systems parts

Balance of systems parts represent mounting, electrical and other construction parts purchased for solar power plants to be constructed or currently under construction, which we hold title to and are not yet installed in a solar power plant. These parts include posts, tilt brackets, tables, harnesses, combiner boxes, inverters, cables, tracker equipment and other parts we purchase or

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assemble for the solar power plants we construct. Balance of systems parts does not include any solar modules that we manufacture. We carry these parts at the lower of cost or market, with market being based primarily on recoverability through installation in a solar power system. 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Prepaid expenses	$	31,099	$	39,582
Derivative instruments	3,079		7,230
Deferred costs of goods sold	2,102		96,337
Other current assets	80,887		64,219
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	117,167	$	207,368

Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Buildings and improvements	$	459,280		$	446,133
Machinery and equipment	1,421,761			1,415,632
Office equipment and furniture	123,553			117,228
Leasehold improvements	47,230			49,367
Depreciable property, plant and equipment, gross	2,051,824			2,028,360
Accumulated depreciation	(852,763		)	(803,501		)
Depreciable property, plant and equipment, net	1,199,061			1,224,859
Land	22,209			22,256
Construction in progress	128,809			51,133
Stored assets (1)	210,829			227,134
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,560,908		$	1,525,382

(1) Consists of machinery and equipment (“stored assets”) that were originally purchased for installation in our previously planned manufacturing capacity expansions. We intend to install and place the stored assets into service when such assets are required or beneficial to our existing installed manufacturing capacity or when market demand supports additional or market specific manufacturing capacity. As the stored assets are neither in the condition or location to produce modules as intended, we will not begin depreciation until such assets are placed into service. The stored assets are evaluated for impairment under a held and used impairment model whenever events or changes in business circumstances arise, including consideration of technological obsolescence, that may indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We ceased the capitalization of interest on such stored assets once they were physically received from the related machinery and equipment suppliers.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment was $57.8 million and $116.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and was $64.0 million and $136.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.

From time to time, we have received grants for the construction or expansion of our manufacturing facilities. We account for any such grants as a reduction to the carrying value of the property, plant and equipment they fund. During the first quarter of 2013, we repaid the remaining €6.3 million of grants received in 2011, including outstanding interest due, as a result of the closure of our Frankfurt (Oder) manufacturing facility.

See Note 4. “Restructuring,” for more information on the long-lived asset impairments and grant repayments related to our April 2012 European restructuring.

Capitalized interest

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We capitalized interest costs incurred into property, plant and equipment or project assets as follows during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Interest cost incurred	$	(3,167	)	$	(9,318	)	$	(6,442	)	$	(16,050	)
Interest cost capitalized —– property, plant and equipment	736			769			1,046			2,822
Interest cost capitalized —– project assets	1,556			1,177			3,771			4,936
Interest expense, net	$	(875	)	$	(7,372	)	$	(1,625	)	$	(8,292	)

Project assets and deferred project costs

Project assets consist primarily of costs relating to solar power projects in various stages of development and construction that we capitalize prior to entering into a definitive sales agreement for the solar power project including projects that have begun commercial operation under the project PPAs. These costs include costs for land and costs for developing and constructing a PV solar power system. Development costs can include legal, consulting, permitting, interconnection, and other similar costs. Once we enter into a definitive sales agreement, we reclassify project assets to deferred project costs on our condensed consolidated balance sheet until the sale is completed and we have met all of the criteria to recognize the sale as revenue, which is typically subject to real estate revenue recognition requirements. We expense project assets to cost of sales after each respective project asset is sold to a customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met (matching the expensing of costs to the underlying revenue recognition method). We classify project assets generally as noncurrent due to the nature of solar power projects (long-lived assets) and the time required to complete all activities to develop, construct, and sell projects, which is typically longer than 12 months.

Deferred project costs represent (i) costs that we capitalize as project assets for arrangements that we account for as real estate transactions after we have entered into a definitive sales arrangement, but before the sale is completed or before we have met all criteria to recognize the sale as revenue, (ii) recoverable pre-contract costs that we capitalize for arrangements accounted for as long-term construction contracts prior to entering into a definitive sales agreement, or (iii) costs that we capitalize for arrangements accounted for as long-term construction contracts after we have signed a definitive sales agreement, but before all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We classify deferred project costs as current if completion of the sale and the meeting of all revenue recognition criteria is expected within the next 12 months.

If a project asset is completed and begins commercial operation prior to entering into or the closing of a sales arrangement, the completed project will remain in project assets or deferred project costs until the sale of such project closes. Any income generated by such project while it remains within project assets or deferred project costs is accounted for as a reduction to our basis in the project, which at the time of sale and meeting all revenue recognition criteria will be recorded within cost of sales.

Project assets and deferred project costs consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Project assets — land	$	810	$	9,164
Project assets — development costs including project acquisition costs	251,835		157,489
Project assets — construction costs	71,827		192,171
Project assets — projects in commercial operation under project PPAs	205,283		—
Project assets	$	529,755	$	358,824
Deferred project costs — current	$	1,004,778	$	21,390
Deferred project costs — non-current	29,396		486,654
Deferred project costs	1,034,174		$	508,044
Total project assets and deferred project costs	$	1,563,929	$	866,868

Note Receivable

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On April 8, 2009, we entered into a credit facility agreement with a solar power project entity of one of our customers for an available amount of €17.5 million to provide financing for a PV solar power system. The credit facility replaced a bridge loan that we had made to this entity. The credit facility bears interest at 8% per annum and is due on December 31, 2026. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the balance on this credit facility was €7.0 million. The outstanding amount of this credit facility is included within “Other assets” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Note Receivable, Affiliate

In January 2012, we contributed an immaterial amount for a 50% ownership interest in a newly formed limited liability company (“property company”), which was formed for the sole purpose of holding land for use in the development of a certain solar power project. One of our customers also contributed an immaterial amount for the remaining 50% ownership interest in the property company. The activities for the property company were governed by a shareholders agreement. The intent of the shareholders agreement was to outline the parameters of the arrangement with our customer, whereby we would supply solar modules to our customer for the solar power project and our customer would develop, construct, and sell the project. The shareholders agreement also required each party to consent to all decisions made for the most significant activities of the property company. There were no requirements for us to make further contributions to the property company and the proceeds from the sale of the project were to be divided equally between us and our customer after the repayment of all project development related costs including the repayment of the loan discussed further below.

We also entered into a loan agreement, with a 6% per annum interest rate, with the property company, which is considered an affiliate, which required that the proceeds be used to purchase the project land and to pay for certain land development costs. Construction of the project was substantially completed during September 2012. During the first quarter of 2013, the then outstanding principal balance on this loan of €13.4 million was repaid in full. Additionally, €1.1 million of interest income was received under the terms of the loan, representing the cumulative interest due from the property company since the inception of the loan.

The property company is considered a variable interest entity and our previous ownership interest in and our loan to the property company were considered variable interests. We accounted for our investment in the property company under the equity method of accounting as we concluded we were not the primary beneficiary as we did not have the power to make decisions for the most significant activities of the property Company. We had no remaining ownership interest or equity method investment balance related to the property company as of June 30, 2013.

Intangible Assets

“Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets” include acquired intangible assets, the majority of which were acquired during the three months ended June 30, 2013 as part of our TetraSun acquisition described in Note 5. “Acquisitions.”Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets also include our internally-generated intangible assets, substantially all of which are patents on technologies related to our products and production processes. We record an asset for patents, after the patent has been issued, based on the legal, filing, and other costs incurred to secure them. We amortize intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives once the intangible assets meet the criteria to be amortized.

Intangible assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Intangible assets, gross	$	48,939		$	9,139
Accumulated amortization	(5,700		)	(5,404		)
Intangible assets, net	$	43,239		$	3,735

$39.1 million of the $48.9 million of Intangible assets, gross as of June 30, 2013 consists of IPR&D related to assets that were acquired as part of our TetraSun acquisition. Such assets will be amortized over their estimated useful lives upon successful completion of the project or expensed earlier if impaired.

Accrued expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

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	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Accrued compensation, benefits and severance	$	41,552	$	105,677
Accrued property, plant and equipment	22,131		20,564
Accrued inventory and balance of systems parts	55,910		52,408
Accrued project assets and deferred project costs	85,989		76,133
Product warranty liability (Note 14)	62,989		90,581
Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses (1)	64,252		75,020
Other accrued expenses	58,941		134,050
Accrued expenses	$	391,764	$	554,433

(1) Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses consists primarily of commitments to certain customers, each related to the manufacturing excursion occurring during the period between June 2008 to June 2009 (“2008-2009 manufacturing excursion”), whereby certain modules manufactured during that time period may experience premature power loss once installed in the field. Additionally, included in such accrued expenses are commitments to certain customers related to a workmanship issue potentially affecting solar modules manufactured between October 2008 to June 2009, as a limited number of the modules manufactured during that time utilized a new material and process to attach the cord plate (junction box) to the module which may not adhere securely over time.

Our best estimate for such remediation programs is based on evaluation and consideration of currently available information, including the estimated number of potentially affected modules in the field, historical experience related to our remediation efforts, customer-provided data related to potentially affected systems, the estimated costs of performing the removal, replacement and logistical services and the post-sale expenses covered under our remediation program. If any of our estimates prove incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses.

Deferred Revenue

We recognize deferred revenue as net sales only after all revenue recognition criteria are met. We expect to recognize these amounts as net sales within the next 12 months.

Payments and billings for deferred project costs

Payments and billings for deferred project costs represent customer payments received or customer billings made under the terms of solar power project related sales contracts for which all revenue recognition criteria for real estate transactions have not yet been met. The associated solar power project related costs are included as deferred project costs. We classify such amounts as current or noncurrent depending upon when all revenue recognition criteria are expected to be met, consistent with the classification of the associated deferred project costs.

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Derivative instruments	$	4,759	$	5,825
Deferred tax liabilities	—		2,226
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (1)	4,044		2,422
Other	52,346		21,824
Other current liabilities	$	61,149	$	32,297

(1) Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represents billings made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Typically, billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement and the timing of revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer.

Other liabilities

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Other liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Product warranty liability	$	126,268	$	101,015
Other taxes payable	117,542		102,599
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (1)	45,334		47,623
Other	85,727		40,979
Other liabilities	$	374,871	$	292,216

(1) Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represents billings made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Typically, billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement and the timing of revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer.

Note 10. Equity Offering

During June 2013, we completed an equity offering of 9,747,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $46.00 per share. Net proceeds from the equity offering were $428.2 million, after deducting $17.9 million of underwriting discounts and offering expenses of $2.2 million. We intend to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions of under development photovoltaic solar power system projects, investments in photovoltaic solar power system projects that will be jointly developed with strategic partners and capital expenditures or strategic investments to develop certain business units and expand in new geographies.

Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments

As a global company, we are exposed in the normal course of business to interest rate and foreign currency risks that could affect our consolidated net assets, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We use derivative instruments to hedge against certain risks such as these, and we only hold derivative 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. As required by ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, we report all of our derivative instruments that are within the scope of that accounting standard at fair value. We account for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) if the derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815. For those derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting (“economic hedges”), we record the changes in fair value directly to earnings. See Note 12. “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 value of derivative instruments included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities		Other Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Cross-currency swap contract	$	—	$	659	$	2,965
Interest rate swap contracts	—		369		591
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	—	$	1,028	$	3,556
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	3,079	$	3,731	$	—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	3,079	$	3,731	$	—
Total derivative instruments	$	3,079	$	4,759	$	3,556

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	December 31, 2012
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities		Other Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,121	$	—	$	—
Cross-currency swap contract	—		316		1,582
Interest rate swap contracts	—		473		994
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	2,121	$	789	$	2,576
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	5,109	$	5,036	$	—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	5,109	$	5,036	$	—
Total derivative instruments	$	7,230	$	5,825	$	2,576

The impact of offsetting balances associated with derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 is shown below (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Gross Asset (Liability)			Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet	Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements		Financial Instruments	Cash Collateral Pledged	Net Amount
Cross-currency swap contracts	$	(3,624	)	—	(3,624	)	—	—	$	(3,624	)
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(960	)	—	(960	)	—	—	$	(960	)

	December 31, 2012
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Gross Asset (Liability)			Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet	Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements		Financial Instruments	Cash Collateral Pledged	Net Amount
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,121		—	2,121		—	—	$	2,121
Cross-currency swap contracts	$	(1,898	)	—	(1,898	)	—	—	$	(1,898	)
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(1,467	)	—	(1,467	)	—	—	$	(1,467	)

The following tables present the amounts related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 affecting accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

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	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts			Interest Rate Swap Contract			Cross Currency Swap Contract			Total
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2012	$	8,980		$	(1,467	)	$	(8,031	)	$	(518	)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	4,135			100			(1,604		)	2,631
Amounts reclassified to net sales as a result of forecasted transactions being probable of not occurring	(13,115		)	—			—			(13,115		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency gain	—			—			1,974			1,974
Interest expense	—			209			85			294
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at March 31, 2013	$	—		$	(1,158	)	$	(7,576	)	$	(8,734	)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	—			2			(313		)	(311		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency gain	—			—			2,912			2,912
Interest expense	—			196			106			302
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2013	$	—		$	(960	)	$	(4,871	)	$	(5,831	)

	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts			Interest Rate Swap Contracts			Cross Currency Swap Contract			Total
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2011	$	33,751		$	(2,571	)	$	(5,899	)	$	25,281
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	(11,341		)	(914		)	4,347			(7,908		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Net sales	(6,710		)	—			—			(6,710		)
Foreign currency gain (loss)	—			—			(5,003		)	(5,003		)
Interest expense	—			244			71			315
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at March 31, 2012	$	15,700		$	(3,241	)	$	(6,484	)	$	5,975
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	5,825			(334		)	(5,989		)	(498		)
Amounts reclassified to net sales as a result of forecasted transactions being probable of not occurring	(3,385		)	—			—			(3,385		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency gain (loss)	—			—			5,382			5,382
Interest expense	—			2,084			131			2,215
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2012	$	18,140		$	(1,491	)	$	(6,960	)	$	9,689

We recorded immaterial amounts related to ineffective portions of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 directly to other income (expense), net. In addition, we recognized losses of $0.4 million related to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for our foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges within other income (expense), net during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. We recognized gains of $2.2 million and $1.9 million related to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for our foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges within other income (expense), net during the three and six months ended and June 30, 2012, respectively.

The following table presents the amounts related to derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 affecting our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

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		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Foreign currency gain (loss)	$	746		$	(8,877	)	$	1,863		$	(1,523	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Cost of sales	$	(685	)	$	(1,546	)	$	(773	)	$	(738	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Net Sales	$	5,666		$	—		$	5,666		$	—

Interest Rate Risk

We use cross-currency swap and interest rate swap contracts to mitigate our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with certain of our debt instruments; we do not use such swap contracts for speculative or trading purposes.

On September 30, 2011, we entered into a cross-currency swap contract to hedge the floating rate foreign currency denominated loan under our Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement. This swap had an initial notional value of MYR 465.0 million and entitles us to receive a three-month floating Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offered Rate (“KLIBOR”) interest rate, and requires us to pay a fixed U.S. dollar rate of 3.495%. Additionally, this swap hedges the foreign currency risk of the Malaysian Ringgit denominated principal and interest payments as we make swap payments in U.S. dollars and receive swap payments in Malaysian Ringgits at a fixed exchange rate 3.19 MYR to USD. The notional amount of the swap is scheduled to decline in correspondence to our scheduled principal payments on the underlying hedged debt. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the notional value of this cross-currency swap agreement was MYR 426.3 million and MYR 465.0 million, respectively. This swap is a derivative instrument that qualifies for accounting as a cash flow hedge in accordance with ASC 815 and we designated it as such. We determined that this swap was highly effective as a cash flow hedge at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, there were immaterial amounts of ineffectiveness from this cash flow hedge.

On May 29, 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap contract to hedge a portion of the floating rate loans under our Malaysian Credit Facility, which became effective on September 30, 2009 with an initial notional value of €57.3 million and pursuant to which we are entitled to receive a six-month floating Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) interest rate, and are required to pay a fixed rate of 2.80%. The notional amount of the interest rate swap contract is scheduled to decline in correspondence to our scheduled principal payments on the underlying hedged debt. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the notional value of this interest rate swap contract was €24.4 million and €29.1 million, respectively. This derivative instrument qualifies for accounting as a cash flow hedge in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated it as such. We determined that our interest rate swap contract was highly effective as a cash flow hedge at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, there were immaterial amounts of ineffectiveness from this cash flow hedge.

In the following 12 months, we expect to reclassify to earnings $1.0 million of net unrealized losses related to swap contracts that are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2013 as we realize the earnings effect of the underlying loans. The amount we ultimately record to earnings will depend on the actual interest rates and foreign exchange rate when we realize the earnings effect of the underlying loans.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Cash Flow Exposure

We expect many of the subsidiaries of our business to have material future cash flows, including net sales and expenses that will be denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries’ functional currency. Our primary cash flow exposures are net sales and expenses. Changes in the exchange rates between our subsidiaries’ functional currency and the other currencies in which they transact will cause fluctuations in the cash flows we expect to receive or pay when these cash flows are realized or settled. Accordingly, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge a portion of these forecasted cash flows. As of December 31, 2012, these foreign exchange forward contracts hedged our forecasted cash flows for up to 3 months. These foreign exchange forward contracts qualify for accounting as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated them as such. We initially report the effective portion of the derivative’s unrealized gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassify amounts into earnings when the hedged transaction occurs and impacts earnings. We determined that these derivative financial instruments were highly effective as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2012. During the six months

24

ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, we did not discontinue any cash flow hedges because a hedging relationship was no longer highly effective. As of June 30, 2013 there were no longer any outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges.

As of December 31, 2012, the notional values associated with our foreign exchange forward contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):

December 31, 2012
Currency	Notional Amount	USD Equivalent
Canadian dollar	CAD 192.0	$195.1

As of December 31, 2012, the net unrealized gain on these contracts was $9.0 million.

Transaction Exposure and Economic Hedging

Many subsidiaries of our business have assets and liabilities (primarily receivables, marketable securities and investments, accounts payable, 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 our subsidiaries’ functional currencies and the other currencies in which these assets and liabilities are denominated can create fluctuations in our reported condensed consolidated statements of operations, and cash flows. 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 the 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 purchase foreign exchange forward contracts to economically hedge balance sheet and other exposures related to transactions with third parties. Such contracts are considered economic hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815. We recognize gains or losses from the fluctuation in foreign exchange rates and the fair value of these derivative contracts in “Net sales”, “Cost of sales”, and “Foreign currency gain (loss)” on our condensed consolidated statements of operations, depending on where the gain or loss from the economically hedged item is classified on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2013 the total net unrealized loss on our economic hedge foreign exchange forward contracts was $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2012 the total net unrealized gain on our economic hedge foreign exchange forward contracts was $0.1 million. As these amounts do not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in fair value related to such derivative instruments are recorded directly to earnings. These contracts have maturities of less than six months.

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the notional values of our foreign exchange forward contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815 were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):

June 30, 2013
Transaction	Currency	Notional Amount	USD Equivalent
Purchase	Euro	€167.5	$218.3
Sell	Euro	€174.2	$227.0
Purchase	Australian dollar	AUD 1.8	$1.6
Sell	Australian dollar	AUD 1.8	$1.6
Purchase	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 152.2	$48.7
Sell	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 63.9	$20.4
Purchase	Canadian dollar	CAD 2.7	$2.6
Sell	Canadian dollar	CAD 198.6	$188.7
Purchase	Chinese yuan	CNY 43.4	$6.9
Sell	Chinese yuan	CNY 17.4	$2.8

The table above includes certain foreign exchange forward contracts originally designated as cash flow hedges that were subsequently de-designated.

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December 31, 2012
Transaction	Currency	Notional Amount	USD Equivalent
Purchase	Euro	€128.7	$170.2
Sell	Euro	€134.2	$177.5
Sell	Australian dollar	AUD 8.5	$8.8
Purchase	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 136.4	$45.0
Sell	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 36.0	$11.9
Purchase	Canadian dollar	CAD 22.4	$22.6
Sell	Canadian dollar	CAD 15.8	$16.0

Note 12. 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. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our cash equivalents consisted of commercial paper and money market mutual funds. We value our commercial paper cash equivalents using 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 Level 2. We value our money market cash equivalents using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics, and accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 1.

• Marketable securities and restricted investments. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our marketable securities consisted of commercial paper, corporate debt securities, federal and foreign agency debt, foreign government obligations, supranational debt and U.S. government obligations, and our restricted investments consisted of foreign and U.S. government obligations. We value our marketable securities and restricted investments using quoted prices for securities with similar characteristics and other observable inputs (such as interest rates that are observable at commonly quoted intervals), and accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 2. We also consider the effect of our counterparties’ credit standings in these fair value measurements.

• Derivative assets and liabilities. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our derivative assets and liabilities consisted of foreign exchange forward contracts involving major currencies, interest rate swap contracts involving a benchmark of interest rates, and a cross-currency swap including both. Since our derivative assets and liabilities are not traded on an exchange, we value them using industry standard valuation models. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, credit risk, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies. These inputs are observable in active markets over the contract term of the derivative instruments we hold, and accordingly, we classify these valuation techniques as Level 2. We consider the effect of our own credit standing and that of our counterparties in our fair value measurements of our derivative assets and liabilities, respectively.

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities that we measure on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):

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	As of June 30, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Commercial paper	$	3,199	$	—	$	3,199	$	—
Money market funds	43,367		43,367		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper	5,097		—		5,097		—
Corporate debt securities	137,704		—		137,704		—
Federal agency debt	25,813		—		25,813		—
Foreign agency debt	110,641		—		110,641		—
Foreign government obligations	26,191		—		26,191		—
Supranational debt	47,673		—		47,673		—
U.S. government obligations	3,496		—		3,496		—
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	275,026		—		275,026		—
Derivative assets	3,079		—		3,079		—
Total assets	$	681,286	$	43,367	$	637,919	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	8,315	$	—	$	8,315	$	—

	As of December 31, 2012
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Commercial paper	$	1,500	$	—	$	1,500	$	—
Money market funds	10,729		10,729		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper	1,698		—		1,698		—
Corporate debt securities	23,384		—		23,384		—
Federal agency debt	29,936		—		29,936		—
Foreign agency debt	7,233		—		7,233		—
Foreign government obligations	4,142		—		4,142		—
Supranational debt	34,181		—		34,181		—
U.S. government obligations	2,004		—		2,004		—
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	301,216		—		301,216		—
Derivative assets	7,230		—		7,230		—
Total assets	$	423,253	$	10,729	$	412,524	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	8,401	$	—	$	8,401	$	—

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values and fair values of our financial and derivative instruments at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Assets:
Marketable securities	$	356,615	$	356,615	$	102,578	$	102,578
Foreign exchange forward contract assets	$	3,079	$	3,079	$	7,230	$	7,230
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	$	275,026	$	275,026	$	301,216	$	301,216
Note receivable, affiliate	$	—	$	—	$	17,725	$	17,723
Notes receivable — noncurrent	$	9,121	$	9,029	$	9,260	$	9,371
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	255,764	$	257,748	$	562,572	$	565,879
Interest rate swap contract liabilities	$	960	$	960	$	1,467	$	1,467
Cross-currency swap contract liabilities	$	3,624	$	3,624	$	1,898	$	1,898
Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities	$	3,731	$	3,731	$	5,036	$	5,036

The carrying values on our condensed consolidated balance sheets of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable and retainage, other assets, restricted cash, accounts payable, income taxes payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair values due to their nature and relatively short maturities; therefore, we exclude them from the foregoing table.

We estimated the fair value of our long-term debt and notes receivable in accordance with ASC 820 using a discounted cash flows approach (an income approach) using market based observable inputs. We incorporated the credit risk of our counterparty for all asset fair value measurements and our credit risk for all liability fair value measurements. Such fair value measurements are considered Level 2 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, restricted investments, interest rate swap and cross-currency swap contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our financial and derivative instruments. We place cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, restricted investments, interest rate swap and cross-currency swap contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts with various high-quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit risk from any one counterparty. We continuously evaluate the credit standing of our counterparty financial institutions.

Note 13. Debt

Our long-term debt consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

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			Balance (USD)
Loan Agreement	Maturity	Loan Denomination	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Revolving Credit Facility (1)	July 2018 (Tranche A) October 2015 (Tranche B)	USD	$	—		$	270,000
Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement	September 2018	MYR	134,873			151,901
Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement	April 2018	EUR	52,166			58,255
Malaysian Facility Agreement	March 2016	EUR	65,020			78,657
Director of Development of the State of Ohio	May 2015	USD	3,608			4,527
Capital lease obligations	various	various	2,271			1,955
Long-term debt principal			$	257,938		$	565,295
Less unamortized discount			(2,174		)	(2,723		)
Total long-term debt			$	255,764		$	562,572
Less current portion			(61,194		)	(62,349		)
Noncurrent portion			$	194,570		$	500,223

(1) Maturity dates reflect July 15, 2013 amendment to Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Our credit agreement with several financial institutions as lenders, JPMorgan Securities LLC and Bank of America Securities LLC as joint-lead arrangers and bookrunners and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent (“Revolving Credit Facility”) provides FSI with a senior secured credit facility with an aggregate available amount of $600.0 million, with the right to request an increase up to $750.0 million, subject to certain conditions. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at (i) the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) (adjusted for Eurocurrency reserve requirements) plus a margin of 2.25% or (ii) a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus a margin of 1.25%, depending on the type of borrowing requested by us. These margins are subject to adjustments depending on our consolidated leverage ratio.

The facility allows for us to obtain letters of credit of up to $600.0 million denominated in U.S. Dollars, Euros, Canadian Dollars, British Pound Sterling and Japanese Yen. The facility also allows for us to obtain letters of credit denominated in currencies other than U.S. Dollars, Euros, Canadian Dollars, and British Pound Sterling with the consent of the applicable issuing lender (as defined in the credit agreement); provided that the dollar equivalent of the aggregate amount of the obligation attributable to letters of credit denominated in such alternative currencies shall not exceed $300.0 million at any time. At June 30, 2013, $0.0 million of borrowings were outstanding and $153.9 million of letters of credit were outstanding, leaving us with availability of $446.1 million. Proceeds from borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used for working capital including project development and construction costs and other general corporate purposes.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants including: a leverage ratio covenant, a minimum EBITDA covenant, and a minimum liquidity covenant. We are also subject to customary non-financial covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants through June 30, 2013.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Revolving Credit Facility, we are required to pay a commitment fee, currently at the rate of 0.375% per annum, based on the average daily unused commitments under the facility. The commitment fee may also be adjusted due to changes in our consolidated leverage ratio. We also pay a letter of credit fee equal to the applicable margin for Eurocurrency revolving loans on the face amount of each letter of credit and a fronting fee of 0.125%. 

On July 15, 2013, we entered into the fourth amendment to the amended and restated revolving credit facility (the “Amendment”). The Amendment provides for, among other things, the division of the Revolving Credit Facility into Tranche A commitments in an aggregate amount equal to $450.0 million and Tranche B commitments in an aggregate amount equal to $150.0 million and the extension of the maturity date of the Tranche A loans until July 15, 2018. The maturity date of the Tranche B loans and commitment is October 15, 2015 and is unchanged. The Amendment also effects certain covenant changes.

In connection with the Amendment, we entered into an amended and restated guarantee and collateral agreement.  Loans and letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility are jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by First Solar Electric, LLC, First Solar Electric (California), Inc. and First Solar Development, LLC (together with certain entities

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that may become parties thereto, the “Grantors”) and are secured by security interest in substantially all of the Grantor's tangible and intangible assets other than certain excluded assets.

Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement

FS Malaysia, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into a credit facility agreement (“Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement”), among FSI as guarantor, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad, and RHB Investment Bank Berhad as arrangers with CIMB Investment Bank Berhad also acting as facility agent and security agent, and the original lenders party thereto. The loans made to FS Malaysia are secured by, among other things FS Malaysia’s leases over the leased lots on which our fifth and sixth manufacturing plants in Kulim, Malaysia (“Plants 5 and 6”) are located and all plant, machinery and equipment purchased by FS Malaysia with the proceeds of the facility or otherwise installed in or utilized in Plants 5 and 6, to the extent not financed, or subject to a negative pledge under a separate financing facility related to Plants 5 and 6. In addition, FS Malaysia’s obligations under the Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement are guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, by FSI. At June 30, 2013, buildings, machinery and equipment and land leases with net book values of $235.9 million were pledged as collateral for this loan.

Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement

FS Malaysia, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into a credit facility agreement (“Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement”) with Commerzbank Aktiengesellchaft and Natixis Zweigniederlassung Deutschland as arrangers and original lenders, and Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Luxembourg Branch as facility agent and security agent. In connection with the Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, FSI concurrently entered into a first demand guarantee agreement in favor of the lenders. Under this agreement, FS Malaysia’s obligations related to the credit facility are guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, by FSI. At the same time FS Malaysia and FSI also entered into a subordination agreement, pursuant to which any payment claims of FSI against FS Malaysia are subordinated to the claims of the lenders.

Malaysian Facility Agreement

FS Malaysia, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into an export financing facility agreement (“Malaysian Facility Agreement”) with a consortium of banks. In connection with the Malaysian Facility Agreement, all of FS Malaysia’s obligations are secured by a first party, first legal charge over the machinery and equipment financed by the credit facilities, and any other documents, contracts and agreements related to that machinery and equipment. Also in connection with the agreement, any payment claims of FSI against FS Malaysia are subordinated to the claims of the lenders. At June 30, 2013, machinery and equipment with a net book value of$71.9 million was pledged as collateral for these loans.

Malaysian Long-Term Debt Covenants

The Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement, Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, and Malaysian Facility Agreement (the “Malaysia Facilities”) contain negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of FS Malaysia to incur indebtedness, create liens, effect asset sales, engage in reorganizations, issue guarantees, and make loans. In addition, the Malaysia Facilities include financial covenants relating to net total leverage ratio, interest coverage ratio, total debt to equity ratio, debt service coverage ratio, and tangible net worth. The Malaysia Facilities also contain certain representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default provisions. We were in compliance with all covenants associated with each of the Malaysian Facilities through June 30, 2013.

Director of Development of the State of Ohio

At June 30, 2013, land and buildings with net book values of $18.1 million were pledged as collateral for this loan.

Variable Interest Rate Risk

Certain of our long-term debt agreements bear interest at prime, EURIBOR, KLIBOR, or LIBOR. A disruption of the credit environment, as previously experienced, could negatively impact interbank lending and, therefore, negatively impact these floating rates. An increase in EURIBOR would impact our cost of borrowing under our entire Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, but would not impact our cost of borrowing of the floating-rate term loan under our Malaysian Facility Agreement as we entered into an interest rate swap contract to mitigate such risk. An increase in KLIBOR would not increase our cost of borrowing under our Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement as we entered into a cross-currency swap contract to mitigate such risk. An increase in LIBOR or prime would increase our cost of borrowing under our Revolving Credit Facility.

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Our long-term debt borrowing rates as of June 30, 2013 were as follows:

Loan Agreement	Borrowing Rate at June 30, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility	4.50%
Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement	KLIBOR plus 2.00% (2)
Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement	EURIBOR plus 1.00%
Malaysian Facility Agreement (1)	Fixed rate facility at 4.54%
	Floating rate facility at EURIBOR plus 0.55% (2)
Director of Development of the State of Ohio	2.25%
Capital lease obligations	Various

(1) Outstanding balance split equally between fixed and floating rates.

(2) Interest rate hedges have been entered into relating to these variable rates. See Note 11. “Derivative Financial Instruments,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Future Principal Payments

At June 30, 2013, the future principal payments on our long-term debt, excluding payments related to capital leases, were due as follows (in thousands):

Remainder of 2013	$	29,871
2014	61,690
2015	60,602
2016	37,972
2017	35,300
Thereafter	30,232
Total long-term debt future payments	$	255,667

Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies

Financial Guarantees

In the normal course of business, we occasionally enter into agreements with third parties under which we guarantee the performance or obligations of our wholly owned subsidiaries related to certain contracts, which may include development, engineering, procurement of permits and equipment, construction management, and operating and maintenance services related to solar power plants. These agreements are considered guarantees of our own performance and no liabilities are separately recorded outside of any liabilities recorded by our subsidiaries.

Loan Guarantees

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our only loan guarantees were guarantees of our own long-term debt, as disclosed in Note 13. “Debt,” to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Commercial Commitments

During the normal course of business, we enter into commercial commitments in the form of letters of credit, surety bonds, and bank guarantees to provide financial and performance assurance to third parties. Our Revolving Credit Facility provides us the capacity to issue up to $600.0 million in letters of credit at a fee equal to the applicable margin for Eurocurrency revolving loans and a fronting fee. As of June 30, 2013, we had $153.9 million in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility

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with a remaining availability of $446.1 million, all of which can be used for the issuance of letters of credit. The substantial majority of these letters of credit were supporting our systems business projects. As of June 30, 2013, we had $40.1 million in bank guarantees and letters of credit issued outside of our Revolving Credit Facility, some of which were posted by certain of our foreign subsidiaries and $40.8 million in surety bonds outstanding primarily for our systems business projects.

Product Warranties

When we recognize revenue for module or systems project sales, we accrue a liability for the estimated future costs of meeting our limited warranty obligations for both modules and the balance of the systems. We make and revise these estimates based primarily on the number of our solar modules under warranty installed at customer locations, our historical experience with warranty claims, our monitoring of field installation sites, our internal testing of and the expected future performance of our solar modules and balance of systems (“BoS”) components, and our estimated replacement cost.

From time to time we have taken remediation actions in respect of affected modules beyond our limited warranty, and we 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 obligation 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, 2013 and June 30, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Product warranty liability, beginning of period	$	185,630		$	179,454		$	191,596		$	157,742
Accruals for new warranties issued	7,916			7,636			18,449			11,613
Settlements	(8,447		)	(10,894		)	(19,410		)	(16,597		)
Changes in estimate of product warranty liability (1)	4,158			5,693			(1,378		)	29,131
Product warranty liability, end of period	$	189,257		$	181,889		$	189,257		$	181,889
Current portion of warranty liability	$	62,989		$	97,779		$	62,989		$	97,779
Noncurrent portion of warranty liability	$	126,268		$	84,110		$	126,268		$	84,110

(1) Changes in estimate of product warranty liability during the six months ended June 30, 2012 includes increases to our best estimate of $22.6 million partially related to a net increase in the expected number of replacement modules required for certain remediation efforts related to the manufacturing excursion that occurred between June 2008 and June 2009. Such estimated increase was primarily due to the completion of the analysis on certain outstanding claims as of December 31, 2011. Additionally, the remaining increase was primarily related to a change in estimate for the market value of the modules that we estimated would be returned to us under the voluntary remediation efforts that would meet the required performance standards to be re-sold as refurbished modules.

At June 30, 2013, our accrued liability for product warranty was $189.3 million. We have historically estimated our product warranty liability for power output and defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service conditions to have an estimated warranty return rate of approximately 3% of modules covered under warranty. A 1 percentage point change in estimated warranty return rate would change our estimated warranty liability by approximately $51.0 million.

Systems Project Sale Rescission

From time to time under the sales agreements for a limited number of our solar power projects, we may be required to rescind the sale of such projects if certain events occur, such as not achieving commercial operation of the project within a certain timeframe. As of June 30, 2013 one of our sold projects was subject to such a conditional rescission clause.

For any sales agreements that have such conditional rescission clauses, in accordance with ASC 360, we will not recognize revenue on such sales agreements until the conditional rescission clauses are of no further force or effect and all other necessary revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Legal Proceedings

Class Action

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On March 15, 2012, a purported class action lawsuit titled Smilovits v. First Solar, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00555-DGC, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona (hereafter “Arizona District Court”) against the Company and certain of our current and former directors and officers. The complaint was filed on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s securities between April 30, 2008, and February 28, 2012. The complaint generally alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by making false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for damages, and an award of costs and expenses to the putative class, including attorneys’ fees. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.

On July 23, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order appointing as lead plaintiffs in the class action the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (collectively “Pension Schemes”). The Pension Schemes filed an amended complaint on August 17, 2012, which contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief as the original complaint. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the court denied Defendants’ motion to dismiss. On February 26, 2013, the court directed the parties to begin class certification discovery, and ordered a further scheduling conference to set the merit discovery schedule after the issue of class certification has been decided. On June 21, 2013, the Pension Schemes filed a motion for class certification.

The action is still in the initial stages and there has been no merits discovery. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any.

Derivative Actions

On April 3, 2012, a derivative action titled Tsevegmid v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00417-CJB, was filed by a putative stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (hereafter “Delaware District Court”) against certain current and former directors and officers of the Company, alleging breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. The complaint generally alleges that from June 1, 2008, to March 7, 2012, the defendants caused or allowed false and misleading statements to be made concerning the Company’s financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for, among other things, damages in favor of the Company, certain corporate actions to purportedly improve the Company’s corporate governance, and an award of costs and expenses to the putative plaintiff stockholder, including attorneys’ fees. On April 10, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Delaware District Court. The complaint, titled Brownlee v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00456-CJB, contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the Tsevegmid action. By Court order on April 30, 2012, pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, the Tsevegmid action and the Brownlee action were consolidated into a single action in the Delaware District Court and defendants filed a motion to challenge Delaware as the appropriate venue for the consolidated action on May 15, 2012. On March 4, 2013, the magistrate judge issued a Report and Recommendation recommending to the Court that defendants’ motion be granted and that the case be transferred to the District of Arizona. On July 12, 2013, the Court adopted the magistrate judge’s Report and Recommendation and ordered the case transferred to the District of Arizona.

On April 12, 2012, a derivative complaint was filed in the Arizona District Court, titled Tindall v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00769-ROS. In addition to alleging claims and seeking relief similar to the claims and relief asserted in the Tsevegmid and Brownlee actions, the Tindall complaint alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. On April 19, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Arizona District Court, titled Nederhood v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00819-JWS. The Nederhood complaint contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the Tsevegmid and Brownlee actions. On May 17, 2012 and May 30, 2012, respectively, two additional derivative complaints, containing similar allegations and seeking similar relief as the Nederhood complaint, were filed in Arizona District Court: Morris v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-01031-JAT and Tan v. Ahearn, et al., 2:12-cv-01144-NVW.

On July 17, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order granting First Solar’s motion to transfer the derivative actions to Judge David Campbell, the judge to whom the Smilovits class action is assigned. On August 8, 2012, the Court consolidated the four derivative actions pending in Arizona District Court, and on August 31, 2012, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. Defendants filed a motion to stay the action on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the Court granted Defendants’ motion to stay pending resolution of the Smilovits class action. The Company intends to move the Court for an order consolidating the two derivative actions transferred from the Delaware District Court with the stayed Arizona derivative actions.

On July 16, 2013, a derivative complaint was filed in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County, titled Bargar et al. v. Ahearn et al., Case No. CV2013-009938, by a putative shareholder against certain current and former directors and officers of the Company. The complaint contains similar allegations to the Delaware and Arizona derivative cases, and includes claims for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties, insider trading, unjust enrichment, and waste of corporate assets.

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The Company believes that plaintiffs in the derivative actions lack standing to pursue litigation on behalf of First Solar. The derivative actions are still in the initial stages and there has been no discovery. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any.

Note 15. Share-Based Compensation

We measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize this cost as share-based compensation expense over the required or estimated service period for awards expected to vest, in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. The share-based compensation expense that we recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Share-based compensation expense included in:
Cost of sales	$	1,307		$	2,337		$	5,823	$	10,595
Research and development	988			914			2,921		4,135
Selling, general and administrative	5,207			(19,419		)	14,926		(8,123		)
Production start-up	(72		)	(822		)	248		(169		)
Restructuring	—			329			—		495
Total share-based compensation expense	$	7,430		$	(16,661	)	$	23,918	$	6,933

The following table presents our share-based compensation expense by type of award for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Stock options	$	—		$	33		$	—		$	264
Restricted and performance stock units	7,244			(15,054		)	25,680			8,958
Unrestricted stock	300			186			600			361
Stock purchase plan	235			136			472			371
Net amount absorbed into inventory	(349		)	(1,962		)	(2,834		)	(3,021		)
Total share-based compensation expense	$	7,430		$	(16,661	)	$	23,918		$	6,933

Share-based compensation expense capitalized in our inventory was $7.3 million and $4.5 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, we had no unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards, and $94.6 million of unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to unvested restricted and performance stock units including our stock purchase plan, which we expect to recognize as an expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years.

The share-based compensation expense that we recognize in our results of operations is based on the number of awards expected to ultimately vest; therefore, amounts used to determine share-based compensation expense have been reduced for estimated forfeitures. ASC 718 requires us to estimate the number of awards that we expect to vest at the time the awards are granted and revise those estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods. We estimate the number of awards that we expect to vest based on our historical experience with forfeitures, giving consideration to whether future forfeiture behavior might be expected to differ from past behavior. We recognize compensation cost for awards with graded vesting schedules on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods for each separately vesting portion of the award as if each award was in substance multiple awards.

Our forfeiture rate assumptions, which estimates the share-based awards that will ultimately vest, requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period of change and could be materially different from share-based compensation expense recorded in prior periods. Additionally, in accordance with ASC 718, when an associate’s employment is terminated, all previously unvested awards

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granted to such associate are forfeited, which results in a benefit to share-based compensation expense in the period of such associate’s termination equal to the cumulative expense recorded through the termination date for such forfeited unvested awards.

We increased our estimated forfeiture rate in the second quarter of 2012, which was recorded as a cumulative adjustment in accordance with ASC 718 and resulted in a decrease to share-based compensation expense of $12.7 million in the quarter. The increased forfeiture rate was primarily due to the restructuring activities discussed in Note 4. “Restructuring,” which caused us to experience an increase in actual forfeitures during the second quarter of 2012 compared to historical experience prior to such restructuring activities. We expect that our recent forfeiture experience will continue over the remaining term of our outstanding share-based compensation awards. Additionally, primarily as a result of associate terminations, including terminations specifically related to our restructuring activities and reductions in force, we recorded a benefit to share-based compensation expense of $4.9 million and $8.5 million during the second quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 16. Income Taxes

Our effective tax rates were 18.2% and 13.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, and 18.0% and (5.4)% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. Our effective tax rate was higher during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012 primarily due to the increase in pre-tax profits during such periods and a greater percentage of profits earned in higher tax jurisdictions, partially offset by an increase in tax expense during the six months ended June 30, 2012 related to the establishment of a valuation allowance of $12.3 million against previously established deferred tax assets and losses being generated in jurisdictions for which no tax benefit was recorded. The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal rate primarily due to the benefit associated with foreign income taxed at lower rates including the beneficial impact of our Malaysian tax holiday, and additional tax expense attributable to losses in jurisdictions in which no tax benefits could be recorded, in addition to the establishment of valuation allowances against previously established deferred tax assets.

Our Malaysian subsidiary has been granted a long-term tax holiday that expires in 2027. The tax holiday, which generally provides for a 100% exemption from Malaysian income tax, is conditional upon our continued compliance in meeting 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.

Note 17. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss), which includes foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, the impact of which, has been excluded from net income (loss) and reflected as components of stockholders’ equity, was as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income	$	33,598		$	110,983
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,500			(9,795		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period (net of tax of $1,307 and $(1,447), respectively)	(17,029		)	12,629
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (loss) (net of tax of $0 and $0, respectively)	—			(3		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments	(17,029		)	12,626
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the period (net of tax of $5 and $(1,145) , respectively)	(305		)	(1,644		)
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (net of tax of $0 and $17, respectively)	3,214			4,229
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	2,909			2,585
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,620		)	5,416
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	20,978		$	116,399

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	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$	92,740		$	(338,433	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,577		)	3,714
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period (net of tax of $2,241 and $(711), respectively)	(27,370		)	8,578
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (loss) (net of tax of $0 and $0, respectively)	—			(16		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments	(27,370		)	8,562
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the period (net of tax of $(1,101) and $1,104, respectively)	1,220			(7,303		)
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (loss) (net of tax of $3,476 and $1,774, respectively)	(4,157		)	(5,412		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	(2,937		)	(12,715		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(31,884		)	(439		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	60,856		$	(338,872	)

Components and details of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

Components of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(38,485	)	$	51,243		$	(2,579	)	$	10,179
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,577		)	(27,370		)	1,220			(27,727		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			(4,157		)	(4,157		)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	(1,577		)	(27,370		)	(2,937		)	(31,884		)
Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	(40,062	)	$	23,873		$	(5,516	)	$	(21,705	)

Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amount Reclassified						Income Statement Line Item
	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2013
Gains and (losses) on derivative contracts
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	$	—		$	13,115		Net sales
Interest Rate and Cross Currency Swap Contracts	(302		)	(596		)	Interest expense
Cross Currency Swap Contracts	(2,912		)	(4,886		)	Foreign currency gain (loss)
	(3,214		)	7,633			Total before tax
	—			3,476			Tax expense
	$	(3,214	)	$	4,157		Total net of tax

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Components of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	(48,381	)	$	24,431		$	18,913		$	(5,037	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,714			8,578			(7,303		)	4,989
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(16		)	(5,412		)	(5,428		)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	3,714			8,562			(12,715		)	(439		)
Balance as of June 30, 2012	$	(44,667	)	$	32,993		$	6,198		$	(5,476	)

Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amount Reclassified						Income Statement Line Item
	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2012			June 30, 2012
Gains and (losses) on marketable securities and restricted investments
	$	3		$	16		Other income (expense), net
	—			—			Tax expense
	3			16			Total net of tax
Gains and (losses) on derivative contracts
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	3,385			10,095			Net sales
Interest Rate and Cross Currency Swap Contracts	(2,215		)	(2,530		)	Interest expense
Cross Currency Swap Contract	(5,382		)	(379		)	Foreign currency gain (loss)
	(4,212		)	7,186			Total before tax
	17			1,774			Tax expense
	$	(4,229	)	$	5,412		Total net of tax

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Note 18. Statement of Cash Flows

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$	92,740		$	(338,433	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	116,084			138,229
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposal of long-lived assets	4,300			350,213
Impairment of project assets	—			3,227
Share-based compensation	23,918			6,933
Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities	(6,935		)	(561		)
Deferred income taxes	(7,769		)	4,896
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	(55,695		)	(66,853		)
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	—			2,260
Gain on sales of marketable securities, and restricted investments, net	—			(16		)
Other operating activities	(2,903		)	18
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade and unbilled and retainage	341,357			114,592
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	93,438			94,214
Other assets	449			83,977
Inventories and balance of systems parts	75,120			(280,027		)
Project assets and deferred project costs	(670,456		)	82,412
Accounts payable	(129,314		)	28,018
Income taxes payable	28,256			37,959
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	350,203			132,350
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	36,035			18,927
Total adjustments	196,088			750,768
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	288,828		$	412,335

Note 19. Segment Reporting

We operate our business in two segments. Our components segment involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules which convert sunlight into electricity. Third-party customers of our components segment include project developers, system integrators, and owners and operators of photovoltaic (“PV”) solar power systems.

Our second segment is our fully integrated systems business (“systems segment”), through which we provide a complete turn-key PV solar power systems, or solar solutions that draw upon our capabilities, which include (i) project development, (ii) EPC services, (iii) operating and maintenance (“O&M”) services, and (iv) project finance expertise. We may provide our full EPC service or any combination of individual products and services within our EPC capabilities depending upon the customer and market opportunity. All of our systems segment products and services are for PV solar power systems which use our solar modules, and such products and services are sold directly to investor owned utilities, independent power developers and producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners.

In our operating segment financial disclosures, we include an allocation of sales value for all solar modules manufactured by our components segment and installed in projects sold or built by our systems segment in the net sales of our components segment. In the gross profit of our operating segment disclosures, we include the corresponding cost of sales value for the solar modules

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installed in projects sold or built by our systems segment in the components segment. The cost of solar modules is comprised of the manufactured cost incurred by our components segment.

Refer to Note 25. “Segment and Geographical Information,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for a complete discussion of our segment reporting.

Financial information about our operating segments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2013							June 30, 2012
	Components			Systems		Total		Components			Systems		Total
Net sales	$	192,908		$	326,852	$	519,760	$	287,681		$	669,651	$	957,332
Gross profit	$	(8,193	)	$	148,291	$	140,098	$	(10,352	)	$	254,093	$	243,741
(Loss) income before income taxes	$	(67,348	)	$	108,410	$	41,062	$	(92,917	)	$	228,264	$	135,347
Goodwill	$	6,097		$	68,833	$	74,930	$	—		$	65,444	$	65,444
Total assets	$	4,140,842		$	2,727,284	$	6,868,126	$	3,565,152		$	1,922,182	$	5,487,334
	Six Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013							June 30, 2012
	Components			Systems		Total		Components			Systems		Total
Net sales	$	549,504		$	725,461	$	1,274,965	$	455,811		$	998,576	$	1,454,387
Gross profit	$	3,416		$	306,008	$	309,424	$	(32,811	)	$	353,297	$	320,486
(Loss) income before income taxes	$	(116,886	)	$	224,137	$	107,251	$	(606,371	)	$	285,232	$	(321,139	)
Goodwill	$	6,097		$	68,833	$	74,930	$	—		$	65,444	$	65,444
Total assets	$	4,140,842		$	2,727,284	$	6,868,126	$	3,565,152		$	1,922,182	$	5,487,334

Product Revenue

The following table sets forth the total amounts of solar modules and solar power systems net sales recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012. For the purposes of the following table, (i) Solar module revenue is composed of total revenues from the sale of solar modules to third parties, which excludes any solar modules installed in our systems segment product or service offerings and (ii) Solar power system revenue is composed of total revenues from the sale of our solar power systems and related products and services including the solar modules installed in such solar power systems.

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Solar module revenue	$	81,304	$	54,598	$	274,554	$	122,007
Solar power system revenue	438,456		902,734		1,000,411		1,332,380
Net sales	$	519,760	$	957,332	$	1,274,965	$	1,454,387

Note 20. Subsequent Events

On August 5, 2013, First Solar acquired all of the cadmium telluride PV specific intellectual property assets (the “Intellectual Property”) of General Electric Company (“GE”) pursuant to a Master Transaction Agreement and an Intellectual Property Purchase Agreement (the “Agreements”), by and between First Solar and GE and certain of their subsidiaries. Pursuant to the Agreements, First Solar received the Intellectual Property and GE received 1,750,000 shares of First Solar common stock, which had a market value of $83.8 million on August 5, 2013.

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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 (the “Exchange Act”) and the Securities Act of 1933, 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: 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, revenues, gross margin, operating expenses, products, projected costs, warranties, solar module efficiency and balance of systems (“BoS”) cost reduction roadmaps, restructuring, product reliability and capital expenditures; our ability to continue to reduce the cost per watt of our solar modules; our ability to reduce the costs to construct photovoltaic (“PV”) solar power systems; research and development programs and our ability to improve the conversion efficiency 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,” “believe,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “goal,” “target,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “predict,” “continue” 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 this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 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. 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, the matters discussed in Item 1A: “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as updated and supplemented by the risk factors included in our Prospectus dated June 12, 2013 filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5) (the “Prospectus”) and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Prospectus and other factors. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under this section.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Unless expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Company,” and “First Solar” refer to First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

When referring to our manufacturing capacity, total sales and solar module sales, the unit of electricity in watts for megawatts(“MW”) and gigawatts (“GW”) is direct current (“DC”) unless otherwise noted. When referring to our PV solar power systems, the unit of electricity in watts for MW and GW is alternating current (“AC”) unless otherwise noted.

Executive Overview

We are a premier global provider of solar energy solutions. We manufacture and sell PV solar modules with an advanced thin-film semiconductor technology, and we develop, design, construct, and sell PV solar power systems that use the solar modules we manufacture. We are the world’s largest thin-film PV solar module manufacturer and one of the world’s largest PV solar module manufacturers.

In addressing overall global demand for PV solar electricity, we have developed a differentiated, fully integrated systems business that can provide a competitively priced turn-key utility-scale PV system solution for system owners and competitively priced electricity to utility end-users. Our fully integrated systems business, which uses the solar modules we manufacture, has enabled us to increase module throughput, drive cost reduction across the value chain, identify and break constraints to sustainable markets, and deliver compelling solutions to our customers and end-users. With our fully integrated systems business, we believe we are in a position to expand our business in economically sustainable markets (in which support programs are minimal), which are developing in areas that have a combination of abundant solar resources, relatively high current electricity costs and sizable electricity demand. We are committed to continually lowering the cost of solar electricity, and in the long-term, we plan to compete on an economic basis with conventional fossil-fuel-based peaking power generation.

In furtherance of our goal of delivering affordable solar electricity, we are continually focused on reducing PV solar power system costs in five primary areas: module manufacturing, BoS costs (consisting of the costs of the components of a solar power system other than the solar modules that we manufacture, such as inverters, mounting hardware, trackers, grid interconnection equipment, wiring and other devices, and installation labor costs), project development costs, the cost of capital, and the operating expenses of a PV solar system. First, with respect to our module manufacturing costs, our advanced technology has allowed us to

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reduce our average module manufacturing costs to among the lowest in the world for modules produced on a commercial scale, based on publicly available information. In the three months ended June 30, 2013, our total average manufacturing costs were $0.67 per watt, which is competitive on a comparable basis with those of traditional crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers, based on publicly available information. By continuing to improve conversion efficiency, increasing production line throughput, and lowering raw material costs, we believe that we can further reduce our manufacturing costs per watt and maintain cost competitiveness with traditional crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers. Second, with respect to our planned BoS cost reduction roadmap, we have aggressive programs which target key improvements in components and system design, which, when combined with continued improvements in solar module conversion efficiency, volume procurement around standardized hardware platforms, use of innovative installation techniques and know how, and accelerated installation times, are expected to result in substantial reductions in our BoS costs resulting in a lower system levelized cost of energy. Third, with respect to our project development costs, we seek optimal site locations in an effort to minimize transmission and permitting costs, and to accelerate lead times to electricity generation. Fourth, with respect to the cost of capital, by continuing to demonstrate the financial viability and operational performance of our utility-scale PV solar power systems and increasing our PV solar power system operating experience, we believe we can continue to lower the cost of capital associated with our PV solar power systems, thereby further enhancing the economic viability of our projects and lowering the cost of electricity generated by PV solar power systems that incorporate our modules and technology. The remaining primary PV solar system cost relates to the actual operating expenses of a PV solar power system, which includes the operations and maintenance costs of the plant. We believe that our operations and maintenance services are an important aspect to the overall future reduction expected in the levelized cost of electricity (“LCOE”) of a PV solar power system through seamless grid integration, increased reliability and maximization of availability of the PV solar power systems we operate and maintain for our customers.

We believe that combining our reliable, low-cost module manufacturing capability with our systems business enables us to more rapidly reduce the price of solar electricity, accelerate the adoption of our technology in utility-scale PV solar power systems, and identify and remove constraints to the successful migration to sustainable solar markets around the world. Our vertically integrated capabilities enable us to maximize value and mitigate risk for our customers and thereby deliver meaningful PV energy solutions to varied energy problems worldwide. We offer leadership across the entire solar value chain, resulting in more reliable and cost effective PV energy solutions for our customers, and furthering our mission to create enduring value by enabling a world powered by clean, affordable solar electricity.

Business Segments

We operate our business in two segments. Our components segment involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules which convert sunlight into electricity. Third-party customers of our components segment include project developers, system integrators, and owners and operators of PV solar power systems.

Our second segment is our fully integrated systems business (“systems segment”), through which we provide complete turn-key PV solar power systems, or solar solutions that draw upon our capabilities, which include (i) project development, (ii) engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”) services, (iii) operating and maintenance (“O&M”) services, and (iv) project finance expertise, all as described in more detail below. We may provide our full EPC services or any combination of individual products and services within our EPC capabilities depending upon the customer and market opportunity. All of our systems segment products and services are for PV solar power systems which use our solar modules, and such products and services are sold directly to investor owned utilities, independent power developers and producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other PV solar power system owners.

• During project development, we obtain land and land rights for the development of PV solar power systems incorporating our modules, negotiate long-term power purchase agreements (“PPA”) with potential purchasers of the electricity to be generated by those plants or develop plants in regulated markets where feed-in-tariff (“FiT”) or similar structures are in place, manage the interconnection and transmission process, negotiate agreements to interconnect the systems to the electricity grid, and obtain the permits which are required prior to the construction of the PV solar power systems, including applicable environmental and land use permits. We also buy projects in various stages of development and continue developing those projects with system designs incorporating our own modules. We sell developed PV solar power systems to system operators who wish to own generating facilities, such as utilities, or to investors who are looking for long-term investment vehicles that are expected to generate consistent returns.

• We provide EPC services to projects developed by us, to projects developed by independent solar power project developers, and directly to system owners such as utilities. EPC products and services include engineering design and related services, BoS procurement, advanced development of grid integration solutions, and construction contracting and management. Depending on the customer and market need, we may provide our full EPC services or any combination of individual products and services within our EPC capabilities. An example of such combination of individual services would be

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providing engineering design and procurement of BoS parts (“EP” services) for a third party constructing a PV solar power system.

• We have a comprehensive O&M service offering with multiple PV solar power systems in operation. Utilizing a state of the art Global Operations Center, located in Mesa, Arizona, our team of O&M experts provide comprehensive services including North America Electric Reliability Corporation (“NERC”) compliance, energy forecasting, 24/7 monitoring and control, PPA and Large Generator Interconnection Agreement (“LGIA”) compliance, performance engineering analysis, turn-key maintenance services including spare parts and breakdown repair, and environmental services.

• Our project finance group is primarily responsible for negotiating and executing the sale of PV solar power systems incorporating our modules which allows us to optimize the value of our project development portfolio. This group is experienced in arranging for and structuring financing for projects incorporating our modules including non-recourse project debt financing in the bank loan market and debt capital markets and project equity capital from tax oriented and strategic industry equity investors.

See Note 19. “Segment Reporting,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Market Overview

The solar industry continues to experience a challenging business environment, categorized by intense pricing competition, both at the module and system level, with many solar companies generating operating losses or little to no operating income. In the aggregate, manufacturers of solar modules and cells have installed production capacity that significantly exceeds global demand. We believe this structural imbalance between supply and demand (i.e., where production capacity significantly exceeds current and near term future expected global demand) may continue for the foreseeable future, and we expect it will continue to put pressure on pricing and our results of operations through the remainder of 2013 and at least into 2014. We further believe that this structural imbalance will remain unfavorable for solar companies that are primarily module manufacturers, but that companies with established expertise and meaningful PV generation solutions in other areas of the solar value chain, such as project development, EPC capabilities, and O&M services, are more likely to develop economically sustainable businesses. In light of such market realities, we continue to execute against our Long Term Strategic Plan described below under which we are focusing on our competitive strengths. A key core strength is our differentiated, vertically integrated business model that enables us to provide utility-scale PV generation solutions to sustainable geographic markets that have an immediate need for mass-scale PV electricity.

Solar markets worldwide continue to develop, in part aided by demand elasticity resulting from declining industry average selling prices, both at the module and system level, which make solar power more affordable to new markets, and we have continued to develop our localized presence and expertise in these markets. In Australia, we announced in July 2013 that our Australian subsidiary will be constructing Australia’s largest PV solar power systems for AGL Energy Limited, by constructing a 102 MW AC solar plant at Nyngan and a 53 MW AC solar plant at Broken Hill, both in New South Wales, Australia.

In North America, we continue to execute on our advanced-stage utility-scale project pipeline. We continue to make construction progress on what are currently or will be among the world’s largest PV solar power systems, including: the 550 MW AC Topaz Solar Farm, located in San Luis Obispo County, California; the 550 MW AC Desert Sunlight Solar Farm, located west of Blythe, California; the 290 MW AC Agua Caliente project in Yuma County, Arizona; and the 230 MW AC Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One project (“AVSR”), located just north of Los Angeles, California. The Agua Caliente project is currently the largest operating PV solar power system in the world and has achieved a peak generating capacity of more than 250 MW AC while connected to the electrical grid. We expect a substantial portion of our consolidated net sales, operating income and cash flows through the end of 2014 to be derived from these projects. Each of these projects are greater than fifty percent completed as of June 30, 2013 in terms of the overall construction progress rather than currently generating capacity. We continue to advance the development and selling efforts for the other projects included in our advanced-stage utility-scale project pipeline, and we continue to develop our early-to-mid stage project pipeline and evaluate acquisitions of projects to continue to add to our advanced-stage utility-scale project pipeline. In June 2013, we announced the approval of a PPA from the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission for the 50 MW AC Macho Springs Solar project in Luna County, New Mexico, which will be the state’s largest solar PV solar power system when completed. In July 2013, we announced that we began construction on Macho Springs. In July 2013, we announced the entry into agreements to construct three PV solar power systems totaling 23 MW AC in New Mexico for PNM Resources, Inc. In August 2013 we announced the acquisition from Element Power of an approximately 1.5 GW DC pipeline of various stage development projects in the U.S. and Mexico.

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Industry module average selling prices continued to experience downward pressure, although the rate of average selling price declines experienced in some markets over the last two years has begun to lessen. Lower industry module pricing, while currently challenging for solar manufacturers (particularly manufacturers with high cost structures), is expected to continue to contribute to global market diversification and volume elasticity. Over time, declining average selling prices are consistent with the erosion of one of the primary historical constraints to widespread solar market penetration, its affordability. In the near term, however, in light of industry-wide manufacturing capacity that exceeds demand, growing worldwide demand is not expected to absorb industry wide module supply without further inventory build-up and/or price reductions, which could adversely affect our results of operations. If competitors reduce module pricing to levels below their cash manufacturing costs, or are able to operate at negative or minimal operating margins for sustained periods of time, our results of operations could be further adversely affected. We continue to mitigate this uncertainty in part by executing on and building our advance-stage utility-scale systems pipeline as a buffer against demand fluctuations, accelerating our module efficiency improvement and BoS cost reduction roadmaps to maintain and increase our competitiveness, profitability and capital efficiency, adjusting our production plans and capacity utilization to match our expected demand, and continuing the development of worldwide geographic markets, including those in India, Australia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia.

In the components business, we continue to face intense competition from manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules and other types of solar modules and PV systems. Solar module manufacturers compete with one another in several product performance attributes, including reliability and selling price per watt, and, with respect to solar power systems, return on equity (“ROE”) and LCOE, meaning the net present value of total life cycle costs of the solar power project divided by the quantity of energy which is expected to be produced over the system’s life. We are among the lowest cost PV module manufacturers in the solar industry, based on publicly available information. This cost competitiveness is reflected in the price at which we sell our modules and fully integrated PV solar power systems and enables our PV solar power systems to compete favorably in respect of their ROE or LCOE. Our cost competitiveness is based in large part on our proprietary technology (which enables conversion efficiency improvements and enables us to produce a module in less than 2.5 hours using a continuous and highly automated industrial manufacturing process, as opposed to a batch process), our scale, and our operational excellence. In addition, our modules use approximately 1-2% of the amount of the polysilicon that is used to manufacture traditional 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. Polysilicon costs have declined over the past several years, contributing to a decline in our manufacturing cost competitiveness over traditional crystalline silicon module manufacturers. Given the lower conversion efficiency of our modules compared to many types of crystalline silicon modules, there may be higher BoS costs associated with systems using our modules. Thus, to compete effectively on the basis of LCOE, our modules need to maintain a certain cost advantage per watt compared to crystalline silicon-based modules with higher conversion efficiencies. We continue to reduce BoS costs associated with PV solar power systems using our modules. We believe we can continue to reduce BoS costs by improving module conversion efficiency, leveraging volume procurement around standardized hardware platforms, using innovative installation techniques and know how, and accelerating installation times. BoS costs can represent a significant portion of the costs associated with the construction of a typical utility-scale PV solar power system.

While our modules and PV solar power systems are currently competitive in these 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 additional margin compression, further declines in the average selling prices of our solar modules, erosion in our market share for modules and PV solar power systems, decreases in the rate of net sales growth, and/or declines in overall net sales. We have taken, and continue to take, various actions to mitigate the potential impact resulting from competitive pressures, including adjusting our pricing policies as necessary, accelerating progress along our module efficiency improvement and BoS cost reduction roadmaps, and further focusing our research and development on increasing the conversion efficiency of our solar modules.

As we continue to expand our systems business into sustainable markets, we can offer value beyond the solar module, reduce our exposure to module-only competition, provide differentiated product offerings to minimize the impact of solar module commoditization, and provide comprehensive utility-scale PV solar power system solutions that significantly reduce solar electricity costs. Thus, our systems business allows us to play a more active role than many of our competitors in managing the demand for our solar modules. Finally, we continue to form and develop strong relationships with our customers and strategic partners around the world and continue to develop our range of product offerings, including EPC capabilities and O&M services, in order to enhance the competitiveness of systems using our solar modules.

For example, we have and expect in the future to form joint ventures or other business arrangements with project developers in certain strategic markets in order to provide our modules and potential systems business PV generation solutions to the projects developed by such ventures.

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GE Solar Technology Purchase and Strategic Commercial Relationship

On August 5, 2013 we acquired all of the CdTe PV specific intellectual property assets of General Electric Company (“GE”) pursuant to certain transaction and purchase agreements in exchange for 1.75 million shares of First Solar common stock. The purchase of such intellectual property is expected to further advance our solar module efficiency roadmap and is expected to reduce the LCOE of PV solar power systems that incorporate our modules. In addition to the purchase of such intellectual property, our research and development associates will collaborate with GE Global Research Center on knowledge transfer and future technology development to further advance CdTe solar technology and module efficiencies. GE will also have the ability to purchase our modules with GE specific branding for future global GE deployments.

See Note 20. “Subsequent Events,” for further discussion of the consideration paid for the CdTe specific intellectual property assets.

TetraSun Acquisition

In April 2013, we completed the acquisition of TetraSun, Inc. (“TetraSun”), a company that is in the advanced stages of developing a novel, high-efficiency, low-cost crystalline silicon technology. We believe that when the technology is successfully transitioned to commercial manufacturing scale, the innovative cell architecture developed by TetraSun is capable of conversion efficiencies exceeding 21 percent with commercial-scale manufacturing costs comparable to conventional multicrystalline silicon solar modules. We expect modules incorporating this technology to complement our current CdTe module and systems offerings by allowing us to expand our leadership position and effectively address markets beyond the utility-scale solar sector, notably in space constrained commercial and residential applications, including rooftop applications. In such applications, we expect our high-efficiency modules based on the TetraSun technology to be competitively differentiated by enabling solar systems with high energy density in constrained spaces at competitive pricing. We are in the process of evaluating and developing distribution channels for PV modules incorporating this technology in Japan and other target markets. We are currently targeting commencement of commercial-scale manufacturing of PV cells incorporating this technology, and third-party assembly of such cells into modules, by the end of 2014 or early 2015. We expect to market and sell such high efficiency modules using the First Solar name or through co-branding with strategic partners.

Certain Trends and Uncertainties

We believe that our continuing operations may be favorably or unfavorably impacted by the following trends and uncertainties that may affect our financial condition and results of operations. See “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2013, the risk factors included in the Prospectus and elsewhere in this report (the “Risk Factors”) for a discussion of other risks that may affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Long Term Strategic Plan

In May 2012 and April 2013, we provided information regarding our long term strategic plan (“Long Term Strategic Plan” or “LTSP”) to transition our business to primarily sustainable opportunities by the end of 2016. In executing the LTSP we are focusing on providing solar PV generation solutions using our modules to sustainable geographic markets that we believe have a compelling need for mass-scale PV electricity, including markets throughout the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. As part of our LTSP, we are focusing on opportunities in which our solar PV generation solutions will compete directly with fossil fuel offerings on an LCOE basis. Execution of the LTSP entails a reallocation of resources around the globe, in particular dedicating resources to regions such as Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa where we have not traditionally conducted significant business to date. We are evaluating and managing closely the appropriate level of resources required as we transition into and penetrate these specific markets. We have and intend to continue to dedicate significant capital and human resources to reduce the total installed cost of solar PV generation, to optimize the design and logistics around our solar PV generation solutions, and to ensure that our solutions integrate well into the overall electricity ecosystem of each specific market.

We expect that, over time, an increasing portion of our consolidated net sales, operating income and cash flows will come from solar offerings in the sustainable markets described above as we execute on our LTSP, and that, over time, larger relative contributions to our overall financial performance will continue to come from systems offerings in comparison to module only sales. The timing, execution and financial impacts of our LTSP are subject to risks and uncertainties, as described in the Risk Factors.

We are focusing our resources in those markets and energy applications in which solar power can be a least-cost, best-fit energy solution, particularly in regions with high solar resources, significant current or projected electricity demand and/or relatively

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high existing electricity prices. As part of these efforts, we continue to expand resources globally, including by appointing country heads and supporting professional, sales and other staff in target sustainable markets. Accordingly we are shifting current costs and expect to incur additional costs over time as we establish a localized business presence in these regions.

We expect joint ventures or other business arrangements with strategic partners to be a key part of our LTSP, and we have begun initiatives in several markets using such arrangements to expedite our penetration of those markets and establish relationships with potential customers and policymakers. Some of these business arrangements have and are expected in the future to involve significant investments or other allocations of capital on our part. We are in the process of developing relationships with policymakers, regulators, and especially end customers in each of these markets with a view to creating markets for utility scale PV solar power systems. We sell solar power solutions that include our modules directly to end customers, including independent power producers, utilities, retail electricity providers and commercial and industrial customers. Depending on the market opportunity, our sales offerings range from third party module only sales, to module sales with a range of engineering, procurement and construction services and solutions, to full turn-key PV solar power system sales. We expect these sales offerings to continue to evolve over time as we work with our customers to optimize how our PV solar generation solutions can best meet our customers’ energy and economic needs.

In order to create or maintain a market position in certain strategically targeted markets our offerings from time to time may need to be competitively priced at levels associated with minimal gross profit margins, which may adversely affect our results of operations. We expect the profitability associated with our various sales offerings to vary from one another over time, and possibly vary from our internal long-range profitability expectations and targets, depending on the market opportunity and the relative competitiveness of our offering compared with other energy solutions, fossil fuel based or otherwise, that are available to potential customers.

We expect to use our working capital, the availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, or enter into non-recourse project financing to finance the construction of certain of our PV solar power systems, if the sale of such systems prior to construction beginning does not meet our economic return expectations or we cannot sell under terms and conditions that are favorable to us. We are also currently evaluating and may in the future decide to retain ownership of one or more of our PV solar power systems for a period of time up to the useful life of the PV solar power system if we determine it would be of economic and strategic benefit to do so. If, for example, we cannot sell a PV solar power system at economics that are attractive to us or potential customers are unwilling to assume the risks and rewards typical of PV solar power system ownership, we may instead elect to own and operate such PV solar power system. Additionally, our joint ventures and other business arrangements with strategic partners have and may in the future result in us temporarily retaining a minority or non-controlling ownership interest in the underlying systems projects we develop, supply modules to, or construct potentially for a period of up to several years.

Construction of Some of the World’s Largest Solar PV Power Systems

We expect a substantial portion of our consolidated net sales, operating income and cash flows through the end of 2014 to be derived from several large projects in North America, including the following projects which are currently or will be among the world’s largest PV solar power systems: the 550 MW AC Topaz Solar Farm, located in San Luis Obispo County, California; the 550 MW AC Desert Sunlight Solar Farm, located west of Blythe, California; the 290 MW AC Agua Caliente project located in Yuma County, Arizona; and the 230 MW AC AVSR project, located just north of Los Angeles, California. Please see the tables under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Financial Operations Overview-Net Sales-Systems Project Pipeline” for additional information about these and other projects within our systems business advanced-stage project pipeline. Construction progress of these projects is subject to risks and delays as described in the Risk Factors. Revenue recognition for these and other systems projects is in many cases not linear in nature due to the timing of when all revenue recognition criteria have been or are expected to be met, and consequently period over period comparisons of results of operations may not be meaningful. As we progress construction towards substantial completion of these four PV power systems, which is expected to occur in late 2013 through 2014, we expect to have a larger portion of our net sales, operating income and cash flows come from future sales of solar offerings outside of North America, pursuant to our LTSP described above. North America however, will continue to represent a meaningful portion of our net sales, operating income and cash flows as a significant portion of our advance-stage project pipeline, excluding the projects above, is also comprised of projects in North America.

Manufacturing Capacity

As of June 30, 2013, we had 28 installed production lines with an annual global manufacturing capacity of approximately 2.2 GW at our manufacturing plants in Perrysburg, Ohio, and Kulim, Malaysia. Production at one or more of our manufacturing plants has and may in the future be idled temporarily to better align production with expected market demand and to allow us to implement upgraded process technologies as part of our module conversion efficiency improvement roadmap. The Company expects to produce between 1.6 GW to 1.7 GW of solar modules in 2013.

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Restructuring

We have undertaken a series of restructuring initiatives as further described in Note 4. “Restructuring,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q. In February 2012 and April 2012, respectively, we announced material restructuring initiatives intended to (i) align the organization with our Long Term Strategic Plan, including expected sustainable market opportunities, (ii) accelerate operating cost reductions and improve overall operating efficiency, and (iii) better align production capacity and geographic location of such capacity with expected geographic market requirements and demand.

Such restructuring initiatives resulted in charges to restructuring expense of $4.7 million and $420.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively. The most significant actions taken as part of these restructuring activities were the decisions to close our manufacturing operations comprised of 8-lines of installed manufacturing capacity in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany at the end of 2012 due to the lack of policy support for utility-scale solar projects in Europe and to not proceed with our previously planned 4-line manufacturing plant in Vietnam or 2-line manufacturing plant in France, based upon expected future market demand and our focus on providing utility-scale PV generation solutions primarily to sustainable geographic markets.

Financial Operations Overview

The following describes certain captions in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and some of the factors that affect our operating results.

Net sales

Components Business

We generally price and sell our solar modules per watt of name plate power. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, a significant portion of net sales from the components business was related to modules included in our PV solar power systems described below under “Net Sales — Systems Business.” Other than the modules included in our PV solar power systems, we sold the majority of our solar modules to PV solar power system project developers, system integrators, and operators headquartered in the United States, Germany, India, and France, which primarily integrate them into PV solar power systems that they own, operate, or construct.

We have entered into module sales agreements with customers worldwide for specific projects or volumes of modules through the remainder of 2013 and to a lesser extent thereafter. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, 24% and 44%, respectively of our components business net sales, excluding modules included in our PV solar power systems, were denominated in Euro and were subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Euro and U.S. dollar. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, 97% and 62%, respectively of our components business net sales, excluding modules included in our PV solar power systems, were denominated in Euro and were subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Euro and U.S. dollar.

Under our typical customer sales contracts for solar modules, we transfer title and risk of loss to the customer and recognize revenue upon shipment. Pricing is typically fixed or determinable at the time of shipment, and our customers do not typically have extended payment terms. Customers do not have rights of return under these sales contracts. Our revenue recognition policies for the components business are described further in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Systems Business

Through our fully integrated systems business, we provide complete turn-key solar power system solutions using our solar modules, which may include project development, EPC services, O&M services, and project finance expertise.

Net sales from our systems business are impacted by numerous factors, including the cost competitiveness of our systems offerings in comparison to our competitors’ solar power systems and other forms of electricity generation, the magnitude and effectiveness of support programs, and other solar power system demand drivers.

Revenue Recognition — Systems Business. Revenue recognition for our systems projects are in many cases not linear in nature due to the timing of when all revenue recognition criteria have been met, and consequently period over period comparisons of results of operations may not be meaningful. We typically use the percentage-of-completion method using actual costs incurred over total estimated costs to construct a project (including module costs) as our standard accounting policy, but we only apply this

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method after all revenue recognition criteria have been met. There are also many instances in which we recognize revenue only after a project has been completed, primarily due to a project not being sold prior to completion or because all revenue recognition criteria are not met until the project is completed. Our revenue recognition policies for the systems business are described in further detail in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Systems Project Pipeline

The following tables summarize, as of August 6, 2013, our approximately 3.1 GW AC systems business advanced-stage project pipeline. As of June 30, 2013, for the Projects Sold/ Under Contract in our advanced-stage project pipeline of approximately 2.2 GW AC, we have recognized revenue with respect to the equivalent of approximately 900 MW AC. Such MW AC equivalent amount refers to the ratio of revenue recognized for the Projects Sold/ Under Contract in our advanced-stage project pipeline compared to total contracted revenue for such projects, multiplied by the total MW AC for such projects. The remaining revenue to be recognized subsequent to June 30, 2013 for the Projects Sold/Under Contract in our advanced-stage project pipeline is expected to be approximately $4.3 billion. The substantial majority of such amount is expected to be recognized as revenue through the later of the substantial completion or project sale closing dates of the Projects Sold/ Under Contract. The remaining revenue to be recognized does not have a direct correlation to expected remaining module shipments for such Projects Sold/Under Contract as expected module shipments do not represent total systems revenue and do not consider the timing of when all revenue recognition criteria are met including timing of module installation. The actual volume of modules installed in our Projects Sold/ Under Contract will be greater than the Project Size in MW AC as module volumes required for a project are based upon MW DC, which will be greater than the MW AC size pursuant to a DC-AC ratio typically ranging from 1.2 to 1.4. Such ratio varies across different projects due to various system design factors. Projects are removed from our advanced-stage project pipeline tables below once we have completed construction and after substantially all revenue has been recognized.

As we continue to execute against our LTSP, we continually seek to make additions to our advance stage project pipeline.  We are actively developing our early to mid-stage project pipeline in order to secure PPAs and we are also pursuing opportunities to acquire advance-stage projects, which already have PPAs in place. In 2013, we have acquired 283 MW AC of advance-stage projects through August 6, 2013 and we expect to acquire additional advance-stage projects when such acquisitions meet our strategic and/or our return on investment requirements.

Projects Sold/Under Contract

(includes uncompleted sold projects, projects under sales contracts subject to conditions precedent, and EPC agreements including partner developed projects that we will or are constructing)

Project/Location	Project Size in MW AC (1)	Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”)	Third Party Owner/Purchaser	Expected Year Revenue Recognition Will Be Completed By
Topaz, California	550	PG&E	MidAmerican	2014
Desert Sunlight, California	550	PG&E / SCE	NextEra / GE / Sumitomo	2014
Agua Caliente, Arizona	290	PG&E	NRG / MidAmerican	2013
AVSR, California	230	PG&E	Exelon	2013/2014
AGL, Australia	155	AGL	AGL (2) (7)	2015
Campo Verde, California	139	SDG&E	Southern	2013
Imperial Energy Center South, California	130	SDG&E	Tenaska (2)	2013
Copper Mountain 2, Nevada	58	PG&E	Sempra (2)	2015(3)
Amherstburg 1, Belmont, and Walpole (“ABW”), Ontario, Canada	50	OPA (5)	GE/ Alterra	2013
PNM2, New Mexico	22	UOG(4)	PNM(2)	2013
DEWA, UAE	13	DEWA	DEWA(2)	2013
Total	2,187

Projects Permitted with Executed PPA – Not Sold/Contracted

(includes under construction or completed projects that are not yet sold or subject to a sales contract)

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Project/Location	Project Size in MW AC (1)	Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)	Expected Year Revenue Recognition Will Be Completed By
Solar Gen 2, California	150	SDG&E	2014
Macho Springs, New Mexico	50	El Paso Electric	2014
Lost Hills, California	32	PG&E	2015 (8)
Maryland Solar, Maryland	20	FE Solutions	2013
Total	252

Projects in Development with Executed PPA or Awarded Projects– Not Sold/ Contracted

Project/Location	Project Size in MW AC (1)	Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”)	Expected Year Revenue Recognition Will Be Completed By
Stateline, California	300	SCE	2016
Silver State South, Nevada	250	SCE	2016
North Star, California	60	PG&E	2015
Cuyama, California	40	PG&E	2015/2016 (6)
PNM3, New Mexico	23	UOG (2) (4)	2014
Total	673

Key:

(1) The volume of modules installed in MW DC (“direct current”) will be higher than the MW AC (“alternating current”) size pursuant to a DC-AC ratio typically ranging from 1.2 to 1.4. Such ratio varies across different projects due to various system design factors

(2) EPC contract or partner developed project

(3) First 92 MW AC phase was completed in 2012. Remaining phase is 58 MW AC for which substantial completion is expected in 2015

(4) UOG = Utility Owned Generation

(5) OPA = Ontario Power Authority RESOP program

(6) PPA term does not begin until 2019

(7) First Solar will own five percent of projects

(8) Project has short-term PPA that begins in 2015 with PG&E PPA beginning in 2019

Cost of sales

Components Business

Our cost of sales includes the cost of raw materials and components for manufacturing solar modules, such as tempered back glass, transparent conductive oxide coated front glass, cadmium telluride, laminate, connector assemblies, laminate edge seal, and other materials and components. Our cost of sales also includes direct labor for the manufacturing of solar modules and manufacturing overhead such as engineering, equipment maintenance, environmental health and safety, quality and production control, and procurement costs. Cost of sales also includes depreciation of manufacturing plant and equipment and facility-related expenses. In addition, we record shipping, warranty and any obligation for solar module collection and recycling costs within cost of sales.

Our manufacturing cost per watt, which is an operating metric we use as an indicator of manufacturing cost competitiveness, represents the current manufacturing and associated costs incurred to produce and sell solar modules during a period divided by the number of salable watts produced in the same period. Beginning in 2013, our cost per watt excludes any costs associated with our manufacturing plants in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, which closed manufacturing operations at the end of 2012.

Overall, we expect our cost per watt to decrease over the next several years due to an increase in watts per solar module, through improved conversion efficiencies, an increase in unit output per production line, and ongoing reductions in variable and fixed costs. This expected decrease in cost per watt would be partially offset during periods in which we have underutilized installed manufacturing capacity.

Systems Business

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Within our systems business, project-related costs include standard EPC costs (consisting primarily of BoS costs for inverters, electrical and mounting hardware, project management and engineering costs, and engineering and construction labor costs), site specific costs, and development costs (including transmission upgrade costs, interconnection fees, and permitting costs).

As further described in Note 19. “Segment Reporting,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, at the time when all revenue recognition criteria are met, we include the sale of our solar modules manufactured by our components business and used by our systems business within net sales of our components business. Therefore, the related cost of sales are also included within our components business at that time. The cost of solar modules is comprised of the manufactured inventory cost incurred by our components segment.

Gross profit

Gross profit is affected by numerous factors, including our module and system average selling prices, market demand, market mix, our manufacturing costs, BoS costs, project development costs, the effective utilization of our production capacity and facilities, and foreign exchange rates. Gross profit is also affected by the mix of net sales generated by our components and systems businesses. Gross profit for our systems business excludes the sales and cost of sales for solar modules, used in our systems projects which we include in the gross profit of our components business.

Research and development

Research and development expense consists primarily of salaries and personnel-related costs, the cost of products, materials, and outside services used in our process and product research and development activities for both the components and systems businesses and depreciation and amortization expense associated with research and development specific facilities and intangible assets. We acquire equipment for general use in our process and product development and record the depreciation of this equipment as research and development expense. Currently, the substantial majority of our research and development expenses are attributable to our components segment.

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 and PV solar power systems using our modules.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expense consists primarily of salaries and other personnel-related costs, professional fees, insurance costs, travel expenses, and other business development and selling expenses. We expect selling, general and administrative expense to decline over time as we reduce costs in connection with our LTSP.

Our systems business has certain of its own dedicated administrative key functions, such as accounting, legal, finance, project finance, human resources, procurement, and marketing. Costs for these functions are recorded and included within selling, general and administrative costs for our systems segment. Our corporate key functions consist primarily of company-wide corporate tax, corporate treasury, corporate accounting/finance, corporate legal, investor relations, corporate communications and government relations, and executive management functions. These corporate functions and the assets supporting such functions benefit both the components and systems segments. We allocate corporate costs to the components and systems segments as part of selling, general and administrative costs, based upon the estimated benefits provided to each segment from these corporate functions. We determine the estimated benefits provided to each segment for these corporate costs based upon a combination of the estimated time spent by corporate employees supporting each segment and the average relative selling, general and administrative costs incurred by each segment before such corporate allocations.

Production start-up

Production start-up expense consists primarily of salaries and personnel-related costs and the cost of operating a production line before it has been qualified for full production, including the cost of raw materials for solar modules run through the production line during the qualification phase. It also includes all expenses related to the selection of a new site and the related legal and regulatory costs, and the costs to maintain our plant replication program, to the extent we cannot capitalize these expenditures. In general, we expect production start-up expense per production line to be higher when we build an entirely new manufacturing facility compared with the addition of new production lines at an existing manufacturing facility or implementing changes to our manufacturing process at such existing facilities, primarily due to the additional infrastructure investment required when building an entirely new facility. Production start-up expense is attributable to our components segment.

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Restructuring

Restructuring expenses include those expenses incurred related to material restructuring initiatives and include severance and employee termination costs, asset impairment and asset impairment related costs that are directly related to our restructuring initiatives, costs associated with contract terminations and other restructuring related costs. See Note 4. “Restructuring,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information. Expenses recognized for restructuring activities are discussed further above under “Executive Overview –Restructuring.”

Foreign currency (loss) gain

Foreign currency (loss) gain consists of gains and losses resulting from holding assets and liabilities and conducting transactions denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries’ functional currencies.

Interest income

Interest income is earned on our cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, and restricted cash and investments. Interest income also includes interest received from notes receivable and any interest collected for late customer payments.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense is incurred on various debt financings. We capitalize interest expense into our property, plant and equipment or project assets when such costs qualify for interest capitalization, reducing the amount of interest expense reported in any given period.

Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net is primarily comprised of other miscellaneous items, changes in fair value of foreign exchange contracts and realized gains/losses on the sale of fixed marketable securities.

Income tax expense

Income taxes are imposed on our taxable income by taxing authorities in the various jurisdictions in which we operate, principally the United States, Germany, and Malaysia. The statutory federal corporate income tax rate in the United States is 35.0%, while the tax rates in Germany and Malaysia are approximately 30.2% and 25.0%, 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.

Use of estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, net sales, and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, estimates of future cash flows from and the economic useful lives of long-lived assets, certain accrued liabilities, income taxes and tax valuation allowances, reportable segment allocations, product warranties and manufacturing excursions, accrued collection and recycling expense, and goodwill. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in our results of operations.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

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	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of sales	73.0	%	74.5	%	75.7	%	78.0	%
Gross profit	27.0	%	25.5	%	24.3	%	22.0	%
Research and development	6.0	%	3.4	%	4.8	%	4.7	%
Selling, general and administrative	12.7	%	5.5	%	11.0	%	9.9	%
Production start-up	0.3	%	0.1	%	0.2	%	0.3	%
Restructuring	0.5	%	2.0	%	0.4	%	28.9	%
Operating income (loss)	7.5	%	14.6	%	7.9	%	(21.8	)%
Foreign currency (loss) gain	(0.2	)%	0.1	%	—	%	—	%
Interest income	0.7	%	0.4	%	0.7	%	0.4	%
Interest expense, net	(0.2	)%	(0.8	)%	(0.1	)%	(0.6	)%
Other income (expense), net	0.1	%	(0.1	)%	—	%	(0.2	)%
Income tax expense	1.4	%	2.5	%	1.1	%	1.2	%
Net income (loss)	6.5	%	11.6	%	7.3	%	(23.3	)%

Segment Overview

We operate our business in two segments. Our components segment involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules which convert sunlight into electricity. Third-party customers of our components segment include project developers, system integrators, and owners and operators of PV solar power systems.

Our second segment is our fully integrated systems business (“systems segment”), through which we provide complete turn-key PV solar power systems, or solar solutions that draw upon our capabilities, which include (i) project development, (ii) EPC services, (iii) O&M services, and (iv) project finance expertise. We may provide our full EPC services or any combination of individual products and services within our EPC capabilities depending upon the customer and market opportunity. All of our systems segment products and services are for PV solar power systems which use our solar modules, and such products and services are sold directly to investor owned utilities, independent power developers and producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other PV solar power system owners.

In our operating segment financial disclosures, we include an allocation of net sales value for all solar modules manufactured by our components segment and installed in projects sold or built by our systems segment in the net sales of our components segment. In the gross profit of our operating segment disclosures, we include the corresponding cost of sales value for the solar modules installed in projects sold or built by our systems segment in the components segment. The cost of solar modules is comprised of the manufactured cost incurred by our components segment.

See Note 19. “Segment Reporting,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information.

See also Item 2: “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Operations Overview - Net Sales - Systems Project Pipeline” for a description of the projects in our advanced-stage project pipeline. Due to the distinct size, profitability and terms of the underlying sales arrangements for each project under construction, timing of meeting all revenue recognition criteria may create uneven net sales and gross profit patterns, making year over year comparisons less meaningful.

Product Revenue

The following table sets forth the total amounts of solar modules and solar power systems net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012. For the purpose of the below table, (a) Solar module revenue is composed of total net sales from the sale of solar modules to third parties, and (b) Solar power system revenue is composed of total net sales from the sale of PV solar power systems and related services and solutions including the solar modules installed in the PV solar power systems we develop and construct.

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	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Solar module revenue	$	81,304	$	54,598	$	274,554	$	122,007
Solar power system revenue	438,456		902,734		1,000,411		1,332,380
Net sales	$	519,760	$	957,332	$	1,274,965	$	1,454,387

Three Months Ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012

The explanations below include discussions of the results of operations for both our components and systems segments for net sales, costs of sales, and income (loss) before income taxes.

Net sales

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		Three Month Period Change
Net Sales
Components	$	192,908	$	287,681	$	(94,773	)	(33	)%
Systems	326,852		669,651		(342,799		)	(51	)%
Total Net sales	$	519,760	$	957,332	$	(437,572	)	(46	)%

The 46% decrease in net sales during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012 was primarily due to a 51% decrease in net sales from our systems segment, combined with a 33% decrease in net sales from our components segment.

Net sales from our components segment, which includes solar modules used in our systems projects, decreased $94.8 million primarily due to a 20% decrease in average selling prices and a 16% decrease in the volume of watts sold.

Net sales from our systems segment, which excludes solar modules used in our systems projects, decreased by $342.8 million, primarily due to decreases in net sales from our AVSR, Silver State North, Copper Mountain and Agua Caliente projects, partially offset by increases in net sales from our Topaz project. The decrease in net sales is primarily due to the number and size of projects under construction between the periods as well as the timing of when all revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Cost of sales

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Cost of Sales
Components	$	201,101		$	298,033		$	(96,932	)	(33	)%
Systems	178,561			415,558			(236,997		)	(57	)%
Total Cost of Sales	$	379,662		$	713,591		$	(333,929	)	(47	)%
% of net sales	73.0		%	74.5		%

The 47% decrease in cost of sales during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012 was primarily due to a $237.0 million decrease in cost of sales in our systems segment primarily for BoS and other construction costs related to a decrease in the number and size of various utility-scale solar power systems under construction or the timing of when all revenue recognition criteria have been met between the periods. Additionally, cost of sales decreased by $96.9 million in our components segment cost of sales. These decreases were primarily due to a 16% decrease in the volume of watts sold, a $16.5 million decrease in underutilization of our manufacturing capacity, a $12.5 million decrease in expense for costs associated with voluntary remediation efforts for our 2008-2009 manufacturing excursion and a $7.4 million decrease related to accelerated depreciation for certain manufacturing equipment that was replaced as part of our planned equipment upgrade program in the first quarter of 2012.

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Our average manufacturing cost per watt decreased by $0.11, or 14%, from $0.78 in the three months ended June 30, 2012 to $0.67 in the three months ended June 30, 2013. The decrease is the result of increased module efficiencies realized, the closure of our German manufacturing plants at the end of 2012, and lower underutilization during the three months ended June 30, 2013.

Gross profit

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Gross profit	$	140,098		$	243,741		$	(103,643	)	(43	)%
% of net sales	27.0		%	25.5		%

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased by 1.5 percentage points in the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012. This increase was primarily due to a 2.0 percentage point increase in systems segment gross profit due to the mix of higher gross profit projects under construction between the periods, a 1.3 percentage point increase related to reduced costs associated with voluntary remediation efforts for our 2008-2009 manufacturing excursion and a 0.8 percentage point increase due to accelerated depreciation on certain manufacturing equipment that have been replaced as part of our planned equipment upgrade programs in 2012. These increases were partially offset by a 2.2 percentage point decrease due to lower gross profit for modules sold in our systems business due to a reduction in estimated average selling prices and a 0.4 percentage point decrease related to a decrease in lower cost or market inventory write-downs between the periods.

Research and development

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Research and development	$	30,964		$	32,365		$	(1,401	)	(4	)%
% of net sales	6.0		%	3.4		%

The decrease in research and development expense of $1.4 million was primarily due to a $1.4 million decrease in testing and qualification materials expense and a $0.3 million decrease in personnel-related expenses. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $0.3 million in facilities, utilities and other expenses.

During the three months ended June 30, 2013, we continued the development of solar modules with increased efficiencies at converting sunlight into electricity and increased the average conversion efficiency of our solar modules from 12.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 to 13.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2013.

Selling, general and administrative

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Selling, general and administrative	$	66,265		$	52,184		$	14,081	27	%
% of net sales	12.7		%	5.5		%

The increase in selling, general and administrative expense of $14.1 million between the periods was primarily due to a $15.1 million increase in personnel-related expenses, driven by an increase in share-based compensation of $24.6 million, partially offset by a decrease in salaries of $9.5 million, a $2.7 million increase in professional service costs and a $1.4 million increase in project and business development costs. For the three months ended June 30, 2013, share-based compensation expense increased from the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of the impact of a change in our estimated forfeiture rate for share-based compensation awards in the three months ended June 30, 2012 in addition to an increase in actual forfeitures. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $4.7 million in infrastructure expenses and $0.4 million in travel and training expenses.

Production start-up

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	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Production start-up	$	1,392		$	533		$	859	161	%
% of net sales	0.3		%	0.1		%

During the three months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, we incurred $1.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of production start-up expenses primarily for our global manufacturing personnel dedicated to the installation and implementation of new equipment, equipment upgrades and process improvements for existing plants.

Restructuring

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Restructuring	$	2,381		$	19,000		$	(16,619	)	(87	)%
% of net sales	0.5		%	2.0		%

During the three months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, we incurred $2.4 million and $19.0 million, respectively, of restructuring expenses due to charges relating to the previously announced February 2012 manufacturing restructuring and April 2012 European restructuring initiatives, which included charges associated with the closure of our German manufacturing plants at the end of 2012. See Note 4. “Restructuring,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

Foreign currency (loss) gain

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012		Three Month Period Change
Foreign currency (loss) gain	$	(1,068	)	$	1,015	$	(2,083	)	205	%

Foreign currency gain decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to differences between our economic hedge positions and the underlying exposure, and changes in the associated exchange rates.

Interest income

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		Three Month Period Change
Interest income	$	3,405	$	3,379	$	26	1	%

Interest income remained consistent during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012.

Interest expense, net

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Interest expense, net	$	(875	)	$	(7,372	)	$	6,497	(88	)%

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of $4.7 million in expense during the three months ended June 30, 2012 associated with the early repayment of a German credit facility agreement. The remaining decrease is primarily related to a decrease in long-term debt between the periods.

Other income (expense), net

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	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Other income (expense), net	$	504	$	(1,334	)	$	1,838	(138	)%

Other income, net, increased during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of timing differences of various immaterial miscellaneous items.

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Income (loss) before income taxes
Components	$	(67,348	)	$	(92,917	)	$	25,569		(28	)%
Systems	108,410			228,264			(119,854		)	(53	)%
Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	41,062		$	135,347		$	(94,285	)	(70	)%

Components segment loss before income taxes decreased by $25.6 million, during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily from a decrease in underutilization of our manufacturing capacity, a decrease in expenses for costs associated with voluntary remediation efforts for our 2008-2009 manufacturing excursion, a decrease related to accelerated depreciation for certain manufacturing equipment that was replaced as part of our planned equipment upgrade program in the first quarter of 2012, a decrease in restructuring expense and a decrease of other warranty expense. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in average selling price and sales volumes and an increase in share-based compensation expense as discussed further above.

Systems segment income before income taxes decreased $119.9 million, during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to a decrease in systems segment net sales during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012, due to a decrease in the number and size of projects under construction for which all revenue recognition criteria were met.

Income tax expense

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Three Month Period Change
Income tax expense	$	7,464		$	24,364		$	(16,900	)	(69	)%
Effective tax rate	18.2		%	18.0		%

Income tax expense decreased by $16.9 million during the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012. Substantially all of this decrease resulted from a $94.3 million decrease in income before income taxes, partially offset by a greater percentage of profits earned in higher tax jurisdictions. See Note 16. “Income Taxes,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012

The explanations below include discussion of the results of operations for both our components and systems segments for net sales, costs of sales, and income (loss) before income taxes.

Net sales

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	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		Six Month Period Change
Net Sales
Components	$	549,504	$	455,811	$	93,693		21	%
Systems	725,461		998,576		(273,115		)	(27	)%
Total Net sales	$	1,274,965	$	1,454,387	$	(179,422	)	(12	)%

The 12% decrease in net sales during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012 was primarily due to a 27% decrease in net sales from our systems segment, partially offset by a 21% increase in net sales from our components segment.

Net sales from our components segment, which includes solar modules used in our systems projects, increased $93.7 million, primarily due to a 56% increase in the volume of watts sold, partially offset by a 22% decrease in module average selling prices.

Net sales from our systems segment, which excludes solar modules used in our systems projects, decreased by $273.1 million, primarily due to decreases in net sales from our Agua Caliente, AVSR and Silver State North projects, partially offset by increases in net sales from our Topaz and Imperial Energy Center South projects. The decrease in net sales is primarily due to the number and size of projects under construction and the progress on such construction between the periods as well as the timing of when all revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Cost of sales

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Cost of Sales
Components	$	546,088		$	488,622		$	57,466		12	%
Systems	419,453			645,279			(225,826		)	(35	)%
Total Cost of Sales	$	965,541		$	1,133,901		$	(168,360	)	(15	)%
% of net sales	75.7		%	78.0		%

The 15% decrease in cost of sales during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012 was primarily due to a $225.8 million decrease in costs of sales in our systems segment primarily for BoS and other construction costs related to the relative number and size of various utility-scale solar power systems under construction and the progress on such construction between the periods as well as the timing of when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Additionally, cost of sales increased by $57.5 million in our components segment. These increases were primarily due to a 56% increase in the volume of watts sold, partially offset by a $39.5 million decrease in expense for costs associated with voluntary remediation efforts for our 2008-2009 manufacturing excursion, a $20.4 million decrease for certain lower of cost or market inventory write-downs primarily as a result of declines in market pricing during the first quarter of 2012 combined with continued cost reductions and an $18.4 million decrease related to accelerated depreciation for certain manufacturing equipment that was replaced as part of our planned equipment upgrade program in the first quarter of 2012.

Our average manufacturing cost per watt decreased by $0.07, or 9%, from $0.75 in the six months ended June 30, 2012 to $0.68 in the six months ended June 30, 2013. The decrease is the result of increased module efficiencies realized and the closure of our German manufacturing plants at the end of 2012.

Gross profit

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Gross profit	$	309,424		$	320,486		$	(11,062	)	(3	)%
% of net sales	24.3		%	22.0		%

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Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased by 2.3 percentage points in the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012. This increase was primarily attributable to a 2.7 percentage point increase related to reduced costs associated with voluntary remediation efforts for our 2008-2009 manufacturing excursion, a 1.5 percentage point increase related to a write-down of certain inventories between the periods and a 1.0 percentage point increase due to reduced accelerated depreciation on certain manufacturing equipment that have been replaced as part of our planned equipment upgrade programs. These increases were partially offset by a 2.6 percentage point decrease due to lower gross profit for modules sold in our components segment primarily due to lower average selling prices compared to module production costs between periods and a 0.3 percentage point decrease in systems gross profit due to a the mix of higher gross profit projects under construction between the periods.

Research and development

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Research and development	$	60,895		$	68,449		$	(7,554	)	(11	)%
% of net sales	4.8		%	4.7		%

The decrease in research and development expense of $7.6 million was primarily due to a $4.9 million decrease in testing and qualification materials expense and a $3.6 million decrease in personnel-related expenses. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $0.9 million in facilities, utilities and other expenses.

During the six months ended June 30, 2013, we continued the development of solar modules with increased efficiencies at converting sunlight into electricity and increased the average conversion efficiency of our solar modules from 12.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 to 12.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Selling, general and administrative

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Selling, general and administrative	$	140,730		$	144,004		$	(3,274	)	(2	)%
% of net sales	11.0		%	9.9		%

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expense of $3.3 million between the periods was primarily due to a $16.0 million decrease in expense related to the 2008-2009 manufacturing excursion, a $3.7 million decrease in infrastructure expenses and a $0.6 million decrease in travel and training expenses. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $9.6 million in personnel-related expenses driven primarily by an increase in share-based compensation of $23.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in salaries of $13.5 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, share-based compensation expense increased from the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of the impact of a change in our estimated forfeiture rate for share-based compensation awards in the six months ended June 30, 2012. Our restructuring activities resulted in an increase in actual forfeitures during the second quarter of 2012 compared to historical experience prior to such restructuring activities. These decreases were also partially offset by increases of $5.8 million in professional service costs, and $1.6 million in project and business development costs.

Production start-up

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Production start-up	$	2,768		$	4,591		$	(1,823	)	(40	)%
% of net sales	0.2		%	0.3		%

During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, we incurred $2.8 million and $4.6 million, respectively, of production start-up expenses primarily for our global manufacturing personnel dedicated to the installation and implementation of new equipment, equipment upgrades and process improvements for existing plants.

Restructuring

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	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Restructuring	$	4,728		$	420,065		$	(415,337	)	(99	)%
% of net sales	0.4		%	28.9		%

During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, we incurred $4.7 million and $420.1 million, respectively, of restructuring expenses due to charges relating to the previously announced February 2012 manufacturing restructuring and April 2012 European restructuring initiatives, which included charges associated with the closure of our German manufacturing plants at the end of 2012 and our decision to not move forward with our previously planned 4-line manufacturing plant in Vietnam. See Note 4. “Restructuring,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

Foreign currency (loss) gain

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		Six Month Period Change
Foreign currency (loss) gain	$	550	$	31	$	519	1,674	%

Foreign currency gain increased during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to differences between our economic hedge positions and the underlying exposure, and changes in the associated exchange rates.

Interest income

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		Six Month Period Change
Interest income	$	8,352	$	6,290	$	2,062	33	%

Interest income increased $2.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to interest received from notes receivable, affiliate of $1.4 million, combined with increased interest received from marketable securities.

Interest expense, net

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Interest expense, net	$	(1,625	)	$	(8,292	)	$	6,667	(80	)%

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of $4.7 million in expense during the six months ended June 30, 2012 associated with the early repayment of a German credit facility agreement. The remaining decrease is primarily related to a decrease in long-term debt between the periods.

Other income (expense), net

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Other income (expense), net	$	(329	)	$	(2,545	)	$	2,216	(87	)%

Other expense, net, decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of the timing differences of various immaterial miscellaneous items.

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

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	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Income (loss) before income taxes
Components	$	(116,886	)	$	(606,371	)	$	489,485		(81	)%
Systems	224,137			285,232			(61,095		)	(21	)%
Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	107,251		$	(321,139	)	$	428,390		(133	)%

Components segment loss before income taxes decreased by $489.5 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily from reduced restructuring expenses, a decrease in expense associated with our voluntary remediation efforts for our 2008-2009 manufacturing excursion, a decrease for certain lower of cost or market inventory write-downs between the periods, a decrease related to accelerated depreciation for certain manufacturing equipment that was replaced as part of our planned equipment upgrade program in the first quarter of 2012 and a decrease in average selling prices between the periods. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in sales volume between the periods.

Systems segment income before income taxes decreased $61.1 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to decreased systems segment net sales during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, due to a decrease in the number and size of projects under construction and the progress of such construction for which all revenue recognition criteria were met.

Income tax expense

	Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			Six Month Period Change
Income tax expense	$	14,511		$	17,294		$	(2,783	)	(16	)%
Effective tax rate	13.5		%	(5.4		)%

Income tax expense decreased by $2.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012. Substantially all of this decrease resulted from a $28.6 million decrease in pre-tax income in jurisdictions for which a tax expense or benefit can be recognized. See Note 16. “Income Taxes,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In preparing our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts of reported assets, liabilities, net sales, and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent liabilities in our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto. Some of our accounting policies require the application of significant judgment by management in the selection of the appropriate assumptions for making these estimates. We base our judgments and estimates on our historical experience, our forecasts, available market information and other available information as appropriate. We believe that the assumptions, judgments, and estimates involved in the accounting for percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, accrued solar module collection and recycling liability, product warranties and manufacturing excursions, accounting for income taxes, reportable segment allocations, long-lived asset impairments, and goodwill 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 complete description of our critical accounting policies that affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There have been no material changes in any of our critical accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 3. “Recent Accounting Pronouncements,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a summary of recent accounting pronouncements.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of June 30, 2013, we believe that our cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, cash flows from operating activities including the contracted portion of our advanced-stage project pipeline, availability under our Revolving Credit Facility considering minimum liquidity covenant requirements, and access to the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs for at least the next 12 months. We intend to continue to carefully execute our LTSP and manage credit and market risk. However, if our financial results or operating plans change from our current assumptions, we may not have sufficient resources to support the execution of our LTSP.

Cash generated from operations including the contracted portion of our advanced-stage project pipeline is our primary source of operating liquidity and we believe that internally generated cash flows combined with our existing cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and availability under our Revolving Credit Facility considering minimum liquidity covenant requirements, are sufficient to support day-to-day business operations. We monitor our working capital to ensure we have adequate liquidity, both domestically and internationally, to support the execution of our LTSP.

In June 2013, we sold 9.7 million shares of common stock for proceeds of $428.2 million, net of issuance costs. In July 2013, we entered into an amendment to our Revolving Credit Facility, which extended $450.0 million in availability through July 2018. Additionally, we have an active shelf registration statement filed with the SEC for issuance of debt or equity securities if needed.

We intend to maintain appropriate debt levels based upon cash flow expectations, the overall cost of capital and expected cash requirements for operations, capital expenditures, and discretionary strategic spending. In the future, we may also engage in one or more debt or equity financings potentially including project specific non-recourse debt financings. We believe that when necessary, we will have adequate access to the capital markets, although our ability to raise capital on terms commercially acceptable to us could be constrained if there is insufficient lender or investor interest due to industry-wide or company-specific concerns. Such financings could result in increased debt service expenses or dilution to our existing stockholders. If we are unable to obtain debt or equity financing on reasonable terms, we may be unable to execute our LTSP.

As of June 30, 2013, we had $1,285.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities compared with $1,003.9 million as of December 31, 2012. Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of June 30, 2013 increased primarily as the result of cash generated from operating activities and the proceeds from an equity offering, partially offset by the repayment of long-term debt. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $829.2 million and $548.5 million, respectively, of our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were held by foreign subsidiaries and are generally based in U.S. dollar and Euro denominated holdings. 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.

Our expanding systems business requires liquidity and is expected to continue to have significant liquidity requirements in the future. The net amount of our project assets, deferred project costs and payments and billings for deferred project costs, which approximates our net capital investment in under development, under construction and completed PV solar power systems as of June 30, 2013 was $408.3 million. Solar power project development and construction cycles, which span the time between the identification of a site location to the commercial operation of a PV solar power system, vary substantially and can take many years to mature. As a result of these long project cycles, we may need to make significant up-front investments of resources in advance of the receipt of any cash from the sale of such PV solar power systems. These amounts include payment of interconnection and other deposits (some of which are non-refundable), posting of letters of credit, and incurring engineering, permitting, legal, and other expenses. Additionally, we may have to use our working capital, the availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, or enter into non-recourse project financing to finance the construction of our systems projects, if such projects cannot be sold before construction begins. Depending upon the size and number of projects that we are developing and self-financing the construction of, the systems business has and is expected in the future to require significant liquidity. For example, we may have to substantially complete the construction of a systems project before such project is sold. Delays in construction progress or in completing the sale of our systems projects which we are self-financing may also impact our liquidity. We have historically financed these up-front investments for project development and when necessary, construction, primarily using working capital.

Additionally, we may in the future decide to retain ownership of one or more of our systems projects for a period of time up to the useful life of the PV solar power system if we determine it would be of economic and strategic benefit to do so. If, for example, we cannot sell a systems project at economics that are attractive to us or potential customers are unwilling to assume the risks and rewards typical of PV solar power system ownership, we may instead elect to own and operate such systems project. Any such decision to own and operate a PV solar power system is expected to impact liquidity depending upon the size and cost of the project. If such decision is made, we may elect to enter into temporary or long-term non-recourse project financing to reduce the impact on our liquidity and working capital.

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The following considerations have impacted or are expected to impact our liquidity in the remainder of 2013 and beyond:

• The amount of accounts receivable, unbilled as of June 30, 2013 was $222.6 million and primarily represented revenues recognized on the construction work performed on systems projects in advance of billing the customer under the terms of the underlying construction contracts. Such construction costs have been funded with working capital and the unbilled amounts are expected to be billed and collected from customers during the next twelve months. Additionally, as of June 30, 2013, we had $237.8 million of current and $237.6 million of noncurrent retainage, which represents the portion of a systems project contract price earned by us for work performed, but held for payment by our customer as a form of security until we reach certain construction milestones. Such retainage amounts relate to construction costs already incurred and construction work already performed.

• The amount of finished goods inventory (“solar module inventory”) and BoS parts as of June 30, 2013 was $406.6 million. As we continue with the construction of our advanced-stage project pipeline we must produce solar modules and procure BoS parts in the required volumes to support our planned construction schedules. As part of the normal construction cycle, we typically must manufacture modules or acquire the necessary BoS parts for construction activities in advance of receiving payment for such materials. Once solar modules and BoS parts are installed in a project, such installed amounts are classified as either project assets, deferred project costs, or cost of sales depending upon whether the project is subject to a definitive sales contract and whether all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Accordingly, as of any balance sheet date, our solar module inventory represents solar modules that will be installed in our advanced-stage project pipeline or that we expect to sell to third parties.

There may be a delay in when our solar module inventory and BoS parts can be converted into cash compared to a typical third-party module sale. Such timing differences temporarily reduce our liquidity to the extent that we have already paid for our BoS parts or the underlying costs to produce our solar module inventory. As previously announced, we have adjusted, and will in the future adjust, as necessary, our manufacturing capacity and planned solar module production levels, to match expected market demand. Any decrease in planned production reduces our risk and the impact on liquidity of having excess solar module inventories that we must sell to third parties as we execute our LTSP and respond to market pricing uncertainties for solar modules. Our solar module inventory as of June 30, 2013, is expected to primarily support our systems business, including our advanced-stage project pipeline, with the remaining amounts being used to support expected near term demand for third-party module sales. As of June 30, 2013, approximately $178 millionor 64% of our solar module inventory was either on-site or in-transit to our systems projects. Of this amount, approximately $43 millionof solar module inventories or 15% of the total solar module inventory balance was physically segregated for the purpose of qualifying a project for the Department of Treasury’s Section 1603 cash grant program prior to the program’s expiration in December 2011. Such segregated solar module inventory is expected to be installed in the underlying systems project in the normal course of our construction, which has not yet begun. All BoS parts are for our systems business projects.

• We expect to commit working capital during the remainder of 2013 and beyond to acquire solar power projects in various stages of development including advance-stage projects with PPAs and continue developing those projects as necessary. Depending upon the size and stage of development, costs to acquire such solar power projects could be significant. When evaluating project acquisition opportunities, we consider both the strategic and financial benefits of any such acquisitions.

• In connection with the execution of our LTSP, we expect joint ventures or other business arrangements with strategic partners to be a key part of our strategy. We have begun initiatives in several markets to expedite our penetration of those markets and establish relationships with potential strategic partners, customers, and policymakers. Many of these business arrangements are expected to involve a significant cash investment or other allocation of working capital that could reduce our liquidity or requires us to pursue additional sources of financing, assuming such sources are available to us.Additionally, in order to execute our LTSP in such markets, we have elected, and may in the future elect or be required to temporarily retain a minority or non-controlling ownership interest in the underlying systems projects we develop, supply modules to, or construct. Any such retained ownership interest is expected to impact our liquidity to the extent we do not obtain new sources of capital to fund such investments.

• Our restructuring initiatives are expected to result in total remaining cash payments of up to $13 million. Such cash payments are primarily related to severance costs for reductions in force as a result of such restructuring initiatives.

• In connection with our LTSP, we may elect to undertake future restructuring actions as we continue to align our manufacturing production capacity with market demand, evaluate our cost structure and identify potential cost savings opportunities, and focus our resources on developing target sustainable markets. We may in the future incur additional restructuring costs, which may be significant (including potentially the repayment of debt facilities and other amounts,

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the payment of severance to terminated employees, and other restructuring related costs) that could reduce our liquidity position to the point where we need to pursue additional sources of financing, assuming such sources are available to us.See Note 4. “Restructuring,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

• During the remainder of 2013, we expect to spend up to $230 million for capital expenditures, primarily related to expenditures for improvements and enhancements to existing machinery and equipment, which we believe will increase our solar module efficiencies. A majority of our remaining capital expenditures for 2013 will be incurred in foreign currencies and are therefore subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

• Under the sales agreements for a limited number of our solar power projects, we may be required to rescind the sale of such projects if certain events occur, such as not achieving commercial operation of the project within a certain time frame. Although we consider the possibility that we would be required to rescind the sale of any of our solar power projects to be remote, our current working capital and other available sources of liquidity may not be sufficient to make any required payments. If we are required to rescind the sale of a solar power project, we would have the ability to market and sell such project at then current market pricing, which could be at a lower than expected price to the extent the event requiring a rescission impacts the project’s marketability or related tax benefits. Our liquidity may also be impacted as the time between the rescission of the sale for a project and the potential sale of such project could take several months. Alternatively, we may determine that the most economically attractive solution for any such project is for us to own and operate the project, which would have a longer term impact on our liquidity compared to the sale of a project.

The unprecedented disruption in the credit markets that began in 2008 and the current instability in Europe have had a significant adverse impact on a number of financial institutions. The ongoing sovereign debt problems in Europe and its impact on the balance sheets and lending practices of European banks in particular could negatively impact our access to, and cost of, capital, and therefore could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position. It could also similarly affect our customers and therefore limit the demand for our systems projects or solar modules. As of June 30, 2013 our liquidity and marketable securities and restricted investments have not been materially adversely impacted by the current credit environment, and we believe that they will not be materially adversely impacted in the near future. We will continue to closely monitor our liquidity and the credit markets. However, we cannot predict with any certainty the impact to us of any further disruption in the current credit environment.

Cash Flows Descriptions

The following table summarizes the key cash flow metrics for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	288,828		$	412,335
Net cash used in investing activities	(437,620		)	(301,303		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	177,221			(85,906		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,066		)	(505		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	27,363		$	24,621

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $288.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with cash provided by operating activities of $412.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was primarily due to an increase in cash paid to suppliers and associates, which was partially offset by an increase in cash received from customers. Also partially offsetting the decrease was an increase in the excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation arrangements, which decreased our operating cash flow for the six months ended June 30, 2013 by $55.7 million compared to a $66.9 million decrease for the six months ended June 30, 2013. In addition, income taxes paid, net decreased from net payments of $25.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 to net payments of $6.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Investing Activities

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Cash used in investing activities was $437.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013, compared with $301.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012. Cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2013 included capital expenditures of $156.9 million, which decreased from $282.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012. The decrease in capital expenditures was in accordance with our LTSP. Also, we increased our net investment in marketable securities by $255.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with a decrease in our net investment in marketable securities of $68.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012. We also increased our investment in equity and cost method investments by $14.9 million in accordance with our LTSP during the six months ended June 30, 2013. Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, resulted in payments of $30.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $2.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2012. Based upon reductions in our estimated future end-of-life collection and recycling costs we determined no incremental funding was needed for the purchase of restricted investments during the six months ended June 30, 2013, compared to $80.7 million in purchases of restricted investments during the six months ended June 30, 2012. The remaining change in cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2013 included a change in restricted cash of $5.1 million, which decreased from $21.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2012 as well as a payment received on our note receivable, affiliate of $17.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $177.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with cash used in financing activities of $85.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012. Cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2013 resulted primarily from the net cash proceeds from our June 2013 equity offering of $430.4 million, the proceeds of borrowings under long-term debt of $335.0 million and excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements of $55.7 million, partially offset by the repayment of long-term debt of $635.9 million and the repayment of economic development funding of $8.3 million.

Cash used by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2012 resulted primarily from the proceeds of borrowings under long-term debt of $590.0 million and excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements of $66.9 million, partially offset by the repayments of long-term debt of $735.3 million and the repayment of economic development funding of $6.8 million.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations have not materially changed since the end of 2012 other than in the ordinary course of business. See also our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for additional information regarding our contractual obligations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of June 30, 2013.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes from the information previously provided under Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation as of June 30, 2013 of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of June 30, 2013 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

63

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of our “internal control over financial reporting” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) to determine whether any changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Based on that evaluation, there have been no such changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2013.

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 control systems 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 a 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 based in part on 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.

PART II.OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations, and claims, including, but not limited to, routine employment matters. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, and claims asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party to will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

Class Action

On March 15, 2012, a purported class action lawsuit titled Smilovits v. First Solar, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00555-DGC, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona (hereafter “Arizona District Court”) against the Company and certain of our current and former directors and officers. The complaint was filed on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s securities between April 30, 2008, and February 28, 2012. The complaint generally alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by making false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for damages, and an award of costs and expenses to the putative class, including attorneys’ fees. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.

On July 23, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order appointing as lead plaintiffs in the class action the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (collectively “Pension Schemes”). The Pension Schemes filed an amended complaint on August 17, 2012, which contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief as the original complaint. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the court denied Defendants’ motion to dismiss. On February 26, 2013, the court directed the parties to begin class certification discovery, and ordered a further scheduling conference to set the merit discovery schedule after the issue of class certification has been decided. On June 21, 2013, the Pension Schemes filed a motion for class certification.

The action is still in the initial stages and there has been no merits discovery. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any.

64

Derivative Actions

On April 3, 2012, a derivative action titled Tsevegmid v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00417-CJB, was filed by a putative stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (hereafter “Delaware District Court”) against certain current and former directors and officers of the Company, alleging breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. The complaint generally alleges that from June 1, 2008, to March 7, 2012, the defendants caused or allowed false and misleading statements to be made concerning the Company’s financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for, among other things, damages in favor of the Company, certain corporate actions to purportedly improve the Company’s corporate governance, and an award of costs and expenses to the putative plaintiff stockholder, including attorneys’ fees. On April 10, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Delaware District Court. The complaint, titled Brownlee v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00456-CJB, contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the Tsevegmid action. By Court order on April 30, 2012, pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, the Tsevegmid action and the Brownlee action were consolidated into a single action in the Delaware District Court and defendants filed a motion to challenge Delaware as the appropriate venue for the consolidated action on May 15, 2012. On March 4, 2013, the magistrate judge issued a Report and Recommendation recommending to the Court that defendants’ motion be granted and that the case be transferred to the District of Arizona. On July 12, 2013, the Court adopted the magistrate judge’s Report and Recommendation and ordered the case transferred to the District of Arizona.

On April 12, 2012, a derivative complaint was filed in the Arizona District Court, titled Tindall v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00769-ROS. In addition to alleging claims and seeking relief similar to the claims and relief asserted in the Tsevegmid and Brownlee actions, the Tindall complaint alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. On April 19, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Arizona District Court, titled Nederhood v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00819-JWS. The Nederhood complaint contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the Tsevegmid and Brownlee actions. On May 17, 2012 and May 30, 2012, respectively, two additional derivative complaints, containing similar allegations and seeking similar relief as the Nederhood complaint, were filed in Arizona District Court: Morris v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-01031-JAT and Tan v. Ahearn, et al., 2:12-cv-01144-NVW.

On July 17, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order granting First Solar’s motion to transfer the derivative actions to Judge David Campbell, the judge to whom the Smilovits class action is assigned. On August 8, 2012, the Court consolidated the four derivative actions pending in Arizona District Court, and on August 31, 2012, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. Defendants filed a motion to stay the action on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the Court granted Defendants’ motion to stay pending resolution of the Smilovits class action. The Company intends to move the Court for an order consolidating the two derivative actions transferred from the Delaware District Court with the stayed Arizona derivative actions.

On July 16, 2013, a derivative complaint was filed in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County, titled Bargar et al. v. Ahearn et al., Case No. CV2013-009938, by a putative shareholder against certain current and former directors and officers of the Company. The complaint contains similar allegations to the Delaware and Arizona derivative cases, and includes claims for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties, insider trading, unjust enrichment, and waste of corporate assets.

The Company believes that plaintiffs in the derivative actions lack standing to pursue litigation on behalf of First Solar. The derivative actions are still in the initial stages and there has been no discovery. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A: Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and the section titled “Risk Factors” included in the Prospectus, which could materially affect our business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Prospectus are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or future results. There have been no material changes in the risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated and supplemented by the risk factors contained in the Prospectus.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.Other Information

65

On July 30, 2013, First Solar amended its change in control severance agreements with James Hughes, Mark Widmar, Georges Antoun, Carol Campbell, Tymen de Jong, Raffi Garabedian, Mary Beth Gustafsson, Tomas Kuster, Louis Moore, Azmat Siddiqi and Timothy Rebhorn (the “Executives”), respectively. The amendment pertains to provisions relating to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulation thereunder. In additional to updating the definition of a “change in control” to be consistent with the regulatory definition, the amendment, provides that, in the event of certain terminations in anticipation of a qualifying change in control, severance payable to such terminated Executive will continue to be paid under the current employment agreement (i.e., in installments), but that the applicable Executives will receive an additional lump-sum payment equal to the difference between the benefits under the two agreements, payable at the time provided in the change in control severance agreement. Additionally, in such cases, executive medical benefits under the employment agreement will apply, but overlap with the additional period of benefits coverage under the change in control severance agreement, so that once the period in the employment agreement expires, the executive will be covered under the balance of time remaining under the longer period in the change in control severance agreement.

Item 6.Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description
4.1	Second Amendment to the Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement
10.1	Amendment to Change in Control Severance Agreement
31.01	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
31.02	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
32.01*	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
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filings.

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SIGNATURES

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.

By: /s/ MARK R. WIDMAR

 Mark R. Widmar

Principal Accounting Officer

August 7, 2013

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EX-4.1

EXHIBIT 4.1

FIRST SOLAR MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. (COMPANY NO. 758827-T)

as Borrower

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

as Arranger and Original Lender

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LUXEMBOURG BRANCH

as Facility Agent and Security Agent

and

NATIXIS ZWEIGNIEDERLASSUNG DEUTSCHLAND

as Arranger and Original Lender

SECOND AMENDMENT AGREEMENT TO THE

FACILITY AGREEMENT

CONTENTS

Clause Page

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION ..................................................................... 1

2. AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE FACILITY AGREEMENT .............. 2

3. FURTHER ASSURANCE ................................................................................................ 5

4. FINANCING DOCUMENT ............................................................................................. 5

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES ................................................................. 5

6. WAIVER PROVISIONS .................................................................................................. 5

7. SECURITY DOCUMENTS.............................................................................................. 5

8. COSTS AND EXPENSES ................................................................................................ 6

9. EFFECTIVENESS ............................................................................................................ 6

10. MISCELLANEOUS .......................................................................................................... 6

SCHEDULE 1 THE ORIGINAL LENDERS............................................................................ 8

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made on 21 November 2012, effective 18 March 2013,

BETWEEN

(1) FIRST SOLAR MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. (Company No. 758827-T), a company limited by shares, incorporated, organised and validly existing under the laws of Malaysia, having its registered place of business at 8, Jalan Hi-Tech 3/3, Zoon Industri Fasa 3, Kulim Hi-Tech Park 09000 Kulim, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia (the "Borrower");

(2) COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, (in its capacity as "Arranger 1"),

(3) COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LUXEMBOURG BRANCH, (in its capacity as "Facility Agent" and "Security Agent");

(4) NATIXIS ZWEIGNIEDERLASSUNG DEUTSCHLAND, (in its capacity as "Arranger 2" and together with the Arranger 1 referred to as the "Arrangers"); and

(5) THE PERSONS listed in Schedule 1 (The Original Lenders) (together the "Original Lenders").

WHEREAS

(A) The Borrower, the Arrangers, the Facility Agent, the Security Agent and the Original Lenders have entered into an up to EUR 60,000,000 facility agreement dated 3 August 2011, as amended pursuant to a first amendment agreement dated 16 September 2011 (the "First Amendment Agreement") in order to provide for the financing of equipment in relation to two solar module manufacturing plants located

in Kulim Hi Tech Park, Kedah, Malaysia (the "Facility Agreement").

(B) The parties hereto wish to agree on certain changes to the Facility Agreement, which shall be implemented in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

IT IS AGREED as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Definitions

In this Agreement:

"Amended Facility Agreement" means the Facility Agreement, as amended by this Agreement.

"Amendment Date" means the date of this Agreement.

"Effective Date" has the meaning given to this term in Clause 9.1 (Effectiveness) of this Agreement.

1.2 Incorporation of Defined Terms, Interpretation

Terms defined in the Facility Agreement shall, unless otherwise defined herein, have the same meaning herein and the principles of construction set out in the Facility Agreement shall have effect as if set out in this Agreement.

1.3 Clauses and Schedules

1.3.1 In this Agreement any reference to a "Clause" or "Schedule" is, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a Clause or Schedule of this Agreement.

1.3.2 Clause and Schedule headings are for ease of reference only.

1.4 Singular and Plural

Words incorporating the singular number include the plural and vice versa.

1.5 English language

This Agreement is made in the English language. The English language version of

this Agreement shall prevail over any translation of this Agreement. However, where

a German translation of a word or phrase appears in the text of this Agreement, the

German translation of such word or phrase shall prevail.

2. AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE FACILITY AGREEMENT

With effect as of the Effective Date, the Facility Agreement will be amended as

follows:

2.1 Clause 1.1 (Definitions) of the Facility Agreement

The definition of "Ratio Calculation Date" will be deleted and instead the following wording will be inserted:

""Ratio Calculation Date" means each date which is identical to the end of each quarter of each Financial Year."

2.2 Clause 19.1 (Financial Definitions) of the Facility Agreement:

2.2.1 The definition of "CAFDS" will be deleted and instead the following wording will be inserted:

""CAFDS" means the total sum of the Cash and Cash Equivalent Investments plus Marketable Securities."

2.2.2 the following definitions will be added in the respective alphabetical order:

(a) ""Affiliate" means in relation to any person, a Subsidiary of that person or a Holding Company of that person or any other Subsidiary of that Holding Company."

(b) ""Cash" means, other than Trapped Cash, any credit balance on any deposit, savings, current or other account, and any cash in hand, of the

Borrower or to which the Borrower is beneficially entitled, and which is:

a) freely withdrawable on demand or subject to time deposit arrangements that can be terminated at any time; and

b) not subject to any Security (other than pursuant to any Security Document or any Permitted Encumbrance."

(c) ""Cash Equivalent Investments" means investments held by the Borrower which are traded in a liquid market and are:

a) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the government of the United States of America or issued by any agency thereof with a minimum long-term credit rating of A by S&P or A by Moody's, in each case maturing within three years from the date of acquisition by the Borrower;

b) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by any foreign sovereign state, or any agency thereof, with a minimum long-term credit rating of A by S&P and A by Moody's, in each

case maturing within three years from the date of acquisition by the Borrower;

c) securities with maturities of three years or less from the date of acquisition by the Borrower issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, by any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth or territory, with a minimum longterm credit rating of A by S&P and A by Moody', in each case maturing within three years from the date of acquisition by the Borrower;

d) certificates of deposit, time deposits or overnight bank deposits having maturities of 1 year or less from the date of acquisition by the Borrower, issued by any Lender or by any commercial bank with a long-term credit rating of at least A by S&P or A by Moody's;

e) commercial paper maturing within nine months from the date of acquisition by the Borrower with a minimum short-term credit rating of A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moody's;

f) repurchase obligations of any Lender or of any commercial bank satisfying the requirements of clause(d) of this definition, having a term of not more than 30 days, with respect to securities issued or fully guaranteed or insured by the government of the United States of America or a foreign sovereign state with a long-term credit rating of at least AA by S&P or Aa by Moody's;

g) corporate debt securities issued in the U.S. or Europe with maturities of three years or less from the date of acquisition by the Borrower and with a long-term credit rating of at least A by S&P or A by Moody's;

h) supranational debt securities issued in the U.S. or Europe with maturities of three years or less from the date of acquisition by the Borrower and with a long-term credit rating of at least A by S&P or A by Moody's;

i) money market mutual or similar funds that invest exclusively in assets satisfying the requirements of clauses (a) through (h) of this definition;

j) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in SEC Rule2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 of the United States of America, as amended, (ii) are rated AA by S&P or Aa by Moody's and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000;

k) money market funds in Malaysia having a rating in the highest investment category granted thereby by S&P or Moody's at the time of acquisition by the Borrower, including any fund for which a Finance Party or an Affiliate of a Finance Party serves as an investment advisor, administrator, shareholder servicing agent, custodian or sub custodian, notwithstanding that a Finance Party or an Affiliate of a Finance Party charges and collects fees and expenses from such funds for services rendered (provided that such charges, fees and expenses are on terms consistent with terms negotiated at arm's length); or

l) approved by the Majority Lenders, in each case A) not issued by the First Solar Group itself and B) not subject to any Security (other than pursuant to any Permitted Encumbrance), denominated and payable in freely transferable and freely convertible currency and the proceeds of which are capable of being remitted to the Borrower."

(d) ""Holding Company" means, in relation to a company or corporation, any other company or corporation in respect of which it is a Subsidiary."

(e) ""Marketable Securities" means securities which are traded on a national securities exchange in Europe or the United States of America or otherwise actively traded over-the-counter in Europe or the United States of America and are not subject to restrictions on transfer as a result of applicable contract provisions or the provisions of any other applicable securities laws or regulations."

(f) ""Trapped Cash" means any rent deposit and any credit balance on any deposit, savings, current or other account, or cash in hand which cannot be applied immediately for the purpose of repaying the Facilities."

2.3 Clause 19.2 (d) (Financial Condition) of the Facility Agreement will be deleted and instead the following wording will be inserted:

"Debt Service Coverage Ratio: ensure that at all times the Annualised DSCR is not less than 2.5."

2.4 Save as expressly amended by this Agreement, the provisions of the Facility Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

3. FURTHER ASSURANCE

The Borrower shall, at the request of the Facility Agent and at its own expense, do all such reasonable acts and things necessary or desirable to give effect to the amendments effected or to be effected pursuant to this Agreement.

4. FINANCING DOCUMENT

This Agreement shall be a Finance Document.

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The Borrower herewith represents and warrants to each of the Arrangers, the Facility Agent, the Security Agent and the Lenders that, as of the date of signing of this Agreement, the statements in clause 17.1 (Representations and Warranties) of the Amended Facility Agreement are true and correct. The Borrower makes the representations and warranties as if each reference in those representations and warranties to "this Agreement" includes a reference to the Amended Facility Agreement.

6. WAIVER PROVISIONS

The entry into this Agreement, nor anything else in this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any outstanding Event of Default.

7. SECURITY DOCUMENTS

The Security Documents shall continue in full force and effect in connection with the Facility Agreement as amended by this Agreement. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that all present and future, actual and contingent obligations and liabilities in their respective valid, amended, supplemented, or newly arranged forms of the Borrower to the Lenders, the Facility Agent and the Security Agent under each of the Finance Documents are to be regarded as secured obligations (as defined in each of the Security Documents) under the Security Documents.

COSTS AND EXPENSES

The Borrower shall within ten (10) Business Days of demand by the Facility Agent, reimburse the Facility Agent, the Security Agent and the Lenders for all costs and expenses (including legal fees) together with any VAT thereon incurred by such person in responding to or complying with such request. The Borrower shall also bear its own costs.

9. EFFECTIVENESS

9.1 This Agreement shall become effective on the date on which the Facility Agent confirms to the parties to this Agreement and the Sponsor that the conditions precedent set out in Clause 9.2 below have been satisfied or waived (the "Effective Date").

9.2 Conditions Precedent

The following information shall be submitted to the Facility Agent, each in form and

substance satisfactory to it:

9.2.1 An original copy of this Agreement executed by all parties;

9.2.2 a copy of the corporate authorisations and/or board resolutions of the

Borrower and the Sponsor, respectively, relating to the execution, delivery and

performance of this Agreement; and

9.2.3 a certified and up to date copy of the specimen signatures of the persons

authorised to sign this Agreement on behalf of the Borrower and the Sponsor,

respectively.

10. MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Remedies and Waivers

No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of any Lender, the Facility Agent, the Arrangers or the Security Agent, any right or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy prevent any further or other exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy.

10.2 Partial Invalidity

Should any provision of this Agreement be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, or should any provision later become invalid or unenforceable, this shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement. In lieu of the invalid or unenforceable provision another reasonable provision shall apply, which as far as legally possible comes as close as possible to the intention of the contracting parties, or to what would have been their intention, in correspondence with the spirit and the purpose of this Agreement, had the parties upon entering into this Agreement taken into consideration the invalidity or unenforceability of the respective provision. The same shall apply mutatis mutandis to fill possible gaps (Vertragslücken) in this Agreement.

10.3 Amendments

Changes to this Agreement, including this Clause 10.3 shall be made in writing.

10.4 Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.

10.5 Law and Jurisdiction

Clause 37 (Jurisdiction) of the Amended Facility Agreement shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis.

10.6 Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts all of which taken together constitute one and the same instrument.

SCHEDULE 1

THE ORIGINAL LENDERS

Original Lenders	Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft	Natixis Zweigniederlassung Deutschland	Total
Commitment in respect of	EUR 40,000,000.00	EUR 20,000,000.00	EUR 60,000,000.00
Facility I	EUR 18,119,067.33	EUR 9,059,533.67	EUR 27,178,601.00
Facility II	EUR 21,290,621.33	EUR 10,645,310.67	EUR 31,935,932.00
Facility III	EUR 590,311.34	EUR 295,155.66	EUR 885,467.00

EXECUTION PAGE

SECOND AMENDMENT AGREEMENT

FIRST SOLAR MALAYSIA SDN. BHD

as Borrower

/s/ David Brady

Name: David Brady

Address:     350 West Washington Street

Suite 600

Tempe, Arizona 85281-1244

USA

Attn.: David Brady

Fax: +1 602 414 9462

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

as Arranger and Original Lender

/s/ Andreas Kappenberg	/s/ Anton Rotenhan
Name: Andreas Kappenberg	Name: Anton Rotenhan

Address:     Kaiserplatz

60311 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Attn.: Klaus-Dieter Schmedding

Fax: +49 (0)69 136 23742

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LUXEMBOURG BRANCH

as Facility Agent

/s/ Gerald Kolodziej	/s/ Jörn Tschentscher
Name: Gerald Kolodziej	Name: Jörn Tschentscher

Address:     25, Rue Edward Steichen

L-2540 Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Attn.: Agency-Department

Jörn Tschentscher

Fax: +352 477 911 3905

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LUXEMBOURG BRANCH

as Security Agent

/s/ Erik Mehdorn	/s/ Eva Gottschalk-Schmitt
Name: Erik Mehdorn	Name: Eva Gottschalk-Schmitt

Address:     25, Rue Edward Steichen

L-2540 Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Attn.: Security Agencies

Luxembourg

Eva Gottschalk-Schmitt

Fax: +352 477 911 3903

NATIXIS ZWEIGNIEDERLASSUNG DEUTSCHLAND

as Arranger and Original Lender

/s/ Michael Brüggemann	/s/ Julia Friske
Name: Michael Brüggemann	Name: Julia Friske

Address:     Im Trutz Frankfurt 55

60322 Frankfurt

Germany

Attn.: Michael Brüggemann

Fax: +49 (0) 69 97153 173

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT BY THE SPONSOR AS GUARANTOR UNDER THE SPONSOR'S GUARANTEE:

The Sponsor hereby acknowledges that it has read the First Amendment Agreement and this Agreement and consents to the terms thereof and further confirms and agrees that the Sponsor's Guarantee is and shall continue to be, in full force and effect and is hereby confirmed and ratified in all respects. The Sponsor hereby confirms and acknowledges that it is validly and justly indebted to the Agents (as defined in the Sponsor's Guarantee) and the Lenders for the payment of all of the obligations which it has guaranteed, without offset, defence, cause of action or counterclaim of any kind or nature whatsoever.

FIRST SOLAR, INC.

as Sponsor

/s/ David Brady

Name: David Brady

Address:     350 West Washington Street

Suite 600

Tempe, Arizona 85281-1244

USA

Attn.: David Brady

Fax: +1 602 414 9462

EX-10.1

EXHIBIT 10.1

Amendment to Change in Control Severance Agreement

This Amendment is effective as of August 1, 2013 by and between First Solar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and [NAME] (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive are party to a Change in Control Severance Agreement dated as of [DATE] (the “CIC Agreement”) and desire to amend certain provisions of the CIC Agreement comply with, and avoid penalties under, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”);

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing promises and the mutual covenants, terms and conditions set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Executive hereby agree that the CIC Agreement is amended as provided herein.

1. Notwithstanding the definition of “Change in Control” provided in the CIC Agreement, the occurrence of any of the events specified in such definition shall only constitute a “Change in Control” for purposes of the CIC Agreement if such event constitutes, as applicable, a change in ownership or effective control of a corporation or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of a corporation within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).

2. Notwithstanding Section 4(a)(i) and 4(a)(iii) of the CIC Agreement, in the event of a Qualifying Termination described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof (i.e., certain terminations without Cause prior to a Change in Control), (A) the severance payment described in Section 4(a)(i) of the CIC Agreement shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of any Severance Payments (within the meaning of the Employment Agreement) paid or payable to the Executive pursuant to the Employment Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein or in the CIC Agreement shall waive or alter the payment terms of any Severance Payments payable pursuant to the Employment Agreement) and (B) the 18-month period described in Section 4(a)(iii) shall be reduced by the period of time that the Executive receives any benefits pursuant to Section 1.5(c) of the Employment Agreement.

3. To the extent required by Section 409A, any payment or benefit pursuant to the CIC Agreement that would be considered deferred compensation subject to, and not exempt from, Section 409A, payable or provided upon a termination of the Executive's employment shall only be paid or provided to the Executive upon the Executive's separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A).

4. Except as provided above, the CIC Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

August 1, 2013FIRST SOLAR, INC.

by:
	Name: Carol Campbell
	Title: EVP, Human Resources

[NAME]

EX-31.01

EXHIBIT 31.01

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, James A. Hughes, 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, 2013, 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.

Date:	August 7, 2013	/s/ JAMES A. HUGHES
		James A. Hughes
		Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.02

EXHIBIT 31.02

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, 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, 2013, 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.

Date:	August 7, 2013	/s/ MARK R. WIDMAR
		Mark R. Widmar
		Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.01

EXHIBIT 32.01

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, 2013, 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.
Date:			August 7, 2013	/s/ JAMES A. HUGHES
				James A. Hughes
				Chief Executive Officer
Date:			August 7, 2013	/s/ MARK R. WIDMAR
				Mark R. Widmar
				Chief Financial Officer

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Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

11. Derivative Financial Instruments

As a global company, we are exposed in the normal course of business to interest rate and foreign currency risks that could affect our consolidated net assets, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We use derivative instruments to hedge against certain risks such as these, and we only hold derivative 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. As required by ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, we report all of our derivative instruments that are within the scope of that accounting standard at fair value. We account for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) if the derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815. For those derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting (“economic hedges”), we record the changes in fair value directly to earnings. See Note 12. “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 value of derivative instruments included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities		Other Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Cross-currency swap contract	$	—	$	659	$	2,965
Interest rate swap contracts	—		369		591
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	—	$	1,028	$	3,556
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	3,079	$	3,731	$	—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	3,079	$	3,731	$	—
Total derivative instruments	$	3,079	$	4,759	$	3,556

	December 31, 2012
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities		Other Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,121	$	—	$	—
Cross-currency swap contract	—		316		1,582
Interest rate swap contracts	—		473		994
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	2,121	$	789	$	2,576
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	5,109	$	5,036	$	—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	5,109	$	5,036	$	—
Total derivative instruments	$	7,230	$	5,825	$	2,576

The impact of offsetting balances associated with derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 is shown below (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Gross Asset (Liability)			Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet	Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements		Financial Instruments	Cash Collateral Pledged	Net Amount
Cross-currency swap contracts	$	(3,624	)	—	(3,624	)	—	—	$	(3,624	)
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(960	)	—	(960	)	—	—	$	(960	)

	December 31, 2012
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Gross Asset (Liability)			Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet	Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements		Financial Instruments	Cash Collateral Pledged	Net Amount
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,121		—	2,121		—	—	$	2,121
Cross-currency swap contracts	$	(1,898	)	—	(1,898	)	—	—	$	(1,898	)
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(1,467	)	—	(1,467	)	—	—	$	(1,467	)

The following tables present the amounts related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 affecting accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts			Interest Rate Swap Contract			Cross Currency Swap Contract			Total
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2012	$	8,980		$	(1,467	)	$	(8,031	)	$	(518	)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	4,135			100			(1,604		)	2,631
Amounts reclassified to net sales as a result of forecasted transactions being probable of not occurring	(13,115		)	—			—			(13,115		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency gain	—			—			1,974			1,974
Interest expense	—			209			85			294
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at March 31, 2013	$	—		$	(1,158	)	$	(7,576	)	$	(8,734	)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	—			2			(313		)	(311		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency gain	—			—			2,912			2,912
Interest expense	—			196			106			302
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2013	$	—		$	(960	)	$	(4,871	)	$	(5,831	)

	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts			Interest Rate Swap Contracts			Cross Currency Swap Contract			Total
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2011	$	33,751		$	(2,571	)	$	(5,899	)	$	25,281
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	(11,341		)	(914		)	4,347			(7,908		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Net sales	(6,710		)	—			—			(6,710		)
Foreign currency gain (loss)	—			—			(5,003		)	(5,003		)
Interest expense	—			244			71			315
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at March 31, 2012	$	15,700		$	(3,241	)	$	(6,484	)	$	5,975
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	5,825			(334		)	(5,989		)	(498		)
Amounts reclassified to net sales as a result of forecasted transactions being probable of not occurring	(3,385		)	—			—			(3,385		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency gain (loss)	—			—			5,382			5,382
Interest expense	—			2,084			131			2,215
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2012	$	18,140		$	(1,491	)	$	(6,960	)	$	9,689

We recorded immaterial amounts related to ineffective portions of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 directly to other income (expense), net. In addition, we recognized losses of $0.4 million related to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for our foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges within other income (expense), net during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. We recognized gains of $2.2 million and $1.9 million related to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for our foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges within other income (expense), net during the three and six months ended and June 30, 2012, respectively.

The following table presents the amounts related to derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 affecting our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Foreign currency gain (loss)	$	746		$	(8,877	)	$	1,863		$	(1,523	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Cost of sales	$	(685	)	$	(1,546	)	$	(773	)	$	(738	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Net Sales	$	5,666		$	—		$	5,666		$	—

Interest Rate Risk

We use cross-currency swap and interest rate swap contracts to mitigate our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with certain of our debt instruments; we do not use such swap contracts for speculative or trading purposes.

On September 30, 2011, we entered into a cross-currency swap contract to hedge the floating rate foreign currency denominated loan under our Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement. This swap had an initial notional value of MYR 465.0 million and entitles us to receive a three-month floating Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offered Rate (“KLIBOR”) interest rate, and requires us to pay a fixed U.S. dollar rate of 3.495%. Additionally, this swap hedges the foreign currency risk of the Malaysian Ringgit denominated principal and interest payments as we make swap payments in U.S. dollars and receive swap payments in Malaysian Ringgits at a fixed exchange rate 3.19 MYR to USD. The notional amount of the swap is scheduled to decline in correspondence to our scheduled principal payments on the underlying hedged debt. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the notional value of this cross-currency swap agreement was MYR 426.3 million and MYR 465.0 million, respectively. This swap is a derivative instrument that qualifies for accounting as a cash flow hedge in accordance with ASC 815 and we designated it as such. We determined that this swap was highly effective as a cash flow hedge at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, there were immaterial amounts of ineffectiveness from this cash flow hedge.

On May 29, 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap contract to hedge a portion of the floating rate loans under our Malaysian Credit Facility, which became effective on September 30, 2009 with an initial notional value of €57.3 million and pursuant to which we are entitled to receive a six-month floating Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) interest rate, and are required to pay a fixed rate of 2.80%. The notional amount of the interest rate swap contract is scheduled to decline in correspondence to our scheduled principal payments on the underlying hedged debt. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the notional value of this interest rate swap contract was €24.4 million and €29.1 million, respectively. This derivative instrument qualifies for accounting as a cash flow hedge in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated it as such. We determined that our interest rate swap contract was highly effective as a cash flow hedge at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, there were immaterial amounts of ineffectiveness from this cash flow hedge.

In the following 12 months, we expect to reclassify to earnings $1.0 million of net unrealized losses related to swap contracts that are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2013 as we realize the earnings effect of the underlying loans. The amount we ultimately record to earnings will depend on the actual interest rates and foreign exchange rate when we realize the earnings effect of the underlying loans.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Cash Flow Exposure

We expect many of the subsidiaries of our business to have material future cash flows, including net sales and expenses that will be denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries’ functional currency. Our primary cash flow exposures are net sales and expenses. Changes in the exchange rates between our subsidiaries’ functional currency and the other currencies in which they transact will cause fluctuations in the cash flows we expect to receive or pay when these cash flows are realized or settled. Accordingly, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge a portion of these forecasted cash flows. As of December 31, 2012, these foreign exchange forward contracts hedged our forecasted cash flows for up to 3 months. These foreign exchange forward contracts qualify for accounting as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated them as such. We initially report the effective portion of the derivative’s unrealized gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassify amounts into earnings when the hedged transaction occurs and impacts earnings. We determined that these derivative financial instruments were highly effective as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2012. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, we did not discontinue any cash flow hedges because a hedging relationship was no longer highly effective. As of June 30, 2013 there were no longer any outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges.

As of December 31, 2012, the notional values associated with our foreign exchange forward contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):

December 31, 2012
Currency	Notional Amount	USD Equivalent
Canadian dollar	CAD 192.0	$195.1

As of December 31, 2012, the net unrealized gain on these contracts was $9.0 million.

Transaction Exposure and Economic Hedging

Many subsidiaries of our business have assets and liabilities (primarily receivables, marketable securities and investments, accounts payable, 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 our subsidiaries’ functional currencies and the other currencies in which these assets and liabilities are denominated can create fluctuations in our reported condensed consolidated statements of operations, and cash flows. 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 the 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 purchase foreign exchange forward contracts to economically hedge balance sheet and other exposures related to transactions with third parties. Such contracts are considered economic hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815. We recognize gains or losses from the fluctuation in foreign exchange rates and the fair value of these derivative contracts in “Net sales”, “Cost of sales”, and “Foreign currency gain (loss)” on our condensed consolidated statements of operations, depending on where the gain or loss from the economically hedged item is classified on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2013 the total net unrealized loss on our economic hedge foreign exchange forward contracts was $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2012 the total net unrealized gain on our economic hedge foreign exchange forward contracts was $0.1 million. As these amounts do not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in fair value related to such derivative instruments are recorded directly to earnings. These contracts have maturities of less than six months.

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the notional values of our foreign exchange forward contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815 were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):

June 30, 2013
Transaction	Currency	Notional Amount	USD Equivalent
Purchase	Euro	€167.5	$218.3
Sell	Euro	€174.2	$227.0
Purchase	Australian dollar	AUD 1.8	$1.6
Sell	Australian dollar	AUD 1.8	$1.6
Purchase	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 152.2	$48.7
Sell	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 63.9	$20.4
Purchase	Canadian dollar	CAD 2.7	$2.6
Sell	Canadian dollar	CAD 198.6	$188.7
Purchase	Chinese yuan	CNY 43.4	$6.9
Sell	Chinese yuan	CNY 17.4	$2.8

The table above includes certain foreign exchange forward contracts originally designated as cash flow hedges that were subsequently de-designated.

December 31, 2012
Transaction	Currency	Notional Amount	USD Equivalent
Purchase	Euro	€128.7	$170.2
Sell	Euro	€134.2	$177.5
Sell	Australian dollar	AUD 8.5	$8.8
Purchase	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 136.4	$45.0
Sell	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 36.0	$11.9
Purchase	Canadian dollar	CAD 22.4	$22.6
Sell	Canadian dollar	CAD 15.8	$16.0

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Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Transaction Exposure (Foreign Exchange Forward [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Euro Member Countries, Euro USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Euro Member Countries, Euro EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2012 Euro Member Countries, Euro USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Euro Member Countries, Euro EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2013 Australia, Dollars USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Australia, Dollars AUD	Dec. 31, 2012 Australia, Dollars USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Australia, Dollars AUD	Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysia, Ringgits USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysia, Ringgits MYR	Dec. 31, 2012 Malaysia, Ringgits USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Malaysia, Ringgits MYR	Jun. 30, 2013 Canada, Dollars USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Canada, Dollars CAD	Dec. 31, 2012 Canada, Dollars USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Canada, Dollars CAD	Jun. 30, 2013 China, Yuan Renminbi USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 China, Yuan Renminbi CNY
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, currency bought	Euro	Euro	Euro	Euro	Australian dollar	Australian dollar			Malaysian ringgit	Malaysian ringgit	Malaysian ringgit	Malaysian ringgit	Canadian dollar	Canadian dollar	Canadian dollar	Canadian dollar	Chinese yuan	Chinese yuan
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	$ 218.3	€ 167.5	$ 170.2	€ 128.7	$ 1.6	1.8			$ 48.7	152.2	$ 45.0	136.4	$ 2.6	2.7	$ 22.6	22.4	$ 6.9	43.4
Derivative, currency sold	Euro	Euro	Euro	Euro	Australian dollar	Australian dollar	Australian dollar	Australian dollar	Malaysian ringgit	Malaysian ringgit	Malaysian ringgit	Malaysian ringgit	Canadian dollar	Canadian dollar	Canadian dollar	Canadian dollar	Chinese yuan	Chinese yuan
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	$ 227.0	€ 174.2	$ 177.5	€ 134.2	$ 1.6	1.8	$ 8.8	8.5	$ 20.4	63.9	$ 11.9	36.0	$ 188.7	198.6	$ 16.0	15.8	$ 2.8	17.4

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 928,657		$ 901,294
Marketable securities	356,615		102,578
Accounts receivable trade, net	192,580		553,567
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage	460,438		400,987
Inventories	334,261		434,921
Balance of systems parts	128,384		98,903
Deferred project costs	1,004,778		21,390
Deferred tax assets, net	28,878		44,070
Assets held for sale	49,521		49,521
Note receivable affiliate	0		17,725
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	117,167		207,368
Total current assets	3,601,279		2,832,324
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,560,908		1,525,382
Project assets and deferred project costs	559,151		845,478
Deferred tax assets, net	332,688		317,473
Restricted cash and investments	275,183		301,400
Goodwill	74,930		65,444
Inventories	132,668	[1]	134,375	[1]
Retainage	237,594		270,364
Other assets	93,725		56,452
Total assets	6,868,126		6,348,692
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	217,587		350,230
Income taxes payable	4,749		5,474
Accrued expenses	391,764		554,433
Current portion of long-term debt	61,194		62,349
Deferred revenue	1,682		2,056
Payments and billings for deferred project costs	1,116,670		94,535
Other current liabilities	61,149		32,297
Total current liabilities	1,854,795		1,101,374
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	248,178		212,835
Long-term debt	194,570		500,223
Payments and billings for deferred project costs	38,974		636,518
Other liabilities	374,871		292,216
Total liabilities	2,711,388		2,743,166
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 97,629,891 and 87,145,323 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	98		87
Additional paid-in capital	2,555,872		2,065,527
Accumulated earnings	1,622,473		1,529,733
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(21,705)		10,179
Total stockholders' equity	4,156,738		3,605,526
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 6,868,126		$ 6,348,692

[1] We purchase a critical raw material that is used in our core production process in quantities that exceed anticipated consumption within our operating cycle (which is 12 months). We classify the raw materials that we do not expect to be consumed within our operating cycle as noncurrent.

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Note 4. Restructuring

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring

4. Restructuring

The activity related to our restructuring charges for material restructuring initiatives that were not completed as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

February 2012 Manufacturing Restructuring

In February 2012, executive management completed an evaluation of and approved a set of manufacturing capacity and other initiatives primarily intended to adjust our previously planned manufacturing capacity expansions and global manufacturing footprint. The primary goal of these initiatives was to better align production capacity and geographic location of such capacity with expected geographic market requirements and demand. The remaining $5.1 million of asset impairment related charges from the February 2012 manufacturing restructuring as of December 31, 2012 is included within other liabilities and such amount is not expected to be paid within the next year.

April 2012 European Restructuring

In April 2012, executive management approved a set of restructuring initiatives intended to align the organization with our Long Term Strategic Plan including expected sustainable market opportunities and to reduce costs. As part of these initiatives, we substantially reduced our European operations including the closure of our manufacturing operations in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany at the end of 2012. Due to the then current lack of policy support for utility-scale solar projects in Europe at that time, we did not believe there was a business case for continuing manufacturing operations in Germany or to proceed with the previously announced 2-line plant in France. Additionally, we substantially reduced the size of our operations in Mainz, Germany and elsewhere in Europe. After the closure of our Frankfurt (Oder) manufacturing operations, which was comprised of eight production lines, at the end of 2012, First Solar’s installed manufacturing capacity consists of 24 production lines in Kulim, Malaysia and four production lines in Perrysburg, Ohio.

In connection with these restructuring initiatives, we incurred total charges to operating expense during 2012 of $342.0 million and $4.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2013. These total charges consisted of (i) $253.0 million in asset impairments and asset impairment related charges, primarily related to the closure of the Frankfurt (Oder) plants; (ii) $63.2 million in severance and termination related costs; and (iii) $30.5 million for the required repayment of German government grants related to the second Frankfurt (Oder) plant.

The following table summarizes the April 2012 European restructuring amounts remaining as of December 31, 2012, amounts recorded to restructuring expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, and the remaining balance at June 30, 2013 (in thousands):

April 2012 European Restructuring	Asset Impairments and Related Costs			Severance and Termination Related Costs			Grant Repayments			Total
Ending Balance at December 31, 2012	$	16,625		$	25,717		$	8,400		$	50,742
Charges to Income	—			2,347			—			2,347
Change in Estimates	—			—			—			—
Cash Payments	(7,193		)	(6,720		)	(8,315		)	(22,228		)
Non-Cash Amounts Including Foreign Exchange Impact	(304		)	(718		)	(85		)	(1,107		)
Ending Balance at March 31, 2013	9,128			20,626			—			29,754
Charges to Income	2,170			1,185			—			3,355
Change in Estimates	(945		)	(29		)	—			(974		)
Cash Payments	(6,597		)	(13,563		)	—			(20,160		)
Non-Cash Amounts Including Foreign Exchange Impact	(771		)	316			—			(455		)
Ending Balance at June 30, 2013	$	2,985		$	8,535		$	—		$	11,520

Expenses recognized for restructuring activities are presented in “Restructuring” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Substantially all expenses related to the April 2012 European restructuring were related to our components segment. We expect to incur up to $1 million in additional restructuring expense through the end of 2013 primarily related to remaining asset impairment and related costs associated with such restructuring initiatives.

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Note 18. Statement of Cash Flows

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]

Statement of Cash Flows

18. Statement of Cash Flows

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$	92,740		$	(338,433	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	116,084			138,229
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposal of long-lived assets	4,300			350,213
Impairment of project assets	—			3,227
Share-based compensation	23,918			6,933
Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities	(6,935		)	(561		)
Deferred income taxes	(7,769		)	4,896
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	(55,695		)	(66,853		)
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	—			2,260
Gain on sales of marketable securities, and restricted investments, net	—			(16		)
Other operating activities	(2,903		)	18
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade and unbilled and retainage	341,357			114,592
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	93,438			94,214
Other assets	449			83,977
Inventories and balance of systems parts	75,120			(280,027		)
Project assets and deferred project costs	(670,456		)	82,412
Accounts payable	(129,314		)	28,018
Income taxes payable	28,256			37,959
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	350,203			132,350
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	36,035			18,927
Total adjustments	196,088			750,768
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	288,828		$	412,335

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Note 13. Debt (Details) (USD $)					6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement [Member] Line of Credit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement [Member] Line of Credit [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysian Facility Agreement [Member]		Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysian Facility Agreement [Member] Line of Credit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Malaysian Facility Agreement [Member] Line of Credit [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement [Member]		Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement [Member] Line of Credit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement [Member] Line of Credit [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Director of Development of the State of Ohio [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Director of Development of the State of Ohio [Member] Loans Payable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Director of Development of the State of Ohio [Member] Loans Payable [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Letter of Credit [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 750,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity						600,000,000																	600,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Alternative Currencies																							300,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	29,871,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding						0
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount																							153,900,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description					various	July 2018 (Tranche A) October 2015 (Tranche B)			April 2018			March 2016				September 2018				May 2015
Debt Instrument, Currency					various	USD			EUR			EUR				MYR				USD
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis						.045			EURIBOR plus 1.00%			Floating rate facility at EURIBOR plus 0.55% (2)	[1],[2]			KLIBOR plus 2.00% (2)	[2]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt	257,938,000	565,295,000	2,271,000	1,955,000			0	270,000,000		52,166,000	58,255,000			65,020,000	78,657,000			134,873,000	151,901,000		3,608,000	4,527,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage												4.54%	[1]							2.25%
Less unamortized discount	(2,174,000)	(2,723,000)
Total long-term debt	255,764,000	562,572,000
Less current portion	(61,194,000)	(62,349,000)
Noncurrent portion	194,570,000	500,223,000
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity						446,100,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	61,690,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	60,602,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	37,972,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	35,300,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	30,232,000
Long Term Debt Excluding Capital Lease Obligation	255,667,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage						0.375%
fronting fee						0.125%
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity, Tranche A						450,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity, Tranche B						150,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Assets Pledged As Collateral, Amount												$ 71,900,000				$ 235,900,000				$ 18,100,000

[1] Outstanding balance split equally between fixed and floating rates.

[2] Interest rate hedges have been entered into relating to these variable rates. See Note 11. “Derivative Financial Instruments,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Note 12. Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements Disclosure

12. 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. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our cash equivalents consisted of commercial paper and money market mutual funds. We value our commercial paper cash equivalents using 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 Level 2. We value our money market cash equivalents using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics, and accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 1.

• Marketable securities and restricted investments. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our marketable securities consisted of commercial paper, corporate debt securities, federal and foreign agency debt, foreign government obligations, supranational debt and U.S. government obligations, and our restricted investments consisted of foreign and U.S. government obligations. We value our marketable securities and restricted investments using quoted prices for securities with similar characteristics and other observable inputs (such as interest rates that are observable at commonly quoted intervals), and accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 2. We also consider the effect of our counterparties’ credit standings in these fair value measurements.

• Derivative assets and liabilities. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our derivative assets and liabilities consisted of foreign exchange forward contracts involving major currencies, interest rate swap contracts involving a benchmark of interest rates, and a cross-currency swap including both. Since our derivative assets and liabilities are not traded on an exchange, we value them using industry standard valuation models. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, credit risk, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies. These inputs are observable in active markets over the contract term of the derivative instruments we hold, and accordingly, we classify these valuation techniques as Level 2. We consider the effect of our own credit standing and that of our counterparties in our fair value measurements of our derivative assets and liabilities, respectively.

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities that we measure on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Commercial paper	$	3,199	$	—	$	3,199	$	—
Money market funds	43,367		43,367		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper	5,097		—		5,097		—
Corporate debt securities	137,704		—		137,704		—
Federal agency debt	25,813		—		25,813		—
Foreign agency debt	110,641		—		110,641		—
Foreign government obligations	26,191		—		26,191		—
Supranational debt	47,673		—		47,673		—
U.S. government obligations	3,496		—		3,496		—
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	275,026		—		275,026		—
Derivative assets	3,079		—		3,079		—
Total assets	$	681,286	$	43,367	$	637,919	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	8,315	$	—	$	8,315	$	—

	As of December 31, 2012
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Commercial paper	$	1,500	$	—	$	1,500	$	—
Money market funds	10,729		10,729		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper	1,698		—		1,698		—
Corporate debt securities	23,384		—		23,384		—
Federal agency debt	29,936		—		29,936		—
Foreign agency debt	7,233		—		7,233		—
Foreign government obligations	4,142		—		4,142		—
Supranational debt	34,181		—		34,181		—
U.S. government obligations	2,004		—		2,004		—
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	301,216		—		301,216		—
Derivative assets	7,230		—		7,230		—
Total assets	$	423,253	$	10,729	$	412,524	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	8,401	$	—	$	8,401	$	—

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values and fair values of our financial and derivative instruments at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Assets:
Marketable securities	$	356,615	$	356,615	$	102,578	$	102,578
Foreign exchange forward contract assets	$	3,079	$	3,079	$	7,230	$	7,230
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	$	275,026	$	275,026	$	301,216	$	301,216
Note receivable, affiliate	$	—	$	—	$	17,725	$	17,723
Notes receivable — noncurrent	$	9,121	$	9,029	$	9,260	$	9,371
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	255,764	$	257,748	$	562,572	$	565,879
Interest rate swap contract liabilities	$	960	$	960	$	1,467	$	1,467
Cross-currency swap contract liabilities	$	3,624	$	3,624	$	1,898	$	1,898
Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities	$	3,731	$	3,731	$	5,036	$	5,036

The carrying values on our condensed consolidated balance sheets of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable and retainage, other assets, restricted cash, accounts payable, income taxes payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair values due to their nature and relatively short maturities; therefore, we exclude them from the foregoing table.

We estimated the fair value of our long-term debt and notes receivable in accordance with ASC 820 using a discounted cash flows approach (an income approach) using market based observable inputs. We incorporated the credit risk of our counterparty for all asset fair value measurements and our credit risk for all liability fair value measurements. Such fair value measurements are considered Level 2 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, restricted investments, interest rate swap and cross-currency swap contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our financial and derivative instruments. We place cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, restricted investments, interest rate swap and cross-currency swap contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts with various high-quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit risk from any one counterparty. We continuously evaluate the credit standing of our counterparty financial institutions.

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Note 9. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details (Details)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended								3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended																			6 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2013 EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2013 Property, Plant And Equipment [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 Property, Plant And Equipment [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Property, Plant And Equipment [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 Property, Plant And Equipment [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Project Assets And Deferred Project Costs [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 Project Assets And Deferred Project Costs [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Project Assets And Deferred Project Costs [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 Project Assets And Deferred Project Costs [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Depreciable Assets [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 Depreciable Assets [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Depreciable Assets [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 Depreciable Assets [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Depreciable Assets [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Building and Building Improvements [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Building and Building Improvements [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Machinery and Equipment [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Machinery and Equipment [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Office equipment and furniture [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Office equipment and furniture [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Leasehold Improvements [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Leasehold Improvements [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Land [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Land [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Construction in Progress [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Construction in Progress [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Stored Machinery and Equipment [Member] USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2012 Stored Machinery and Equipment [Member] USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2013 Credit Facility Agreement [Member] EUR (€)	Apr. 08, 2009 Credit Facility Agreement [Member] EUR (€)	Jan. 31, 2012 Property Company [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Property Company [Member] Unsecured Loan Agreement [Member] EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2013 Property Company [Member] Unsecured Loan Agreement [Member]
Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 48,939,000			$ 48,939,000						$ 9,139,000
Accounts receivable trade, net:
Accounts receivable trade, gross	202,109,000			202,109,000						568,070,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(9,529,000)			(9,529,000)						(14,503,000)
Accounts receivable trade, net	192,580,000			192,580,000						553,567,000
Secured Accounts Receivables	51,600,000			51,600,000						104,500,000
Accounts Receivable, Unbilled	222,636,000			222,636,000						342,587,000
Retainage	237,802,000			237,802,000						58,400,000
Accounts Receivable, Unbilled and Retainage	460,438,000			460,438,000						400,987,000
Inventories:
Raw materials	177,070,000			177,070,000						184,006,000
Work in process	11,672,000			11,672,000						14,868,000
Finished goods	278,187,000			278,187,000						370,422,000
Total inventories	466,929,000			466,929,000						569,296,000
Inventories - current	334,261,000			334,261,000						434,921,000
Inventories - noncurrent	132,668,000	[1]		132,668,000	[1]					134,375,000	[1]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Prepaid expenses	31,099,000			31,099,000						39,582,000
Derivative instruments	3,079,000			3,079,000						7,230,000
Deferred Costs, Current	2,102,000			2,102,000						96,337,000
Other assets - current	80,887,000			80,887,000						64,219,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	117,167,000			117,167,000						207,368,000
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, gross																				2,051,824,000		2,051,824,000		2,028,360,000	459,280,000	446,133,000	1,421,761,000	1,415,632,000	123,553,000	117,228,000	47,230,000	49,367,000	22,209,000	22,256,000	128,809,000	51,133,000	210,829,000	[2]	227,134,000	[2]
Accumulated depreciation	(852,763,000)			(852,763,000)						(803,501,000)
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,560,908,000			1,560,908,000						1,525,382,000										1,199,061,000		1,199,061,000		1,224,859,000
Depreciation																				57,800,000	64,000,000	116,000,000	136,600,000
Interest Costs Incurred [Abstract]
Interest cost incurred	(3,167,000)		(9,318,000)	(6,442,000)			(16,050,000)
Interest costs, capitalized during period												736,000	769,000	1,046,000	2,822,000	1,556,000	1,177,000	3,771,000	4,936,000
Interest expense, net	(875,000)		(7,372,000)	(1,625,000)			(8,292,000)
Project Assets - Noncurrent:
Project assets - land	810,000			810,000						9,164,000
Project assets - development costs	251,835,000			251,835,000						157,489,000
Project assets - construction costs	71,827,000			71,827,000						192,171,000
project assets, completed projects, noncurrent	205,283,000			205,283,000						0
Project Assets Noncurrent	529,755,000			529,755,000						358,824,000
Deferred Project Costs [Abstract]
Deferred Project Costs, Current	1,004,778,000			1,004,778,000						21,390,000
Deferred Project Costs, Noncurrent	29,396,000			29,396,000						486,654,000
Total deferred project costs	1,034,174,000			1,034,174,000						508,044,000
Note Receivable [Abstract]
Notes receivable initial available amount																																										17,500,000
Note receivable, percentage bearing fixed interest rate																																									8.00%				6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date																																									Dec. 31, 2026
Notes receivable balance included in other assets																																									7,000,000
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Employee-related Liabilities, Current	41,552,000			41,552,000						105,677,000
Accrued property, plant, and equipment	22,131,000			22,131,000						20,564,000
Accrued inventory and balance of system parts	55,910,000			55,910,000						52,408,000
Accrued Project Assets and Deferred Project Costs	85,989,000			85,989,000						76,133,000
Product warranty liability	62,989,000			62,989,000						90,581,000
Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses	64,252,000	[3]		64,252,000	[3]					75,020,000	[3]
Other accrued expenses	58,941,000			58,941,000						134,050,000
Accrued expenses	391,764,000			391,764,000						554,433,000
Other current liabilities
Derivative instruments	4,759,000			4,759,000						5,825,000
Deferred tax liabilities	0			0						2,226,000
Billings in Excess of Cost, Current	4,044,000	[4]		4,044,000	[4]					2,422,000	[4]
Payments and billings for deferred project costs	1,116,670,000			1,116,670,000						94,535,000
Other liabilities - current	52,346,000			52,346,000						21,824,000
Other current liabilities	61,149,000			61,149,000						32,297,000
Other liabilities:
Product warranty liability								126,268,000		101,015,000
Other taxes payable								117,542,000		102,599,000
Billings in Excess of Cost, Noncurrent								45,334,000	[4]	47,623,000	[4]
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent								85,727,000		40,979,000
Other liabilities	374,871,000			374,871,000				374,871,000		292,216,000
Repayment of Economic Development Funding						6,300,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage																																											50.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage by Third Party																																											50.00%
Note receivable affiliate	0			0						17,725,000																																		13,400,000
total project assets and deferred project costs	1,563,929,000			1,563,929,000						866,868,000
Proceeds from Interest Received				3,724,000			2,970,000																																					1,100,000
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(5,700,000)			(5,700,000)						(5,404,000)
Intangible Assets, Net	$ 43,239,000			$ 43,239,000						$ 3,735,000

[1] We purchase a critical raw material that is used in our core production process in quantities that exceed anticipated consumption within our operating cycle (which is 12 months). We classify the raw materials that we do not expect to be consumed within our operating cycle as noncurrent.

[2] Consists of machinery and equipment (“stored assets”) that were originally purchased for installation in our previously planned manufacturing capacity expansions. We intend to install and place the stored assets into service when such assets are required or beneficial to our existing installed manufacturing capacity or when market demand supports additional or market specific manufacturing capacity. As the stored assets are neither in the condition or location to produce modules as intended, we will not begin depreciation until such assets are placed into service. The stored assets are evaluated for impairment under a held and used impairment model whenever events or changes in business circumstances arise, including consideration of technological obsolescence, that may indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We ceased the capitalization of interest on such stored assets once they were physically received from the related machinery and equipment suppliers.

[3] Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses consists primarily of commitments to certain customers, each related to the manufacturing excursion occurring during the period between June 2008 to June 2009 (“2008-2009 manufacturing excursion”), whereby certain modules manufactured during that time period may experience premature power loss once installed in the field. Additionally, included in such accrued expenses are commitments to certain customers related to a workmanship issue potentially affecting solar modules manufactured between October 2008 to June 2009, as a limited number of the modules manufactured during that time utilized a new material and process to attach the cord plate (junction box) to the module which may not adhere securely over time. Our best estimate for such remediation programs is based on evaluation and consideration of currently available information, including the estimated number of potentially affected modules in the field, historical experience related to our remediation efforts, customer-provided data related to potentially affected systems, the estimated costs of performing the removal, replacement and logistical services and the post-sale expenses covered under our remediation program. If any of our estimates prove incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses.

[4] Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represents billings made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Typically, billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement and the timing of revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer.

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Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Surety Bonds	$ 40.8
Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	40.1
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	600.0
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	0
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	446.1
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	600.0
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 153.9

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Note 17. Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

Comprehensive income (loss), which includes foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, the impact of which, has been excluded from net income (loss) and reflected as components of stockholders’ equity, was as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income	$	33,598		$	110,983
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,500			(9,795		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period (net of tax of $1,307 and $(1,447), respectively)	(17,029		)	12,629
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (loss) (net of tax of $0 and $0, respectively)	—			(3		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments	(17,029		)	12,626
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the period (net of tax of $5 and $(1,145) , respectively)	(305		)	(1,644		)
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (net of tax of $0 and $17, respectively)	3,214			4,229
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	2,909			2,585
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,620		)	5,416
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	20,978		$	116,399

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$	92,740		$	(338,433	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,577		)	3,714
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period (net of tax of $2,241 and $(711), respectively)	(27,370		)	8,578
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (loss) (net of tax of $0 and $0, respectively)	—			(16		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments	(27,370		)	8,562
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the period (net of tax of $(1,101) and $1,104, respectively)	1,220			(7,303		)
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (loss) (net of tax of $3,476 and $1,774, respectively)	(4,157		)	(5,412		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	(2,937		)	(12,715		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(31,884		)	(439		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	60,856		$	(338,872	)

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

Components and details of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

Components of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(38,485	)	$	51,243		$	(2,579	)	$	10,179
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,577		)	(27,370		)	1,220			(27,727		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			(4,157		)	(4,157		)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	(1,577		)	(27,370		)	(2,937		)	(31,884		)
Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	(40,062	)	$	23,873		$	(5,516	)	$	(21,705	)

Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amount Reclassified						Income Statement Line Item
	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2013
Gains and (losses) on derivative contracts
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	$	—		$	13,115		Net sales
Interest Rate and Cross Currency Swap Contracts	(302		)	(596		)	Interest expense
Cross Currency Swap Contracts	(2,912		)	(4,886		)	Foreign currency gain (loss)
	(3,214		)	7,633			Total before tax
	—			3,476			Tax expense
	$	(3,214	)	$	4,157		Total net of tax

Components of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	(48,381	)	$	24,431		$	18,913		$	(5,037	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,714			8,578			(7,303		)	4,989
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(16		)	(5,412		)	(5,428		)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	3,714			8,562			(12,715		)	(439		)
Balance as of June 30, 2012	$	(44,667	)	$	32,993		$	6,198		$	(5,476	)

Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amount Reclassified						Income Statement Line Item
	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2012			June 30, 2012
Gains and (losses) on marketable securities and restricted investments
	$	3		$	16		Other income (expense), net
	—			—			Tax expense
	3			16			Total net of tax
Gains and (losses) on derivative contracts
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	3,385			10,095			Net sales
Interest Rate and Cross Currency Swap Contracts	(2,215		)	(2,530		)	Interest expense
Cross Currency Swap Contract	(5,382		)	(379		)	Foreign currency gain (loss)
	(4,212		)	7,186			Total before tax
	17			1,774			Tax expense
	$	(4,229	)	$	5,412		Total net of tax

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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. 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 our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Significant estimates in these condensed consolidated financial statements include percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, estimates of future cash flows from and the economic useful lives of long-lived assets, certain accrued liabilities, income taxes and tax valuation allowances, reportable segment allocations, product warranties and manufacturing excursions, accrued collection and recycling expense, applying the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and goodwill. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and reasonable assumptions, actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.

Revenue Recognition Long-Term Contracts Policy

Revenue Recognition — Systems Business. We recognize revenue for arrangements entered into by our systems business generally using two revenue recognition models, following the guidance in ASC 605, Accounting for Long-term Construction Contracts or, for arrangements which include land or land rights, ASC 360, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.

For systems business sales arrangements that do not include land or land rights and thus are accounted for under ASC 605, we use the percentage-of-completion method, as described further below, using actual costs incurred over total estimated costs to develop and construct a project (including module costs) as our standard accounting policy, unless we cannot make reasonably dependable estimates of the costs to complete the contract, in which case we would use the completed contract method.

For systems business sales arrangements that are accounted for under ASC 360, where we convey control of land or land rights, we record the sale as revenue using one of the following revenue recognition methods, based upon evaluation of the substance and form of the terms and conditions of such real estate sales arrangements:

(i) We apply the percentage-of-completion method, as further described below, to certain real estate sales arrangements covered under ASC 360, when a sale has been consummated, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met, we have the ability to estimate our costs and progress toward completion, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. The initial and continuing investment requirements, which demonstrate a buyer’s commitment to honor their obligations for the sales arrangement, can typically be met through the receipt of cash or an irrevocable letter of credit from a highly credit worthy lending institution. When evaluating whether the usual risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer, we consider whether we have or may be contingently required to have any prohibited forms of continuing involvement with the project. Prohibited forms of continuing involvement in a real estate sales arrangement may include us retaining risks or rewards associated with the project that are not customary with the range of risks or rewards that an engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) contractor may assume.

(ii) Depending on whether the initial and continuing investment requirements have been met, and whether collectability from the buyer is reasonably assured, we may align our revenue recognition and release of project assets or deferred project costs to cost of sales with the receipt of payment from the buyer if the sale has been consummated and we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer.

(iii) We may also record revenue for certain sales arrangements after construction of discrete portions of a project or after the entire project is substantially complete, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, and we have received substantially all payments due from the buyer or the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met.

For any systems business sales arrangements containing multiple deliverables (including our solar modules) not required to be accounted for under ASC 360 (real estate) or ASC 605 (long-term construction contracts), we analyze each activity within the sales arrangement to ensure that we adhere to the separation guidelines of ASC 605 for multiple-element arrangements. We allocate revenue for any transactions involving multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on its relative selling price, and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when all revenue recognition criteria for a unit of accounting have been met.

Revenue Recognition - Percentage-of-Completion. In applying the percentage-of-completion method, we use the actual costs incurred relative to estimated costs to complete (including module costs) in order to estimate the progress towards completion to determine the amount of revenue and profit to recognize. Incurred costs include all installed direct materials, installed solar modules, labor, subcontractor costs, and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, and tools. We recognize direct material and solar module costs as incurred costs when the direct materials and solar modules have been installed in the project. When contracts specify that title to direct materials and solar modules transfers to the customer before installation has been performed, we will not recognize revenue or associated costs until those materials are installed and have met all other revenue recognition requirements. We consider direct materials and solar modules to be installed when they are permanently placed or fitted to a solar power system as required by engineering designs. Solar modules manufactured by us that will be used in our solar power systems, which we still hold title to, remain within inventory until such modules are installed in a solar power system.

The percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition requires us to make estimates of contract revenues and costs to complete our projects. In making such estimates, management judgments are required to evaluate significant assumptions including the cost of materials and labor, expected labor productivity, the impact of potential variances in schedule completion, the amount of net contract revenues and the impact of any penalties, claims, change orders, or performance incentives.

If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the contract revenues, we recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of the revisions to estimates related to contract revenues and costs to complete contracts, including penalties, incentive awards, claims, change orders, anticipated losses and others are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the changes on future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since revenue was initially recognized under the contract. Such revisions could occur in any reporting period and the effects may be material depending on the size of the contracts or changes in estimate.

Revenue Recognition - Components Business. Our components business sells solar modules directly to third party solar power system integrators and operators. We recognize revenue for module sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the module has occurred and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and the collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Under this policy, we record a trade receivable for the selling price of our module and reduce inventory for the cost of goods sold when delivery occurs in accordance with the terms of the sales contracts. Our customers typically do not have extended payment terms or rights of return for our products. We account for rebates or other customer incentives as a reduction to the selling price of our solar modules at the time of sale; and therefore, as a reduction to revenue.

Ventures and Variable Interest Entities

Ventures and Variable Interest Entities. In the normal course of business we establish wholly owned project companies which may be considered variable interest entities.  We consolidate wholly owned variable interest entities, even if there are other variable interests in such entities, as we are considered the primary beneficiary of such entities.  Additionally, we have and may in the future form joint venture type arrangements (“ventures”), including partnerships and partially owned limited liability companies or similar legal structures, with one or more third parties primarily to develop and build specific or a pipeline of solar power projects. These types of ventures are core to our business and long-term strategy related to providing solar photovoltaic (“PV”) generation solutions using our modules to sustainable geographic markets. In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidations, we analyze all of our ventures and classify them into two groups: (i) ventures that must be consolidated because they are either not variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and we hold the majority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary; and (ii) ventures that do not need to be consolidated and are accounted for under either the equity or cost methods of accounting because they are either not VIEs and we hold a minority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are not the primary beneficiary.

Ventures are considered VIEs if (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support; (ii) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the ability to make certain decisions, the obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive expected residual returns; or (iii) an equity investor has voting rights that are disproportionate to its economic interest and substantially all of the entity’s activities are on behalf of the investor. Our venture agreements typically require some form of project development capital or project equity ranging from amounts necessary to obtain a power purchase agreements (“PPA”) (or similar power off-take agreement) to a pro-rata portion of the total equity required to develop and complete construction of a project, depending upon the opportunity and the market our ventures are in. Our limited number of ventures as of June 30, 2013 and future ventures of a similar nature are typically VIEs because the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the ventures to finance their activities without additional financial support.

We are considered the primary beneficiary of and are required to consolidate a VIE if we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact that VIE’s economic performance, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of that VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If we determine that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the venture, then we are not primary beneficiary of the VIE.

We account for our unconsolidated ventures using either the equity or cost methods of accounting depending upon whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence over a venture. We consider the participating and protective rights we have as well as the legal form of the venture when evaluating whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence, which requires us to apply the equity method of accounting.

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Note 20. Subsequent Events (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

20. Subsequent Events

On August 5, 2013, First Solar acquired all of the cadmium telluride PV specific intellectual property assets (the “Intellectual Property”) of General Electric Company (“GE”) pursuant to a Master Transaction Agreement and an Intellectual Property Purchase Agreement (the “Agreements”), by and between First Solar and GE and certain of their subsidiaries. Pursuant to the Agreements, First Solar received the Intellectual Property and GE received 1,750,000 shares of First Solar common stock, which had a market value of $83.8 million on August 5, 2013.

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Note 7. Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) - Available For Sale (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	$ 356,899	$ 102,457
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	78	155
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	362	34
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	356,615	102,578
Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	26,190	4,138
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	1	4
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	26,191	4,142
US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	3,497	2,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	0	4
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	1	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	3,496	2,004
Restricted Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	244,406	241,718
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	31,469	59,498
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	849	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	275,026	301,216
Contractual Maturities Of Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Range Start	15 years	15 years
Contractual Maturities Of Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Range End	24 years	24 years
Restricted Investments [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	189,780	188,350
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	27,910	47,921
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	217,690	236,271
Restricted Investments [Member] | US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	54,626	53,368
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	3,559	11,577
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	849	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	$ 57,336	$ 64,945

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Note 12. Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities that we measure on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Commercial paper	$	3,199	$	—	$	3,199	$	—
Money market funds	43,367		43,367		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper	5,097		—		5,097		—
Corporate debt securities	137,704		—		137,704		—
Federal agency debt	25,813		—		25,813		—
Foreign agency debt	110,641		—		110,641		—
Foreign government obligations	26,191		—		26,191		—
Supranational debt	47,673		—		47,673		—
U.S. government obligations	3,496		—		3,496		—
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	275,026		—		275,026		—
Derivative assets	3,079		—		3,079		—
Total assets	$	681,286	$	43,367	$	637,919	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	8,315	$	—	$	8,315	$	—

	As of December 31, 2012
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Commercial paper	$	1,500	$	—	$	1,500	$	—
Money market funds	10,729		10,729		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper	1,698		—		1,698		—
Corporate debt securities	23,384		—		23,384		—
Federal agency debt	29,936		—		29,936		—
Foreign agency debt	7,233		—		7,233		—
Foreign government obligations	4,142		—		4,142		—
Supranational debt	34,181		—		34,181		—
U.S. government obligations	2,004		—		2,004		—
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	301,216		—		301,216		—
Derivative assets	7,230		—		7,230		—
Total assets	$	423,253	$	10,729	$	412,524	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	8,401	$	—	$	8,401	$	—

Fair value by balance sheet grouping

The carrying values and fair values of our financial and derivative instruments at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Assets:
Marketable securities	$	356,615	$	356,615	$	102,578	$	102,578
Foreign exchange forward contract assets	$	3,079	$	3,079	$	7,230	$	7,230
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	$	275,026	$	275,026	$	301,216	$	301,216
Note receivable, affiliate	$	—	$	—	$	17,725	$	17,723
Notes receivable — noncurrent	$	9,121	$	9,029	$	9,260	$	9,371
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	255,764	$	257,748	$	562,572	$	565,879
Interest rate swap contract liabilities	$	960	$	960	$	1,467	$	1,467
Cross-currency swap contract liabilities	$	3,624	$	3,624	$	1,898	$	1,898
Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities	$	3,731	$	3,731	$	5,036	$	5,036

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Note 19. Segment Reporting (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

Financial information about our operating segments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2013							June 30, 2012
	Components			Systems		Total		Components			Systems		Total
Net sales	$	192,908		$	326,852	$	519,760	$	287,681		$	669,651	$	957,332
Gross profit	$	(8,193	)	$	148,291	$	140,098	$	(10,352	)	$	254,093	$	243,741
(Loss) income before income taxes	$	(67,348	)	$	108,410	$	41,062	$	(92,917	)	$	228,264	$	135,347
Goodwill	$	6,097		$	68,833	$	74,930	$	—		$	65,444	$	65,444
Total assets	$	4,140,842		$	2,727,284	$	6,868,126	$	3,565,152		$	1,922,182	$	5,487,334
	Six Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013							June 30, 2012
	Components			Systems		Total		Components			Systems		Total
Net sales	$	549,504		$	725,461	$	1,274,965	$	455,811		$	998,576	$	1,454,387
Gross profit	$	3,416		$	306,008	$	309,424	$	(32,811	)	$	353,297	$	320,486
(Loss) income before income taxes	$	(116,886	)	$	224,137	$	107,251	$	(606,371	)	$	285,232	$	(321,139	)
Goodwill	$	6,097		$	68,833	$	74,930	$	—		$	65,444	$	65,444
Total assets	$	4,140,842		$	2,727,284	$	6,868,126	$	3,565,152		$	1,922,182	$	5,487,334

Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services

Product Revenue

The following table sets forth the total amounts of solar modules and solar power systems net sales recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012. For the purposes of the following table, (i) Solar module revenue is composed of total revenues from the sale of solar modules to third parties, which excludes any solar modules installed in our systems segment product or service offerings and (ii) Solar power system revenue is composed of total revenues from the sale of our solar power systems and related products and services including the solar modules installed in such solar power systems.

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Solar module revenue	$	81,304	$	54,598	$	274,554	$	122,007
Solar power system revenue	438,456		902,734		1,000,411		1,332,380
Net sales	$	519,760	$	957,332	$	1,274,965	$	1,454,387

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Note 10. Equity Offering (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 18, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	9,747,000	97,629,891		87,145,323
Share Price	$ 46.00
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	$ 428,200,000	$ 430,368,000	$ 0
Investment Banking, Advisory, Brokerage, and Underwriting Fees and Commissions	17,900,000
Deferred Offering Costs	$ 2,200,000

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Note 8. Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Basic net income (loss) per share
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	33,598	$	110,983	$	92,740	$	(338,433	)
Denominator:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding	89,201		86,855		88,209		86,681
Diluted net income (loss) per share
Denominator:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding	89,201		86,855		88,209		86,681
Effect of stock options, restricted and performance stock units, and stock purchase plan shares	1,941		798		2,056		—
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	91,142		87,653		90,265		86,681

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Per share information — basic:
Net income (loss) per share	$	0.38	$	1.28	$	1.05	$	(3.90	)
Per share information — diluted:
Net income (loss) per share	$	0.37	$	1.27	$	1.03	$	(3.90	)

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

The following number of outstanding employee stock options, restricted and performance stock units and stock purchase plan shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 as they would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013	June 30, 2012	June 30, 2013	June 30, 2012
Anti-dilutive shares	91	3,681	107	2,324

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Note 19. Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 segments	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments			2
Net sales	$ 519,760	$ 957,332	$ 1,274,965	$ 1,454,387
Gross profit	140,098	243,741	309,424	320,486
Income (loss) before income taxes	41,062	135,347	107,251	(321,139)
Goodwill	74,930	65,444	74,930	65,444	65,444
Total assets	6,868,126	5,487,334	6,868,126	5,487,334	6,348,692
Components Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	192,908	287,681	549,504	455,811
Gross profit	(8,193)	(10,352)	3,416	(32,811)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(67,348)	(92,917)	(116,886)	(606,371)
Goodwill	6,097	0	6,097	0
Total assets	4,140,842	3,565,152	4,140,842	3,565,152
Systems Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	326,852	669,651	725,461	998,576
Gross profit	148,291	254,093	306,008	353,297
Income (loss) before income taxes	108,410	228,264	224,137	285,232
Goodwill	68,833	65,444	68,833	65,444
Total assets	2,727,284	1,922,182	2,727,284	1,922,182
Solar Module [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	81,304	54,598	274,554	122,007
Solar Power System [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 438,456	$ 902,734	$ 1,000,411	$ 1,332,380

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Note 18. Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$ 92,740	$ (338,433)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	116,084	138,229
Impairment of long-lived assets	4,300	350,213
Impairment of project assets	0	3,227
Share-based compensation	23,918	6,933
Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities	(6,935)	(561)
Deferred income taxes	(7,769)	4,896
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	(55,695)	(66,853)
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	0	2,260
Gain on sales of marketable securities, and restricted investments, net	0	(16)
Other operating activities	(2,903)	18
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade and unbilled	341,357	114,592
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	93,438	94,214
Other assets	449	83,977
Inventories and balance of systems parts	75,120	(280,027)
Project assets and deferred project costs	(670,456)	82,412
Accounts payable	(129,314)	28,018
Income taxes payable	28,256	37,959
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	350,203	132,350
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	36,035	18,927
Total adjustments	196,088	750,768
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 288,828	$ 412,335

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Note 6. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 928,657	$ 901,294	$ 630,240	$ 605,619
Marketable securities	356,615	102,578
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	1,285,272	1,003,872
Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	5,097	1,698
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	137,704	23,384
Federal Agency Debt [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	25,813	29,936
Foreign Agency Debt [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	110,641	7,233
Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	26,191	4,142
Supranational Debt [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	47,673	34,181
US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	3,496	2,004
Cash [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	882,091	889,065
Commercial Paper [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3,199	1,500
Money Market Funds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 43,367	$ 10,729

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Note 19. Segment Reporting

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

19. Segment Reporting

We operate our business in two segments. Our components segment involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules which convert sunlight into electricity. Third-party customers of our components segment include project developers, system integrators, and owners and operators of photovoltaic (“PV”) solar power systems.

Our second segment is our fully integrated systems business (“systems segment”), through which we provide a complete turn-key PV solar power systems, or solar solutions that draw upon our capabilities, which include (i) project development, (ii) EPC services, (iii) operating and maintenance (“O&M”) services, and (iv) project finance expertise. We may provide our full EPC service or any combination of individual products and services within our EPC capabilities depending upon the customer and market opportunity. All of our systems segment products and services are for PV solar power systems which use our solar modules, and such products and services are sold directly to investor owned utilities, independent power developers and producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners.

In our operating segment financial disclosures, we include an allocation of sales value for all solar modules manufactured by our components segment and installed in projects sold or built by our systems segment in the net sales of our components segment. In the gross profit of our operating segment disclosures, we include the corresponding cost of sales value for the solar modules installed in projects sold or built by our systems segment in the components segment. The cost of solar modules is comprised of the manufactured cost incurred by our components segment.

Refer to Note 25. “Segment and Geographical Information,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for a complete discussion of our segment reporting.

Financial information about our operating segments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2013							June 30, 2012
	Components			Systems		Total		Components			Systems		Total
Net sales	$	192,908		$	326,852	$	519,760	$	287,681		$	669,651	$	957,332
Gross profit	$	(8,193	)	$	148,291	$	140,098	$	(10,352	)	$	254,093	$	243,741
(Loss) income before income taxes	$	(67,348	)	$	108,410	$	41,062	$	(92,917	)	$	228,264	$	135,347
Goodwill	$	6,097		$	68,833	$	74,930	$	—		$	65,444	$	65,444
Total assets	$	4,140,842		$	2,727,284	$	6,868,126	$	3,565,152		$	1,922,182	$	5,487,334
	Six Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013							June 30, 2012
	Components			Systems		Total		Components			Systems		Total
Net sales	$	549,504		$	725,461	$	1,274,965	$	455,811		$	998,576	$	1,454,387
Gross profit	$	3,416		$	306,008	$	309,424	$	(32,811	)	$	353,297	$	320,486
(Loss) income before income taxes	$	(116,886	)	$	224,137	$	107,251	$	(606,371	)	$	285,232	$	(321,139	)
Goodwill	$	6,097		$	68,833	$	74,930	$	—		$	65,444	$	65,444
Total assets	$	4,140,842		$	2,727,284	$	6,868,126	$	3,565,152		$	1,922,182	$	5,487,334

Product Revenue

The following table sets forth the total amounts of solar modules and solar power systems net sales recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012. For the purposes of the following table, (i) Solar module revenue is composed of total revenues from the sale of solar modules to third parties, which excludes any solar modules installed in our systems segment product or service offerings and (ii) Solar power system revenue is composed of total revenues from the sale of our solar power systems and related products and services including the solar modules installed in such solar power systems.

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Solar module revenue	$	81,304	$	54,598	$	274,554	$	122,007
Solar power system revenue	438,456		902,734		1,000,411		1,332,380
Net sales	$	519,760	$	957,332	$	1,274,965	$	1,454,387

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash received from customers	$ 2,050,622	$ 1,639,136
Cash paid to suppliers and associates	(1,709,914)	(1,169,399)
Interest received	3,724	2,970
Interest paid	(5,974)	(18,030)
Income tax refunds (payments), net	5,976	25,561
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	(55,695)	(66,853)
Other operating activities	89	(1,050)
Net cash provided by operating activities	288,828	412,335
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(156,856)	(281,972)
Purchases of marketable securities	(316,285)	(14,446)
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities	60,766	83,367
Investment in note receivable, affiliate	0	(21,883)
Payments received on note receivable, affiliate	17,108	0
Purchase of restricted investments	0	(80,667)
Change in restricted cash	5,136	21,547
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(30,745)	(2,437)
Purchase of equity and cost method investments	(14,894)	0
Other investing activities	(1,850)	(4,812)
Net cash used in investing activities	(437,620)	(301,303)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(635,876)	(735,296)
Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs	335,000	590,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	55,695	66,853
Repayment of economic development funding	(8,315)	(6,820)
Proceeds from equity offering, net of issuance costs	430,368	0
Other financing activities	349	(643)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	177,221	(85,906)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,066)	(505)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	27,363	24,621
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	901,294	605,619
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	928,657	630,240
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities	57,681	61,615
Acquisitions funded by liabilities and contingent consideration	$ 22,780	$ 0

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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates. 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 our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Significant estimates in these condensed consolidated financial statements include percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, estimates of future cash flows from and the economic useful lives of long-lived assets, certain accrued liabilities, income taxes and tax valuation allowances, reportable segment allocations, product warranties and manufacturing excursions, accrued collection and recycling expense, applying the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and goodwill. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and reasonable assumptions, actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.

Revenue Recognition — Systems Business. We recognize revenue for arrangements entered into by our systems business generally using two revenue recognition models, following the guidance in ASC 605, Accounting for Long-term Construction Contracts or, for arrangements which include land or land rights, ASC 360, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.

For systems business sales arrangements that do not include land or land rights and thus are accounted for under ASC 605, we use the percentage-of-completion method, as described further below, using actual costs incurred over total estimated costs to develop and construct a project (including module costs) as our standard accounting policy, unless we cannot make reasonably dependable estimates of the costs to complete the contract, in which case we would use the completed contract method.

For systems business sales arrangements that are accounted for under ASC 360, where we convey control of land or land rights, we record the sale as revenue using one of the following revenue recognition methods, based upon evaluation of the substance and form of the terms and conditions of such real estate sales arrangements:

(i) We apply the percentage-of-completion method, as further described below, to certain real estate sales arrangements covered under ASC 360, when a sale has been consummated, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met, we have the ability to estimate our costs and progress toward completion, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. The initial and continuing investment requirements, which demonstrate a buyer’s commitment to honor their obligations for the sales arrangement, can typically be met through the receipt of cash or an irrevocable letter of credit from a highly credit worthy lending institution. When evaluating whether the usual risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer, we consider whether we have or may be contingently required to have any prohibited forms of continuing involvement with the project. Prohibited forms of continuing involvement in a real estate sales arrangement may include us retaining risks or rewards associated with the project that are not customary with the range of risks or rewards that an engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) contractor may assume.

(ii) Depending on whether the initial and continuing investment requirements have been met, and whether collectability from the buyer is reasonably assured, we may align our revenue recognition and release of project assets or deferred project costs to cost of sales with the receipt of payment from the buyer if the sale has been consummated and we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer.

(iii) We may also record revenue for certain sales arrangements after construction of discrete portions of a project or after the entire project is substantially complete, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, and we have received substantially all payments due from the buyer or the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met.

For any systems business sales arrangements containing multiple deliverables (including our solar modules) not required to be accounted for under ASC 360 (real estate) or ASC 605 (long-term construction contracts), we analyze each activity within the sales arrangement to ensure that we adhere to the separation guidelines of ASC 605 for multiple-element arrangements. We allocate revenue for any transactions involving multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on its relative selling price, and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when all revenue recognition criteria for a unit of accounting have been met.

Revenue Recognition - Percentage-of-Completion. In applying the percentage-of-completion method, we use the actual costs incurred relative to estimated costs to complete (including module costs) in order to estimate the progress towards completion to determine the amount of revenue and profit to recognize. Incurred costs include all installed direct materials, installed solar modules, labor, subcontractor costs, and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, and tools. We recognize direct material and solar module costs as incurred costs when the direct materials and solar modules have been installed in the project. When contracts specify that title to direct materials and solar modules transfers to the customer before installation has been performed, we will not recognize revenue or associated costs until those materials are installed and have met all other revenue recognition requirements. We consider direct materials and solar modules to be installed when they are permanently placed or fitted to a solar power system as required by engineering designs. Solar modules manufactured by us that will be used in our solar power systems, which we still hold title to, remain within inventory until such modules are installed in a solar power system.

The percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition requires us to make estimates of contract revenues and costs to complete our projects. In making such estimates, management judgments are required to evaluate significant assumptions including the cost of materials and labor, expected labor productivity, the impact of potential variances in schedule completion, the amount of net contract revenues and the impact of any penalties, claims, change orders, or performance incentives.

If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the contract revenues, we recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of the revisions to estimates related to contract revenues and costs to complete contracts, including penalties, incentive awards, claims, change orders, anticipated losses and others are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the changes on future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since revenue was initially recognized under the contract. Such revisions could occur in any reporting period and the effects may be material depending on the size of the contracts or changes in estimate.

Revenue Recognition - Components Business. Our components business sells solar modules directly to third party solar power system integrators and operators. We recognize revenue for module sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the module has occurred and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and the collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Under this policy, we record a trade receivable for the selling price of our module and reduce inventory for the cost of goods sold when delivery occurs in accordance with the terms of the sales contracts. Our customers typically do not have extended payment terms or rights of return for our products. We account for rebates or other customer incentives as a reduction to the selling price of our solar modules at the time of sale; and therefore, as a reduction to revenue.

Ventures and Variable Interest Entities. In the normal course of business we establish wholly owned project companies which may be considered variable interest entities.  We consolidate wholly owned variable interest entities, even if there are other variable interests in such entities, as we are considered the primary beneficiary of such entities.  Additionally, we have and may in the future form joint venture type arrangements (“ventures”), including partnerships and partially owned limited liability companies or similar legal structures, with one or more third parties primarily to develop and build specific or a pipeline of solar power projects. These types of ventures are core to our business and long-term strategy related to providing solar photovoltaic (“PV”) generation solutions using our modules to sustainable geographic markets. In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidations, we analyze all of our ventures and classify them into two groups: (i) ventures that must be consolidated because they are either not variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and we hold the majority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary; and (ii) ventures that do not need to be consolidated and are accounted for under either the equity or cost methods of accounting because they are either not VIEs and we hold a minority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are not the primary beneficiary.

Ventures are considered VIEs if (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support; (ii) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the ability to make certain decisions, the obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive expected residual returns; or (iii) an equity investor has voting rights that are disproportionate to its economic interest and substantially all of the entity’s activities are on behalf of the investor. Our venture agreements typically require some form of project development capital or project equity ranging from amounts necessary to obtain a power purchase agreements (“PPA”) (or similar power off-take agreement) to a pro-rata portion of the total equity required to develop and complete construction of a project, depending upon the opportunity and the market our ventures are in. Our limited number of ventures as of June 30, 2013 and future ventures of a similar nature are typically VIEs because the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the ventures to finance their activities without additional financial support.

We are considered the primary beneficiary of and are required to consolidate a VIE if we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact that VIE’s economic performance, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of that VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If we determine that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the venture, then we are not primary beneficiary of the VIE.

We account for our unconsolidated ventures using either the equity or cost methods of accounting depending upon whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence over a venture. We consider the participating and protective rights we have as well as the legal form of the venture when evaluating whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence, which requires us to apply the equity method of accounting. Income from ventures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was immaterial to the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Refer to Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for a more complete summary of our significant accounting policies.

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Note 5. Acquistions

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

5. Acquisitions

TetraSun

In April 2013, we acquired 100%, of the stock not previously owned by us, of TetraSun, Inc. (“TetraSun”), a development stage company that is in advanced stages of developing high efficiency crystalline silicon technology that is expected to provide improvements in performance relative to conventional crystalline silicon solar modules.

The all-cash acquisition was not material to our historical condensed consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows. We have included the financial results of TetraSun in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.

In connection with applying the acquisition method of accounting, $39.1 million of the purchase price consideration was assigned to an in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) intangible asset that will be amortized over its useful life upon successful completion of the project or expensed earlier if impaired and $6.1 million was assigned to goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of the underlying net tangible and intangible assets.

Solar Chile

In January 2013, we acquired 100% of the ownership interest of Solar Chile S.A. (“Solar Chile”), a Chilean-based solar project development company with substantially all of its assets being a portfolio of early to mid-stage utility-scale PV power projects in northern Chile, in an all-cash transaction which was not material to our historical condensed consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows. We have included the financial results of Solar Chile in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.

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Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, updated by ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which requires companies to disclose information about financial instruments that have been offset and related arrangements to enable users of their financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on their financial position. Companies will be required to provide both net (offset amounts) and gross information in the notes to the financial statements for relevant assets and liabilities that are offset. ASU 2011-11, as amended by ASU 2013-01, is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2011-11, as amended by ASU 2013-01, in the first quarter of 2013, did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. ASU 2012-02 gives companies an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate it is more-likely-than-not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset (excluding goodwill) is impaired. If based on its qualitative assessment, a company concludes that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, quantitative impairment testing is required. However, if a company concludes otherwise, quantitative impairment testing is not required. ASU 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2012-02, in the first quarter of 2013, did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2013-02 supersedes and replaces the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASUs 2011-05 and 2011-12 for all public and private organizations. The amendment requires that an entity must report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2013-02, in the first quarter of 2013, did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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Note 4. Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	18 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				18 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		18 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 February 2012 Manufacturing Restructuring [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] Asset Impairment and Related Costs [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] Asset Impairment Related Costs [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] Asset Impairment Related Costs [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] Employee Severance [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] Employee Severance [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] Employee Severance [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] Grant Repayments [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] Grant Repayments [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] Grant Repayments [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 GERMANY April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] production_line	Jun. 30, 2013 MALAYSIA April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] production_line	Jun. 30, 2013 OHIO April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member] production_line
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Charges to Income	$ 2,381,000	$ 19,000,000	$ 4,728,000	$ 420,065,000		$ 3,355,000	$ 2,347,000	$ 4,728,000	$ 342,000,000	$ 253,000,000	$ 2,170,000	$ 0	$ 1,185,000	$ 2,347,000	$ 63,200,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 30,500,000
Number of Production Lines																				8	24	4
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost																			1,000,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period					5,100,000	29,754,000	50,742,000	50,742,000			9,128,000	16,625,000	20,626,000	25,717,000		0	8,400,000
Charges to Income	2,381,000	19,000,000	4,728,000	420,065,000		3,355,000	2,347,000	4,728,000	342,000,000	253,000,000	2,170,000	0	1,185,000	2,347,000	63,200,000	0	0	30,500,000
Changes to Estimates						(974,000)	0				(945,000)	0	(29,000)	0		0	0
Cash Payments						(20,160,000)	(22,228,000)				(6,597,000)	(7,193,000)	(13,563,000)	(6,720,000)		0	(8,315,000)
Non-cash Amounts including foreign exchange impact						(455,000)	(1,107,000)				(771,000)	(304,000)	316,000	(718,000)		0	(85,000)
Balance at end of period					$ 5,100,000	$ 11,520,000	$ 29,754,000	$ 11,520,000	$ 50,742,000		$ 2,985,000	$ 9,128,000	$ 8,535,000	$ 20,626,000	$ 8,535,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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Note 4. Restructuring (Tables) (April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member])

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

April 2012 European Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost

The following table summarizes the April 2012 European restructuring amounts remaining as of December 31, 2012, amounts recorded to restructuring expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, and the remaining balance at June 30, 2013 (in thousands):

April 2012 European Restructuring	Asset Impairments and Related Costs			Severance and Termination Related Costs			Grant Repayments			Total
Ending Balance at December 31, 2012	$	16,625		$	25,717		$	8,400		$	50,742
Charges to Income	—			2,347			—			2,347
Change in Estimates	—			—			—			—
Cash Payments	(7,193		)	(6,720		)	(8,315		)	(22,228		)
Non-Cash Amounts Including Foreign Exchange Impact	(304		)	(718		)	(85		)	(1,107		)
Ending Balance at March 31, 2013	9,128			20,626			—			29,754
Charges to Income	2,170			1,185			—			3,355
Change in Estimates	(945		)	(29		)	—			(974		)
Cash Payments	(6,597		)	(13,563		)	—			(20,160		)
Non-Cash Amounts Including Foreign Exchange Impact	(771		)	316			—			(455		)
Ending Balance at June 30, 2013	$	2,985		$	8,535		$	—		$	11,520

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Note 9. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Consolidated Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable trade, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Accounts receivable trade, gross	$	202,109		$	568,070
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(9,529		)	(14,503		)
Accounts receivable trade, net	$	192,580		$	553,567

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $51.6 million and $104.5 million, respectively, of our Accounts receivable trade, net were secured by letters of credit, bank guarantees or other forms of financial security issued by credit worthy financial institutions.

Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage

Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Accounts receivable, unbilled	$	222,636	$	342,587
Retainage	237,802		58,400
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage	$	460,438	$	400,987

Schedule of Inventory, Current and Noncurrent

Inventories consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Raw materials	$	177,070	$	184,006
Work in process	11,672		14,868
Finished goods (solar modules)	278,187		370,422
Inventories	$	466,929	$	569,296
Inventories — current	$	334,261	$	434,921
Inventories — noncurrent (1)	$	132,668	$	134,375

(1) We purchase a critical raw material that is used in our core production process in quantities that exceed anticipated consumption within our operating cycle (which is 12 months). We classify the raw materials that we do not expect to be consumed within our operating cycle as noncurrent.

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Prepaid expenses	$	31,099	$	39,582
Derivative instruments	3,079		7,230
Deferred costs of goods sold	2,102		96,337
Other current assets	80,887		64,219
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	117,167	$	207,368

Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Buildings and improvements	$	459,280		$	446,133
Machinery and equipment	1,421,761			1,415,632
Office equipment and furniture	123,553			117,228
Leasehold improvements	47,230			49,367
Depreciable property, plant and equipment, gross	2,051,824			2,028,360
Accumulated depreciation	(852,763		)	(803,501		)
Depreciable property, plant and equipment, net	1,199,061			1,224,859
Land	22,209			22,256
Construction in progress	128,809			51,133
Stored assets (1)	210,829			227,134
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,560,908		$	1,525,382

(1) Consists of machinery and equipment (“stored assets”) that were originally purchased for installation in our previously planned manufacturing capacity expansions. We intend to install and place the stored assets into service when such assets are required or beneficial to our existing installed manufacturing capacity or when market demand supports additional or market specific manufacturing capacity. As the stored assets are neither in the condition or location to produce modules as intended, we will not begin depreciation until such assets are placed into service. The stored assets are evaluated for impairment under a held and used impairment model whenever events or changes in business circumstances arise, including consideration of technological obsolescence, that may indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We ceased the capitalization of interest on such stored assets once they were physically received from the related machinery and equipment suppliers.

Schedule of Capitalized Interest

We capitalized interest costs incurred into property, plant and equipment or project assets as follows during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Interest cost incurred	$	(3,167	)	$	(9,318	)	$	(6,442	)	$	(16,050	)
Interest cost capitalized —– property, plant and equipment	736			769			1,046			2,822
Interest cost capitalized —– project assets	1,556			1,177			3,771			4,936
Interest expense, net	$	(875	)	$	(7,372	)	$	(1,625	)	$	(8,292	)

Schedule of Project Assets Noncurrent

Project assets and deferred project costs consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Project assets — land	$	810	$	9,164
Project assets — development costs including project acquisition costs	251,835		157,489
Project assets — construction costs	71,827		192,171
Project assets — projects in commercial operation under project PPAs	205,283		—
Project assets	$	529,755	$	358,824
Deferred project costs — current	$	1,004,778	$	21,390
Deferred project costs — non-current	29,396		486,654
Deferred project costs	1,034,174		$	508,044
Total project assets and deferred project costs	$	1,563,929	$	866,868

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Intangible assets, gross	$	48,939		$	9,139
Accumulated amortization	(5,700		)	(5,404		)
Intangible assets, net	$	43,239		$	3,735

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities

Accrued expenses consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Accrued compensation, benefits and severance	$	41,552	$	105,677
Accrued property, plant and equipment	22,131		20,564
Accrued inventory and balance of systems parts	55,910		52,408
Accrued project assets and deferred project costs	85,989		76,133
Product warranty liability (Note 14)	62,989		90,581
Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses (1)	64,252		75,020
Other accrued expenses	58,941		134,050
Accrued expenses	$	391,764	$	554,433

(1) Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses consists primarily of commitments to certain customers, each related to the manufacturing excursion occurring during the period between June 2008 to June 2009 (“2008-2009 manufacturing excursion”), whereby certain modules manufactured during that time period may experience premature power loss once installed in the field. Additionally, included in such accrued expenses are commitments to certain customers related to a workmanship issue potentially affecting solar modules manufactured between October 2008 to June 2009, as a limited number of the modules manufactured during that time utilized a new material and process to attach the cord plate (junction box) to the module which may not adhere securely over time.

Our best estimate for such remediation programs is based on evaluation and consideration of currently available information, including the estimated number of potentially affected modules in the field, historical experience related to our remediation efforts, customer-provided data related to potentially affected systems, the estimated costs of performing the removal, replacement and logistical services and the post-sale expenses covered under our remediation program. If any of our estimates prove incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses.

Schedule of Other Liabilities

Other current liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Derivative instruments	$	4,759	$	5,825
Deferred tax liabilities	—		2,226
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (1)	4,044		2,422
Other	52,346		21,824
Other current liabilities	$	61,149	$	32,297

(1) Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represents billings made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Typically, billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement and the timing of revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer.

Other liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Product warranty liability	$	126,268	$	101,015
Other taxes payable	117,542		102,599
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (1)	45,334		47,623
Other	85,727		40,979
Other liabilities	$	374,871	$	292,216

(1) Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represents billings made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Typically, billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement and the timing of revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer.

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Note 15. Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs

The following table presents our share-based compensation expense by type of award for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Stock options	$	—		$	33		$	—		$	264
Restricted and performance stock units	7,244			(15,054		)	25,680			8,958
Unrestricted stock	300			186			600			361
Stock purchase plan	235			136			472			371
Net amount absorbed into inventory	(349		)	(1,962		)	(2,834		)	(3,021		)
Total share-based compensation expense	$	7,430		$	(16,661	)	$	23,918		$	6,933

The share-based compensation expense that we recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Share-based compensation expense included in:
Cost of sales	$	1,307		$	2,337		$	5,823	$	10,595
Research and development	988			914			2,921		4,135
Selling, general and administrative	5,207			(19,419		)	14,926		(8,123		)
Production start-up	(72		)	(822		)	248		(169		)
Restructuring	—			329			—		495
Total share-based compensation expense	$	7,430		$	(16,661	)	$	23,918	$	6,933

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Note 12. Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Balance Sheet Grouping (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Marketable securities	$ 356,615	$ 102,578
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Marketable securities	356,615	102,578
Foreign exchange forward contract assets	3,079	7,230
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	275,026	301,216
Note receivable, affiliate	0	17,725
Notes receivable - noncurrent	9,121	9,260
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Long-term debt, including current maturities	255,764	562,572
Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities	3,731	5,036
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Marketable securities	356,615	102,578
Foreign exchange forward contract assets	3,079	7,230
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	275,026	301,216
Note receivable, affiliate	0	17,723
Notes receivable - noncurrent	9,029	9,371
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Long-term debt, including current maturities	257,748	565,879
Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities	3,731	5,036
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Swap contract liabilities	960	1,467
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Swap contract liabilities	960	1,467
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Swap contract liabilities	3,624	1,898
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Swap contract liabilities	$ 3,624	$ 1,898

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Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value		$ 2,121
Prepiad Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	3,079	7,230
Other Liabilities Current [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(4,759)	(5,825)
Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(3,556)	(2,576)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepiad Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value	0	2,121
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Current [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(1,028)	(789)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(3,556)	(2,576)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepiad Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value	3,079	5,109
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Current [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(3,731)	(5,036)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross derivative liability (asset) offset in statement of financial position		0
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net		2,121
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		0
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash		0
Potential net amount of derivative asset (liability)		2,121
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepiad Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value		2,121
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Current [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value		0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value		0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepiad Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value	3,079	5,109
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Current [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(3,731)	(5,036)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(960)	(1,467)
Gross derivative liability (asset) offset in statement of financial position	0	0
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(960)	(1,467)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Potential net amount of derivative asset (liability)	(960)	(1,467)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepiad Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Current [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(369)	(473)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(591)	(994)
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(3,624)	(1,898)
Gross derivative liability (asset) offset in statement of financial position	0	0
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(3,624)	(1,898)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Potential net amount of derivative asset (liability)	(3,624)	(1,898)
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepiad Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value	0	0
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Current [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(659)	(316)
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	$ (2,965)	$ (1,582)

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Note 7. Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	$ 362,000	$ 34,000
Restricted Cash, Current		5,100,000
Restricted Cash, Noncurrent	157,000	184,000	[1]
Restricted Investments, Noncurrent	275,026,000	301,216,000
Restricted cash and investments	275,183,000	301,400,000
Solar Module Collection And Recycling Custodial Account	90 days
Product Minimum Service Life	25 years
Restricted Investments [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	$ 849,000	$ 0

[1] There was $5.1 million of restricted cash included within prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 31, 2012 primarily related to required cash collateral for certain letters of credit provided for projects under development in foreign jurisdictions.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$ 33,598	$ 110,983	$ 92,740	$ (338,433)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,500	(9,795)	(1,577)	3,714
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments	(17,029)	12,626	(27,370)	8,562
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	2,909	2,585	(2,937)	(12,715)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,620)	5,416	(31,884)	(439)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 20,978	$ 116,399	$ 60,856	$ (338,872)

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Note 8. Net Income (Loss) Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Income per Share

8. Net Income (Loss) per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed giving effect to all potential dilutive common stock, including employee stock options, restricted and performance stock units, stock purchase plan shares, and contingently issuable shares, unless there is a net loss for the period.

The calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Basic net income (loss) per share
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	33,598	$	110,983	$	92,740	$	(338,433	)
Denominator:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding	89,201		86,855		88,209		86,681
Diluted net income (loss) per share
Denominator:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding	89,201		86,855		88,209		86,681
Effect of stock options, restricted and performance stock units, and stock purchase plan shares	1,941		798		2,056		—
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	91,142		87,653		90,265		86,681

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Per share information — basic:
Net income (loss) per share	$	0.38	$	1.28	$	1.05	$	(3.90	)
Per share information — diluted:
Net income (loss) per share	$	0.37	$	1.27	$	1.03	$	(3.90	)

The following number of outstanding employee stock options, restricted and performance stock units and stock purchase plan shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 as they would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013	June 30, 2012	June 30, 2013	June 30, 2012
Anti-dilutive shares	91	3,681	107	2,324

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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	97,629,891	87,145,323
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	97,629,891	87,145,323

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Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Product Warranties (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Change in estimate of product warranty liability primarily as a result of the manufacturing excursion					$ 22,600,000
estimated rate or return product warranty	3.00%			3.00%
percentage point change in estimated rate of return of product warranty	0.01			0.01
Change in warranty liability resulting from hypothetical one percent change in warranty return rate	51,000,000			51,000,000
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Product warranty liability, beginning of period	185,630,000	179,454,000		191,596,000	157,742,000
Accruals for new warranties issued	7,916,000	7,636,000		18,449,000	11,613,000
Change in estimate of product warranty liability (1)	4,158,000	5,693,000	[1]	(1,378,000)	29,131,000	[1]
Settlements	(8,447,000)	(10,894,000)		(19,410,000)	(16,597,000)
Product warranty liability, end of period	189,257,000	181,889,000		189,257,000	181,889,000
Current portion of warranty liability	62,989,000	97,779,000		62,989,000	97,779,000
Noncurrent portion of warranty liability	$ 126,268,000	$ 84,110,000		$ 126,268,000	$ 84,110,000

[1] Changes in estimate of product warranty liability during the six months ended June 30, 2012 includes increases to our best estimate of $22.6 million partially related to a net increase in the expected number of replacement modules required for certain remediation efforts related to the manufacturing excursion that occurred between June 2008 and June 2009. Such estimated increase was primarily due to the completion of the analysis on certain outstanding claims as of December 31, 2011. Additionally, the remaining increase was primarily related to a change in estimate for the market value of the modules that we estimated would be returned to us under the voluntary remediation efforts that would meet the required performance standards to be re-sold as refurbished modules.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net sales	$ 519,760	$ 957,332	$ 1,274,965	$ 1,454,387
Cost of sales	379,662	713,591	965,541	1,133,901
Gross profit	140,098	243,741	309,424	320,486
Operating expenses:
Research and development	30,964	32,365	60,895	68,449
Selling, general and administrative	66,265	52,184	140,730	144,004
Production start-up	1,392	533	2,768	4,591
Restructuring	2,381	19,000	4,728	420,065
Total operating expenses	101,002	104,082	209,121	637,109
Operating income (loss)	39,096	139,659	100,303	(316,623)
Foreign currency gain (loss)	(1,068)	1,015	550	31
Interest income	3,405	3,379	8,352	6,290
Interest expense, net	(875)	(7,372)	(1,625)	(8,292)
Other expense, net	504	(1,334)	(329)	(2,545)
Income (loss) before income taxes	41,062	135,347	107,251	(321,139)
Income tax expense (benefit)	7,464	24,364	14,511	17,294
Net income (loss)	$ 33,598	$ 110,983	$ 92,740	$ (338,433)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 0.38	$ 1.28	$ 1.05	$ (3.90)
Diluted	$ 0.37	$ 1.27	$ 1.03	$ (3.90)
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculations:
Basic	89,201	86,855	88,209	86,681
Diluted	91,142	87,653	90,265	86,681

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Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Hedging Relationship (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended							6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended									3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended					6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Net Sales [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Net Sales [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Net Sales [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Net Sales [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Net Sales [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Interest Expense [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Interest Expense [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Interest Expense [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Interest Expense [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Other Income (Expense) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Other Income (Expense) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Other Income (Expense) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Other Income (Expense) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Net Sales [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Net Sales [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Net Sales [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Net Sales [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Net Sales [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Net Sales [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Net Sales [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Net Sales [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Net Sales [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period					$ (8,734,000)	$ (518,000)	$ 5,975,000	$ 25,281,000																							$ 0	$ 8,980,000	$ 33,751,000		$ 18,140,000																												$ (1,158,000)	$ (1,467,000)	$ (3,241,000)	$ (2,571,000)											$ (7,576,000)	$ (8,031,000)	$ (6,484,000)	$ (5,899,000)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)					(311,000)	2,631,000		(7,908,000)	(498,000)																						0	4,135,000	(11,341,000)	5,825,000																													2,000	100,000		(914,000)	(334,000)										(313,000)	(1,604,000)	(5,989,000)	4,347,000
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring						(13,115,000)	(3,385,000)																																	(13,115,000)	(3,385,000)																							0	0													0	0
(Gain) loss reclassified to earnings	3,214,000	4,212,000	(7,633,000)	(7,186,000)						0	(3,385,000)	(13,115,000)	(10,095,000)	(6,710,000)	2,912,000	5,382,000	4,886,000	379,000	2,912,000	1,974,000	5,382,000	(5,003,000)	302,000	2,215,000	596,000	2,530,000	302,000	294,000	2,215,000	315,000												(6,710,000)					0	0	0	0					0	0	0	0										0	0	0	0	0	196,000	209,000	2,084,000	244,000					0	2,912,000	1,974,000	5,382,000	(5,003,000)	106,000	85,000	131,000	71,000
Balance at end of period					(5,831,000)	(8,734,000)	9,689,000	5,975,000																							0	0	15,700,000		18,140,000																												(960,000)	(1,158,000)	(1,491,000)	(3,241,000)											(4,871,000)	(7,576,000)	(6,960,000)	(6,484,000)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net																																				(400,000)	2,200,000	(400,000)	1,900,000
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net																																											$ 5,666,000	$ 0	$ 5,666,000	$ 0					$ 746,000	$ (8,877,000)	$ 1,863,000	$ (1,523,000)					$ (685,000)	$ (1,546,000)	$ (773,000)	$ (738,000)

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Note 6. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Cash, Marketable Securities And Investments Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Cash:
Cash	$	882,091	$	889,065
Cash equivalents:
Commercial paper	3,199		1,500
Money market funds	43,367		10,729
Total cash and cash equivalents	928,657		901,294
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper	5,097		1,698
Corporate debt securities	137,704		23,384
Federal agency debt	25,813		29,936
Foreign agency debt	110,641		7,233
Foreign government obligations	26,191		4,142
Supranational debt	47,673		34,181
U.S. government obligations	3,496		2,004
Total marketable securities	356,615		102,578
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	$	1,285,272	$	1,003,872

Available-for-sale Securities

The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Commercial paper	$	5,097	$	—	$	—	$	5,097
Corporate debt securities	137,818		20		134		137,704
Federal agency debt	25,817		11		15		25,813
Foreign agency debt	110,788		6		153		110,641
Foreign government obligations	26,190		1		—		26,191
Supranational debt	47,692		40		59		47,673
U.S. government obligations	3,497		—		1		3,496
Total	$	356,899	$	78	$	362	$	356,615

	As of December 31, 2012
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Commercial paper	$	1,697	$	1	$	—	$	1,698
Corporate debt securities	23,358		26		—		23,384
Federal agency debt	29,888		49		1		29,936
Foreign agency debt	7,266		—		33		7,233
Foreign government obligations	4,138		4		—		4,142
Supranational debt	34,110		71		—		34,181
U.S. government obligations	2,000		4		—		2,004
Total	$	102,457	$	155	$	34	$	102,578

Available-for-sale Securities by Maturity

Contractual maturities of our marketable securities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
Maturity	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
One year or less	$	71,006	$	55	$	11	$	71,050
One year to two years	259,274		20		337		258,957
Two years to three years	26,619		3		14		26,608
Total	$	356,899	$	78	$	362	$	356,615

	As of December 31, 2012
Maturity	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
One year or less	$	71,225	$	67	$	32	$	71,260
One year to two years	30,707		88		1		30,794
Two years to three years	525		—		1		524
Total	$	102,457	$	155	$	34	$	102,578

Available-for-sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position

The following table shows gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values for those marketable securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, aggregated by major security type and the length of time the marketable securities have been in a continuous loss position (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
	In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months				In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater				Total
Security Type	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Corporate debt securities	$	48,170	$	134	$	—	$	—	$	48,170	$	134
Federal agency debt	10,016		15		—		—		10,016		15
Foreign agency debt	86,100		153		—		—		86,100		153
Foreign government obligations	1,053		—		—		—		1,053		—
Supranational debt	29,149		59		—		—		29,149		59
U.S. government obligations	3,502		1		—		—		3,502		1
Total	$	177,990	$	362	$	—	$	—	$	177,990	$	362

	As of December 31, 2012
	In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months				In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater				Total
Security Type	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Federal agency debt	$	524	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	524	$	1
Foreign agency debt	—		—		5,970		33		5,970		33
Total	$	524	$	1	$	5,970	$	33	$	6,494	$	34

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Note 17. Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note

17. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss), which includes foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, the impact of which, has been excluded from net income (loss) and reflected as components of stockholders’ equity, was as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income	$	33,598		$	110,983
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,500			(9,795		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period (net of tax of $1,307 and $(1,447), respectively)	(17,029		)	12,629
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (loss) (net of tax of $0 and $0, respectively)	—			(3		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments	(17,029		)	12,626
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the period (net of tax of $5 and $(1,145) , respectively)	(305		)	(1,644		)
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (net of tax of $0 and $17, respectively)	3,214			4,229
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	2,909			2,585
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,620		)	5,416
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	20,978		$	116,399

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$	92,740		$	(338,433	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,577		)	3,714
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period (net of tax of $2,241 and $(711), respectively)	(27,370		)	8,578
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (loss) (net of tax of $0 and $0, respectively)	—			(16		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and restricted investments	(27,370		)	8,562
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the period (net of tax of $(1,101) and $1,104, respectively)	1,220			(7,303		)
Less: reclassification for (gains) losses included in net income (loss) (net of tax of $3,476 and $1,774, respectively)	(4,157		)	(5,412		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	(2,937		)	(12,715		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(31,884		)	(439		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	60,856		$	(338,872	)

Components and details of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

Components of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(38,485	)	$	51,243		$	(2,579	)	$	10,179
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,577		)	(27,370		)	1,220			(27,727		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			(4,157		)	(4,157		)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	(1,577		)	(27,370		)	(2,937		)	(31,884		)
Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	(40,062	)	$	23,873		$	(5,516	)	$	(21,705	)

Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amount Reclassified						Income Statement Line Item
	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2013
Gains and (losses) on derivative contracts
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	$	—		$	13,115		Net sales
Interest Rate and Cross Currency Swap Contracts	(302		)	(596		)	Interest expense
Cross Currency Swap Contracts	(2,912		)	(4,886		)	Foreign currency gain (loss)
	(3,214		)	7,633			Total before tax
	—			3,476			Tax expense
	$	(3,214	)	$	4,157		Total net of tax

Components of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	(48,381	)	$	24,431		$	18,913		$	(5,037	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,714			8,578			(7,303		)	4,989
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(16		)	(5,412		)	(5,428		)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	3,714			8,562			(12,715		)	(439		)
Balance as of June 30, 2012	$	(44,667	)	$	32,993		$	6,198		$	(5,476	)

Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amount Reclassified						Income Statement Line Item
	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2012			June 30, 2012
Gains and (losses) on marketable securities and restricted investments
	$	3		$	16		Other income (expense), net
	—			—			Tax expense
	3			16			Total net of tax
Gains and (losses) on derivative contracts
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	3,385			10,095			Net sales
Interest Rate and Cross Currency Swap Contracts	(2,215		)	(2,530		)	Interest expense
Cross Currency Swap Contract	(5,382		)	(379		)	Foreign currency gain (loss)
	(4,212		)	7,186			Total before tax
	17			1,774			Tax expense
	$	(4,229	)	$	5,412		Total net of tax

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Note 6. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities (Details) - Available For Sale (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	$ 356,899,000	$ 102,457,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	78,000	155,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	362,000	34,000
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	356,615,000	102,578,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)	(300,000)	100,000
Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position:
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value	177,990,000	524,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	362,000	1,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	0	5,970,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	0	33,000
Marketable securities, in loss position, estimated fair value	177,990,000	6,494,000
Marketable securities, in loss position, gross unrealized losses	362,000	34,000
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	71,006,000	71,225,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	55,000	67,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	11,000	32,000
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	71,050,000	71,260,000
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Over One Year To Two Years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	259,274,000	30,707,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	20,000	88,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	337,000	1,000
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	258,957,000	30,794,000
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Over Two Years To Three Years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	26,619,000	525,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	3,000	0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	14,000	1,000
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	26,608,000	524,000
Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	5,097,000	1,697,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	0	1,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	5,097,000	1,698,000
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	137,818,000	23,358,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	20,000	26,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	134,000	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	137,704,000	23,384,000
Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position:
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value	48,170,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	134,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	0
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	0
Marketable securities, in loss position, estimated fair value	48,170,000
Marketable securities, in loss position, gross unrealized losses	134,000
Federal Agency Debt [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	25,817,000	29,888,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	11,000	49,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	15,000	1,000
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	25,813,000	29,936,000
Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position:
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value	10,016,000	524,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	15,000	1,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	0	0
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Marketable securities, in loss position, estimated fair value	10,016,000	524,000
Marketable securities, in loss position, gross unrealized losses	15,000	1,000
Foreign Agency Debt [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	110,788,000	7,266,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	6,000	0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	153,000	33,000
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	110,641,000	7,233,000
Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position:
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value	86,100,000	0
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	153,000	0
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	0	5,970,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	0	33,000
Marketable securities, in loss position, estimated fair value	86,100,000	5,970,000
Marketable securities, in loss position, gross unrealized losses	153,000	33,000
Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	26,190,000	4,138,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	1,000	4,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	26,191,000	4,142,000
Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position:
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value			1,053,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses			0
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value			0
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses			0
Marketable securities, in loss position, estimated fair value			1,053,000
Marketable securities, in loss position, gross unrealized losses			0
Supranational Debt [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	47,692,000	34,110,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	40,000	71,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	59,000	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	47,673,000	34,181,000
Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position:
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value	29,149,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	59,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	0
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	0
Marketable securities, in loss position, estimated fair value	29,149,000
Marketable securities, in loss position, gross unrealized losses	59,000
US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	3,497,000	2,000,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	0	4,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	1,000	0
Available-for-sale Securities, estimated fair value	3,496,000	2,004,000
Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position:
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value	3,502,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	1,000
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	0
Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	0
Marketable securities, in loss position, estimated fair value	3,502,000
Marketable securities, in loss position, gross unrealized losses	$ 1,000

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Note 12. Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets:
Marketable securities	$ 356,615	$ 102,578
Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	5,097	1,698
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	137,704	23,384
Federal Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	25,813	29,936
Foreign Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	110,641	7,233
Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	26,191	4,142
Supranational Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	47,673	34,181
US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	3,496	2,004
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets:
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	275,026	301,216
Derivative assets	3,079	7,230
Total assets	681,286	423,253
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	8,315	8,401
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	5,097	1,698
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	137,704	23,384
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Federal Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	25,813	29,936
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Foreign Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	110,641	7,233
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	26,191	4,142
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Supranational Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	47,673	34,181
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	3,496	2,004
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	3,199	1,500
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	43,367	10,729
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	0	0
Derivative assets	0	0
Total assets	43,367	10,729
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Federal Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Supranational Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	43,367	10,729
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	275,026	301,216
Derivative assets	3,079	7,230
Total assets	637,919	412,524
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	8,315	8,401
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	5,097	1,698
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	137,704	23,384
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Federal Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	25,813	29,936
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	110,641	7,233
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	26,191	4,142
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Supranational Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	47,673	34,181
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	3,496	2,004
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	3,199	1,500
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	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] | Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Federal Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Agency Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Supranational Debt [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 0	$ 0

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Note 20. Subsequent Events (Details) (Shares issued in exchange for General Electric intellectual property [Member], USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Shares issued in exchange for General Electric intellectual property [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	1,750,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	$ 83.8

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Note 18. Statement of Cash Flows (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Net Income to Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$	92,740		$	(338,433	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	116,084			138,229
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposal of long-lived assets	4,300			350,213
Impairment of project assets	—			3,227
Share-based compensation	23,918			6,933
Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities	(6,935		)	(561		)
Deferred income taxes	(7,769		)	4,896
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	(55,695		)	(66,853		)
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	—			2,260
Gain on sales of marketable securities, and restricted investments, net	—			(16		)
Other operating activities	(2,903		)	18
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade and unbilled and retainage	341,357			114,592
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	93,438			94,214
Other assets	449			83,977
Inventories and balance of systems parts	75,120			(280,027		)
Project assets and deferred project costs	(670,456		)	82,412
Accounts payable	(129,314		)	28,018
Income taxes payable	28,256			37,959
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	350,203			132,350
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	36,035			18,927
Total adjustments	196,088			750,768
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	288,828		$	412,335

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Note 13. Debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments

Our long-term debt consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

			Balance (USD)
Loan Agreement	Maturity	Loan Denomination	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Revolving Credit Facility (1)	July 2018 (Tranche A) October 2015 (Tranche B)	USD	$	—		$	270,000
Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement	September 2018	MYR	134,873			151,901
Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement	April 2018	EUR	52,166			58,255
Malaysian Facility Agreement	March 2016	EUR	65,020			78,657
Director of Development of the State of Ohio	May 2015	USD	3,608			4,527
Capital lease obligations	various	various	2,271			1,955
Long-term debt principal			$	257,938		$	565,295
Less unamortized discount			(2,174		)	(2,723		)
Total long-term debt			$	255,764		$	562,572
Less current portion			(61,194		)	(62,349		)
Noncurrent portion			$	194,570		$	500,223

Schedule of borrowing rate on debt [Table Text Block]

Our long-term debt borrowing rates as of June 30, 2013 were as follows:

Loan Agreement	Borrowing Rate at June 30, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility	4.50%
Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement	KLIBOR plus 2.00% (2)
Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement	EURIBOR plus 1.00%
Malaysian Facility Agreement (1)	Fixed rate facility at 4.54%
	Floating rate facility at EURIBOR plus 0.55% (2)
Director of Development of the State of Ohio	2.25%
Capital lease obligations	Various

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]

At June 30, 2013, the future principal payments on our long-term debt, excluding payments related to capital leases, were due as follows (in thousands):

Remainder of 2013	$	29,871
2014	61,690
2015	60,602
2016	37,972
2017	35,300
Thereafter	30,232
Total long-term debt future payments	$	255,667

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Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability

Product warranty activities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Product warranty liability, beginning of period	$	185,630		$	179,454		$	191,596		$	157,742
Accruals for new warranties issued	7,916			7,636			18,449			11,613
Settlements	(8,447		)	(10,894		)	(19,410		)	(16,597		)
Changes in estimate of product warranty liability (1)	4,158			5,693			(1,378		)	29,131
Product warranty liability, end of period	$	189,257		$	181,889		$	189,257		$	181,889
Current portion of warranty liability	$	62,989		$	97,779		$	62,989		$	97,779
Noncurrent portion of warranty liability	$	126,268		$	84,110		$	126,268		$	84,110

(1) Changes in estimate of product warranty liability during the six months ended June 30, 2012 includes increases to our best estimate of $22.6 million partially related to a net increase in the expected number of replacement modules required for certain remediation efforts related to the manufacturing excursion that occurred between June 2008 and June 2009. Such estimated increase was primarily due to the completion of the analysis on certain outstanding claims as of December 31, 2011. Additionally, the remaining increase was primarily related to a change in estimate for the market value of the modules that we estimated would be returned to us under the voluntary remediation efforts that would meet the required performance standards to be re-sold as refurbished modules.

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Note 7. Restricted Cash and Investments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Restricted Cash And Investments Note [Abstract]

Restricted Cash and Investments Disclosure

7. Restricted Cash and Investments

Restricted cash and investments consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Restricted cash (1)	$	157	$	184
Restricted investments	275,026		301,216
Restricted cash and investments	$	275,183	$	301,400

(1) There was $5.1 million of restricted cash included within prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 31, 2012 primarily related to required cash collateral for certain letters of credit provided for projects under development in foreign jurisdictions.

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our restricted investments consisted of long-term marketable securities that we hold through a custodial account to fund the estimated future costs of collecting and recycling modules covered under our solar module collection and recycling program and related obligations. We have classified our restricted investments as “available-for-sale.” Accordingly, we record them at fair value and account for net unrealized gains and losses as a part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We report realized gains and losses on the maturity or sale of our restricted investments in other income (expense), net computed using the specific identification method. Restricted investments are classified as noncurrent as the underlying accrued solar module collection and recycling liability is also noncurrent in nature.

We fund the estimated collection and recycling obligations incremental to amounts already pre-funded in prior years for the cumulative module sales covered by our solar module collection and recycling program within 90 days of the end of each year, assuming for this purpose a service life of 25 years for our solar modules. To ensure that our collection and recycling program for covered modules is available at all times and the pre-funded amounts are accessible regardless of our financial status in the future (even in the case of our own insolvency), we have established a trust structure (the “Trust”) under which estimated required funds are put into custodial accounts with an established and reputable bank as the investment advisor in the name of the Trust, for which First Solar, Inc. (“FSI”), First Solar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“FS Malaysia”), and First Solar Manufacturing GmbH (“FSM GmbH”) are grantors. Only the trustee can distribute funds from the custodial accounts and these funds cannot be accessed for any purpose other than to cover qualified costs of module collection and recycling, either by us or a third party executing the required collection and recycling services. Investments in this custodial account must meet the criteria of the highest quality investments, such as highly rated government or agency bonds. We closely monitor our exposure to European markets and maintain holdings primarily consisting of German and French sovereign debt securities which are not currently at risk of default. Under the Trust agreements, each year we determine the annual pre-funding requirement (if any) based upon the difference between the current estimated future costs of collecting and recycling all solar modules covered under our program combined with the rate of return restricted investments will earn prior to being utilized to cover qualified collection and recycling costs and amounts already pre-funded in prior years. Based primarily upon reductions in the estimated future costs of collecting and recycling solar modules covered under our program combined with the cumulative amounts pre-funded since the inception of our program, we have determined that no incremental funding was required in the first quarter of 2013 for all historical covered module sales through December 31, 2012.

The following table summarizes unrealized gains and losses related to our restricted investments by major security type as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Foreign government obligations	$	189,780	$	27,910	$	—	$	217,690
U.S. government obligations	54,626		3,559		849		57,336
Total	$	244,406	$	31,469	$	849	$	275,026

	As of December 31, 2012
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Foreign government obligations	$	188,350	$	47,921	$	—	$	236,271
U.S. government obligations	53,368		11,577		—		64,945
Total	$	241,718	$	59,498	$	—	$	301,216

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the contractual maturities of these restricted investments were between 15 years and 24 years. As of June 30, 2013, the gross unrealized loss of $0.8 million had been in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months.

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Note 17. Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	$ (1,307)	$ 1,447	$ (2,241)	$ 711
Net income (loss)	33,598	110,983	92,740	(338,433)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(40,062)	(44,667)	(40,062)	(44,667)	(38,485)	(48,381)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	(5,516)	6,198	(5,516)	6,198	(2,579)	18,913
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(27,727)	4,989
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(4,157)	(5,428)
Net other comprehensive income			(31,884)	(439)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	23,873	32,993	23,873	32,993	51,243	24,431
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(21,705)	(5,476)	(21,705)	(5,476)	10,179	(5,037)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax	0	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	(5)	1,145	1,101	(1,104)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	(3,214)	(4,212)	7,633	7,186
Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment	1,500	(9,795)	(1,577)	3,714
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(17,029)	12,629	(27,370)	8,578
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	0	(3)	0	(16)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(17,029)	12,626	(27,370)	8,562
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(305)	(1,644)	1,220	(7,303)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	3,214	4,229	(4,157)	(5,412)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	2,909	2,585	(2,937)	(12,715)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(12,620)	5,416	(31,884)	(439)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	20,978	116,399	60,856	(338,872)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax	0	17	3,476	1,774
Other Income [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax		3		16
Income Tax [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax		0		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax	0	17	3,476	1,774
Net Income [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	0	3,385	13,115	10,095
Interest Expense [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	(302)	(2,215)	(596)	(2,530)
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	(2,912)	(5,382)	(4,886)	(379)
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(27,370)	8,578
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			0	(16)
Net other comprehensive income			(27,370)	8,562
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Total net of tax [Member]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		3		16
Derivative [Member]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			1,220	(7,303)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(4,157)	(5,412)
Net other comprehensive income			(2,937)	(12,715)
Derivative [Member] | Total net of tax [Member]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(3,214)	(4,229)	4,157	5,412
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(1,577)	3,714
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			0	0
Net other comprehensive income			$ (1,577)	$ 3,714

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Note 7. Restricted Cash and Investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Restricted Cash And Investments Note [Abstract]

Restricted Cash And Investments

Restricted cash and investments consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Restricted cash (1)	$	157	$	184
Restricted investments	275,026		301,216
Restricted cash and investments	$	275,183	$	301,400

(1) There was $5.1 million of restricted cash included within prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 31, 2012 primarily related to required cash collateral for certain letters of credit provided for projects under development in foreign jurisdictions.

Restricted Available For Sale Securities

The following table summarizes unrealized gains and losses related to our restricted investments by major security type as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Foreign government obligations	$	189,780	$	27,910	$	—	$	217,690
U.S. government obligations	54,626		3,559		849		57,336
Total	$	244,406	$	31,469	$	849	$	275,026

	As of December 31, 2012
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Foreign government obligations	$	188,350	$	47,921	$	—	$	236,271
U.S. government obligations	53,368		11,577		—		64,945
Total	$	241,718	$	59,498	$	—	$	301,216

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Note 5. Acquistions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013 Solar Chile [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 TetraSun [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%	100.00%
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets		$ 39.1
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount		$ 6.1

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Note 10. Equity Offering (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments

During June 2013, we completed an equity offering of 9,747,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $46.00 per share. Net proceeds from the equity offering were $428.2 million, after deducting $17.9 million of underwriting discounts and offering expenses of $2.2 million. We intend to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions of under development photovoltaic solar power system projects, investments in photovoltaic solar power system projects that will be jointly developed with strategic partners and capital expenditures or strategic investments to develop certain business units and expand in new geographies.

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Note 6. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Cash, Marketable Securities And Investments Note [Abstract]

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

6. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Cash:
Cash	$	882,091	$	889,065
Cash equivalents:
Commercial paper	3,199		1,500
Money market funds	43,367		10,729
Total cash and cash equivalents	928,657		901,294
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper	5,097		1,698
Corporate debt securities	137,704		23,384
Federal agency debt	25,813		29,936
Foreign agency debt	110,641		7,233
Foreign government obligations	26,191		4,142
Supranational debt	47,673		34,181
U.S. government obligations	3,496		2,004
Total marketable securities	356,615		102,578
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	$	1,285,272	$	1,003,872

We have classified our marketable securities as “available-for-sale.” Accordingly, we record them at fair value and account for net unrealized gains and losses as a part of other comprehensive income (loss). We report realized gains and losses on the sale or maturity of our marketable securities in other income (expense), net computed using the specific identification method. We may sell these securities prior to their stated maturities after consideration of our liquidity requirements. We view securities with maturities beyond 12 months as available to support current operations, and accordingly we classify all such securities as current assets under the caption marketable securities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, we realized an immaterial amount of gains and losses on the sale or maturities of our marketable securities. See Note 12. “Fair Value Measurements,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the fair value of our marketable securities.

All of our available-for-sale marketable securities are subject to a periodic impairment review. We consider a marketable security to be impaired when its fair value is less than its cost, in which case we would further review the marketable security to determine whether it is other-than-temporarily impaired. When we evaluate a marketable security for other-than-temporary impairment, we review factors such as the length of time and extent to which its fair value has been below its cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, our intent to sell, and whether it is more-likely-than-not that we will be required to sell the marketable security before we have recovered its cost basis. If a marketable security were other-than-temporarily impaired, we would write it down through other expense to its impaired value and establish that as a new cost basis. We did not identify any of our marketable securities as other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Commercial paper	$	5,097	$	—	$	—	$	5,097
Corporate debt securities	137,818		20		134		137,704
Federal agency debt	25,817		11		15		25,813
Foreign agency debt	110,788		6		153		110,641
Foreign government obligations	26,190		1		—		26,191
Supranational debt	47,692		40		59		47,673
U.S. government obligations	3,497		—		1		3,496
Total	$	356,899	$	78	$	362	$	356,615

	As of December 31, 2012
Security Type	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Commercial paper	$	1,697	$	1	$	—	$	1,698
Corporate debt securities	23,358		26		—		23,384
Federal agency debt	29,888		49		1		29,936
Foreign agency debt	7,266		—		33		7,233
Foreign government obligations	4,138		4		—		4,142
Supranational debt	34,110		71		—		34,181
U.S. government obligations	2,000		4		—		2,004
Total	$	102,457	$	155	$	34	$	102,578

Contractual maturities of our marketable securities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
Maturity	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
One year or less	$	71,006	$	55	$	11	$	71,050
One year to two years	259,274		20		337		258,957
Two years to three years	26,619		3		14		26,608
Total	$	356,899	$	78	$	362	$	356,615

	As of December 31, 2012
Maturity	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
One year or less	$	71,225	$	67	$	32	$	71,260
One year to two years	30,707		88		1		30,794
Two years to three years	525		—		1		524
Total	$	102,457	$	155	$	34	$	102,578

The net unrealized loss of $0.3 million and net unrealized gain of $0.1 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, on our marketable securities were primarily the result of changes in interest rates. Our investment policy requires marketable securities to be highly rated and limits the security types, issuer concentration, and duration to maturity of our marketable securities portfolio.

The following table shows gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values for those marketable securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, aggregated by major security type and the length of time the marketable securities have been in a continuous loss position (in thousands):

	As of June 30, 2013
	In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months				In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater				Total
Security Type	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Corporate debt securities	$	48,170	$	134	$	—	$	—	$	48,170	$	134
Federal agency debt	10,016		15		—		—		10,016		15
Foreign agency debt	86,100		153		—		—		86,100		153
Foreign government obligations	1,053		—		—		—		1,053		—
Supranational debt	29,149		59		—		—		29,149		59
U.S. government obligations	3,502		1		—		—		3,502		1
Total	$	177,990	$	362	$	—	$	—	$	177,990	$	362

	As of December 31, 2012
	In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months				In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater				Total
Security Type	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Federal agency debt	$	524	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	524	$	1
Foreign agency debt	—		—		5,970		33		5,970		33
Total	$	524	$	1	$	5,970	$	33	$	6,494	$	34

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Note 1. Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

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 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted 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 management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013, or for any other period. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012 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 financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Such reclassifications did not affect total cash flows, total net sales, operating income, net income, total assets, total liabilities or stockholders’ equity.

Unless expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” and “First Solar” refer to First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

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Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Risk Management In Millions, unless otherwise specified		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] MYR	Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] MYR	Dec. 31, 2012 Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] MYR	May 29, 2009 Malaysian Facility Agreement [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2013 Malaysian Facility Agreement [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2012 Malaysian Facility Agreement [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2012 Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Canada, Dollars Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Canada, Dollars Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] CAD
Interest Rate Derivatives:
Derivative, inception date				Sep. 30, 2011			May 29, 2009
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedge derivatives				465.0	426.3	465.0	€ 57.3	€ 24.4	€ 29.1
Derivative, type of interest rate paid on swap					fixed U.S. dollar rate			fixed rate
Derivative fixed interest rate paid on swap					3.495%			2.80%
Derivative, Fxed Currency Exchange Rate					3.19 MYR to USD
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	(1.0)
Foreign Currency Derivatives:
Maximum length of time hedged in foreign currency cash flow hedge		3
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives											195.1	192.0
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments										9.0
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$ 0.1	$ (0.6)

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Note 8. Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$ 33,598	$ 110,983	$ 92,740	$ (338,433)
Denominator, basic:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding	89,201	86,855	88,209	86,681
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$ 0.38	$ 1.28	$ 1.05	$ (3.90)
Denominator, diluted:
Weighted-average common stock outstanding	89,201	86,855	88,209	86,681
Effect of stock options, restricted stock units outstanding, stock purchase plan, and contingent issuable shares	1,941	798	2,056	0
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	91,142	87,653	90,265	86,681
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$ 0.37	$ 1.27	$ 1.03	$ (3.90)
Restricted stock units, stock purchase plan, and options to purchase common stock, anti-dilutive shares excluded	91	3,681	107	2,324

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Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value

The following tables present the fair value of derivative instruments included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities		Other Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Cross-currency swap contract	$	—	$	659	$	2,965
Interest rate swap contracts	—		369		591
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	—	$	1,028	$	3,556
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	3,079	$	3,731	$	—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	3,079	$	3,731	$	—
Total derivative instruments	$	3,079	$	4,759	$	3,556

	December 31, 2012
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities		Other Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,121	$	—	$	—
Cross-currency swap contract	—		316		1,582
Interest rate swap contracts	—		473		994
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	2,121	$	789	$	2,576
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	5,109	$	5,036	$	—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	5,109	$	5,036	$	—
Total derivative instruments	$	7,230	$	5,825	$	2,576

Offsetting Derivatives

The impact of offsetting balances associated with derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 is shown below (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Gross Asset (Liability)			Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet	Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements		Financial Instruments	Cash Collateral Pledged	Net Amount
Cross-currency swap contracts	$	(3,624	)	—	(3,624	)	—	—	$	(3,624	)
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(960	)	—	(960	)	—	—	$	(960	)

	December 31, 2012
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Gross Asset (Liability)			Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet	Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements		Financial Instruments	Cash Collateral Pledged	Net Amount
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,121		—	2,121		—	—	$	2,121
Cross-currency swap contracts	$	(1,898	)	—	(1,898	)	—	—	$	(1,898	)
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(1,467	)	—	(1,467	)	—	—	$	(1,467	)

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables present the amounts related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 affecting accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts			Interest Rate Swap Contract			Cross Currency Swap Contract			Total
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2012	$	8,980		$	(1,467	)	$	(8,031	)	$	(518	)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	4,135			100			(1,604		)	2,631
Amounts reclassified to net sales as a result of forecasted transactions being probable of not occurring	(13,115		)	—			—			(13,115		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency gain	—			—			1,974			1,974
Interest expense	—			209			85			294
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at March 31, 2013	$	—		$	(1,158	)	$	(7,576	)	$	(8,734	)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	—			2			(313		)	(311		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency gain	—			—			2,912			2,912
Interest expense	—			196			106			302
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2013	$	—		$	(960	)	$	(4,871	)	$	(5,831	)

	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts			Interest Rate Swap Contracts			Cross Currency Swap Contract			Total
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2011	$	33,751		$	(2,571	)	$	(5,899	)	$	25,281
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	(11,341		)	(914		)	4,347			(7,908		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Net sales	(6,710		)	—			—			(6,710		)
Foreign currency gain (loss)	—			—			(5,003		)	(5,003		)
Interest expense	—			244			71			315
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at March 31, 2012	$	15,700		$	(3,241	)	$	(6,484	)	$	5,975
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	5,825			(334		)	(5,989		)	(498		)
Amounts reclassified to net sales as a result of forecasted transactions being probable of not occurring	(3,385		)	—			—			(3,385		)
Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting:
Foreign currency gain (loss)	—			—			5,382			5,382
Interest expense	—			2,084			131			2,215
Balance in other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2012	$	18,140		$	(1,491	)	$	(6,960	)	$	9,689

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance

The following table presents the amounts related to derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 affecting our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Foreign currency gain (loss)	$	746		$	(8,877	)	$	1,863		$	(1,523	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Cost of sales	$	(685	)	$	(1,546	)	$	(773	)	$	(738	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Net Sales	$	5,666		$	—		$	5,666		$	—

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions

As of December 31, 2012, the notional values associated with our foreign exchange forward contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):

December 31, 2012
Currency	Notional Amount	USD Equivalent
Canadian dollar	CAD 192.0	$195.1

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the notional values of our foreign exchange forward contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815 were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions):

June 30, 2013
Transaction	Currency	Notional Amount	USD Equivalent
Purchase	Euro	€167.5	$218.3
Sell	Euro	€174.2	$227.0
Purchase	Australian dollar	AUD 1.8	$1.6
Sell	Australian dollar	AUD 1.8	$1.6
Purchase	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 152.2	$48.7
Sell	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 63.9	$20.4
Purchase	Canadian dollar	CAD 2.7	$2.6
Sell	Canadian dollar	CAD 198.6	$188.7
Purchase	Chinese yuan	CNY 43.4	$6.9
Sell	Chinese yuan	CNY 17.4	$2.8

The table above includes certain foreign exchange forward contracts originally designated as cash flow hedges that were subsequently de-designated.

December 31, 2012
Transaction	Currency	Notional Amount	USD Equivalent
Purchase	Euro	€128.7	$170.2
Sell	Euro	€134.2	$177.5
Sell	Australian dollar	AUD 8.5	$8.8
Purchase	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 136.4	$45.0
Sell	Malaysian ringgit	MYR 36.0	$11.9
Purchase	Canadian dollar	CAD 22.4	$22.6
Sell	Canadian dollar	CAD 15.8	$16.0

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Note 15. Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 7,430,000	$ (16,661,000)	$ 23,918,000	$ 6,933,000
Employee service share-based compensation, capitalized in inventory	7,300,000		7,300,000		4,500,000
Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Benefit from change in Forfeiture Rate		12,700,000
Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Benefit from Restructuring Activities	4,900,000	8,500,000
Cost of Sales [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,307,000	2,337,000	5,823,000	10,595,000
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	988,000	914,000	2,921,000	4,135,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	5,207,000	(19,419,000)	14,926,000	(8,123,000)
Production Startup [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(72,000)	(822,000)	248,000	(169,000)
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	329,000	0	495,000
Stock Options [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	33,000	0	264,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	7,244,000	(15,054,000)	25,680,000	8,958,000
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized	94,600,000		94,600,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			2 years 2 months
Unrestricted Stock [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	300,000	186,000	600,000	361,000
Employee Stock [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	235,000	136,000	472,000	371,000
Unallocated Share-based Compensation Absorbed Into Inventory [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ (349,000)	$ (1,962,000)	$ (2,834,000)	$ (3,021,000)

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Note 13. Debt

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Debt

13. Debt

Our long-term debt consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

			Balance (USD)
Loan Agreement	Maturity	Loan Denomination	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Revolving Credit Facility (1)	July 2018 (Tranche A) October 2015 (Tranche B)	USD	$	—		$	270,000
Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement	September 2018	MYR	134,873			151,901
Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement	April 2018	EUR	52,166			58,255
Malaysian Facility Agreement	March 2016	EUR	65,020			78,657
Director of Development of the State of Ohio	May 2015	USD	3,608			4,527
Capital lease obligations	various	various	2,271			1,955
Long-term debt principal			$	257,938		$	565,295
Less unamortized discount			(2,174		)	(2,723		)
Total long-term debt			$	255,764		$	562,572
Less current portion			(61,194		)	(62,349		)
Noncurrent portion			$	194,570		$	500,223

(1) Maturity dates reflect July 15, 2013 amendment to Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Our credit agreement with several financial institutions as lenders, JPMorgan Securities LLC and Bank of America Securities LLC as joint-lead arrangers and bookrunners and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent (“Revolving Credit Facility”) provides FSI with a senior secured credit facility with an aggregate available amount of $600.0 million, with the right to request an increase up to $750.0 million, subject to certain conditions. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at (i) the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) (adjusted for Eurocurrency reserve requirements) plus a margin of 2.25% or (ii) a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus a margin of 1.25%, depending on the type of borrowing requested by us. These margins are subject to adjustments depending on our consolidated leverage ratio.

The facility allows for us to obtain letters of credit of up to $600.0 million denominated in U.S. Dollars, Euros, Canadian Dollars, British Pound Sterling and Japanese Yen. The facility also allows for us to obtain letters of credit denominated in currencies other than U.S. Dollars, Euros, Canadian Dollars, and British Pound Sterling with the consent of the applicable issuing lender (as defined in the credit agreement); provided that the dollar equivalent of the aggregate amount of the obligation attributable to letters of credit denominated in such alternative currencies shall not exceed $300.0 million at any time. At June 30, 2013, $0.0 million of borrowings were outstanding and $153.9 million of letters of credit were outstanding, leaving us with availability of $446.1 million. Proceeds from borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used for working capital including project development and construction costs and other general corporate purposes.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants including: a leverage ratio covenant, a minimum EBITDA covenant, and a minimum liquidity covenant. We are also subject to customary non-financial covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants through June 30, 2013.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Revolving Credit Facility, we are required to pay a commitment fee, currently at the rate of 0.375% per annum, based on the average daily unused commitments under the facility. The commitment fee may also be adjusted due to changes in our consolidated leverage ratio. We also pay a letter of credit fee equal to the applicable margin for Eurocurrency revolving loans on the face amount of each letter of credit and a fronting fee of 0.125%. 

On July 15, 2013, we entered into the fourth amendment to the amended and restated revolving credit facility (the “Amendment”). The Amendment provides for, among other things, the division of the Revolving Credit Facility into Tranche A commitments in an aggregate amount equal to $450.0 million and Tranche B commitments in an aggregate amount equal to $150.0 million and the extension of the maturity date of the Tranche A loans until July 15, 2018. The maturity date of the Tranche B loans and commitment is October 15, 2015 and is unchanged. The Amendment also effects certain covenant changes.

In connection with the Amendment, we entered into an amended and restated guarantee and collateral agreement.  Loans and letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility are jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by First Solar Electric, LLC, First Solar Electric (California), Inc. and First Solar Development, LLC (together with certain entities that may become parties thereto, the “Grantors”) and are secured by security interest in substantially all of the Grantor's tangible and intangible assets other than certain excluded assets.

Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement

FS Malaysia, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into a credit facility agreement (“Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement”), among FSI as guarantor, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad, and RHB Investment Bank Berhad as arrangers with CIMB Investment Bank Berhad also acting as facility agent and security agent, and the original lenders party thereto. The loans made to FS Malaysia are secured by, among other things FS Malaysia’s leases over the leased lots on which our fifth and sixth manufacturing plants in Kulim, Malaysia (“Plants 5 and 6”) are located and all plant, machinery and equipment purchased by FS Malaysia with the proceeds of the facility or otherwise installed in or utilized in Plants 5 and 6, to the extent not financed, or subject to a negative pledge under a separate financing facility related to Plants 5 and 6. In addition, FS Malaysia’s obligations under the Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement are guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, by FSI. At June 30, 2013, buildings, machinery and equipment and land leases with net book values of $235.9 million were pledged as collateral for this loan.

Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement

FS Malaysia, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into a credit facility agreement (“Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement”) with Commerzbank Aktiengesellchaft and Natixis Zweigniederlassung Deutschland as arrangers and original lenders, and Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Luxembourg Branch as facility agent and security agent. In connection with the Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, FSI concurrently entered into a first demand guarantee agreement in favor of the lenders. Under this agreement, FS Malaysia’s obligations related to the credit facility are guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, by FSI. At the same time FS Malaysia and FSI also entered into a subordination agreement, pursuant to which any payment claims of FSI against FS Malaysia are subordinated to the claims of the lenders.

Malaysian Facility Agreement

FS Malaysia, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into an export financing facility agreement (“Malaysian Facility Agreement”) with a consortium of banks. In connection with the Malaysian Facility Agreement, all of FS Malaysia’s obligations are secured by a first party, first legal charge over the machinery and equipment financed by the credit facilities, and any other documents, contracts and agreements related to that machinery and equipment. Also in connection with the agreement, any payment claims of FSI against FS Malaysia are subordinated to the claims of the lenders. At June 30, 2013, machinery and equipment with a net book value of$71.9 million was pledged as collateral for these loans.

Malaysian Long-Term Debt Covenants

The Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement, Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, and Malaysian Facility Agreement (the “Malaysia Facilities”) contain negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of FS Malaysia to incur indebtedness, create liens, effect asset sales, engage in reorganizations, issue guarantees, and make loans. In addition, the Malaysia Facilities include financial covenants relating to net total leverage ratio, interest coverage ratio, total debt to equity ratio, debt service coverage ratio, and tangible net worth. The Malaysia Facilities also contain certain representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default provisions. We were in compliance with all covenants associated with each of the Malaysian Facilities through June 30, 2013.

Director of Development of the State of Ohio

At June 30, 2013, land and buildings with net book values of $18.1 million were pledged as collateral for this loan.

Variable Interest Rate Risk

Certain of our long-term debt agreements bear interest at prime, EURIBOR, KLIBOR, or LIBOR. A disruption of the credit environment, as previously experienced, could negatively impact interbank lending and, therefore, negatively impact these floating rates. An increase in EURIBOR would impact our cost of borrowing under our entire Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, but would not impact our cost of borrowing of the floating-rate term loan under our Malaysian Facility Agreement as we entered into an interest rate swap contract to mitigate such risk. An increase in KLIBOR would not increase our cost of borrowing under our Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement as we entered into a cross-currency swap contract to mitigate such risk. An increase in LIBOR or prime would increase our cost of borrowing under our Revolving Credit Facility.

Our long-term debt borrowing rates as of June 30, 2013 were as follows:

Loan Agreement	Borrowing Rate at June 30, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility	4.50%
Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement	KLIBOR plus 2.00% (2)
Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement	EURIBOR plus 1.00%
Malaysian Facility Agreement (1)	Fixed rate facility at 4.54%
	Floating rate facility at EURIBOR plus 0.55% (2)
Director of Development of the State of Ohio	2.25%
Capital lease obligations	Various

(1) Outstanding balance split equally between fixed and floating rates.

(2) Interest rate hedges have been entered into relating to these variable rates. See Note 11. “Derivative Financial Instruments,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Future Principal Payments

At June 30, 2013, the future principal payments on our long-term debt, excluding payments related to capital leases, were due as follows (in thousands):

Remainder of 2013	$	29,871
2014	61,690
2015	60,602
2016	37,972
2017	35,300
Thereafter	30,232
Total long-term debt future payments	$	255,667

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Note 9. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Consolidated Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]

Consolidated Balance Sheet Details

9. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details

Accounts receivable trade, net

Accounts receivable trade, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Accounts receivable trade, gross	$	202,109		$	568,070
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(9,529		)	(14,503		)
Accounts receivable trade, net	$	192,580		$	553,567

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $51.6 million and $104.5 million, respectively, of our Accounts receivable trade, net were secured by letters of credit, bank guarantees or other forms of financial security issued by credit worthy financial institutions.

Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage

Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Accounts receivable, unbilled	$	222,636	$	342,587
Retainage	237,802		58,400
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage	$	460,438	$	400,987

Accounts receivable, unbilled represents revenue that has been recognized in advance of billing the customer. This is common for long-term construction contracts. For example, we recognize revenue from contracts for the construction and sale of solar power systems which include the sale of project assets over the construction period using applicable accounting methods. One applicable accounting method is the percentage-of-completion method under which sales and gross profit are recognized as construction work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for constructing the project. Under this accounting method, revenue can be recognized in advance of billing the customer, resulting in an amount recorded to Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage. Once we meet the billing criteria under a construction contract, we bill our customers accordingly and reclassify the Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage to Accounts receivable trade, net. Billing requirements vary by contract, but are generally structured around completion of certain construction milestones.

Also included within Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage is the current portion of retainage. Retainage refers to the portion of the contract price earned by us for work performed, but held for payment by our customer as a form of security until we reach certain construction milestones. Retainage included within Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage is expected to be billed and collected within the next 12 months.

Retainage that is noncurrent in nature is expected to be collected in the second half of 2014 through 2015, after certain construction milestones have been met.

Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Raw materials	$	177,070	$	184,006
Work in process	11,672		14,868
Finished goods (solar modules)	278,187		370,422
Inventories	$	466,929	$	569,296
Inventories — current	$	334,261	$	434,921
Inventories — noncurrent (1)	$	132,668	$	134,375

(1) We purchase a critical raw material that is used in our core production process in quantities that exceed anticipated consumption within our operating cycle (which is 12 months). We classify the raw materials that we do not expect to be consumed within our operating cycle as noncurrent.

We regularly review the cost of inventories, including noncurrent inventories, against their estimated market value and record a lower of cost or market write-down if any inventories have a cost in excess of their estimated market value as defined by ASC 330, Inventories. We also regularly evaluate the quantities and values of our inventories, including noncurrent inventories, in light of current market conditions and market trends among other factors and record write-downs for any quantities in excess of demand and for any new obsolescence.

Balance of systems parts

Balance of systems parts represent mounting, electrical and other construction parts purchased for solar power plants to be constructed or currently under construction, which we hold title to and are not yet installed in a solar power plant. These parts include posts, tilt brackets, tables, harnesses, combiner boxes, inverters, cables, tracker equipment and other parts we purchase or assemble for the solar power plants we construct. Balance of systems parts does not include any solar modules that we manufacture. We carry these parts at the lower of cost or market, with market being based primarily on recoverability through installation in a solar power system. 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Prepaid expenses	$	31,099	$	39,582
Derivative instruments	3,079		7,230
Deferred costs of goods sold	2,102		96,337
Other current assets	80,887		64,219
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	117,167	$	207,368

Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Buildings and improvements	$	459,280		$	446,133
Machinery and equipment	1,421,761			1,415,632
Office equipment and furniture	123,553			117,228
Leasehold improvements	47,230			49,367
Depreciable property, plant and equipment, gross	2,051,824			2,028,360
Accumulated depreciation	(852,763		)	(803,501		)
Depreciable property, plant and equipment, net	1,199,061			1,224,859
Land	22,209			22,256
Construction in progress	128,809			51,133
Stored assets (1)	210,829			227,134
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,560,908		$	1,525,382

(1) Consists of machinery and equipment (“stored assets”) that were originally purchased for installation in our previously planned manufacturing capacity expansions. We intend to install and place the stored assets into service when such assets are required or beneficial to our existing installed manufacturing capacity or when market demand supports additional or market specific manufacturing capacity. As the stored assets are neither in the condition or location to produce modules as intended, we will not begin depreciation until such assets are placed into service. The stored assets are evaluated for impairment under a held and used impairment model whenever events or changes in business circumstances arise, including consideration of technological obsolescence, that may indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We ceased the capitalization of interest on such stored assets once they were physically received from the related machinery and equipment suppliers.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment was $57.8 million and $116.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and was $64.0 million and $136.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.

From time to time, we have received grants for the construction or expansion of our manufacturing facilities. We account for any such grants as a reduction to the carrying value of the property, plant and equipment they fund. During the first quarter of 2013, we repaid the remaining €6.3 million of grants received in 2011, including outstanding interest due, as a result of the closure of our Frankfurt (Oder) manufacturing facility.

See Note 4. “Restructuring,” for more information on the long-lived asset impairments and grant repayments related to our April 2012 European restructuring.

Capitalized interest

We capitalized interest costs incurred into property, plant and equipment or project assets as follows during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Interest cost incurred	$	(3,167	)	$	(9,318	)	$	(6,442	)	$	(16,050	)
Interest cost capitalized —– property, plant and equipment	736			769			1,046			2,822
Interest cost capitalized —– project assets	1,556			1,177			3,771			4,936
Interest expense, net	$	(875	)	$	(7,372	)	$	(1,625	)	$	(8,292	)

Project assets and deferred project costs

Project assets consist primarily of costs relating to solar power projects in various stages of development and construction that we capitalize prior to entering into a definitive sales agreement for the solar power project including projects that have begun commercial operation under the project PPAs. These costs include costs for land and costs for developing and constructing a PV solar power system. Development costs can include legal, consulting, permitting, interconnection, and other similar costs. Once we enter into a definitive sales agreement, we reclassify project assets to deferred project costs on our condensed consolidated balance sheet until the sale is completed and we have met all of the criteria to recognize the sale as revenue, which is typically subject to real estate revenue recognition requirements. We expense project assets to cost of sales after each respective project asset is sold to a customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met (matching the expensing of costs to the underlying revenue recognition method). We classify project assets generally as noncurrent due to the nature of solar power projects (long-lived assets) and the time required to complete all activities to develop, construct, and sell projects, which is typically longer than 12 months.

Deferred project costs represent (i) costs that we capitalize as project assets for arrangements that we account for as real estate transactions after we have entered into a definitive sales arrangement, but before the sale is completed or before we have met all criteria to recognize the sale as revenue, (ii) recoverable pre-contract costs that we capitalize for arrangements accounted for as long-term construction contracts prior to entering into a definitive sales agreement, or (iii) costs that we capitalize for arrangements accounted for as long-term construction contracts after we have signed a definitive sales agreement, but before all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We classify deferred project costs as current if completion of the sale and the meeting of all revenue recognition criteria is expected within the next 12 months.

If a project asset is completed and begins commercial operation prior to entering into or the closing of a sales arrangement, the completed project will remain in project assets or deferred project costs until the sale of such project closes. Any income generated by such project while it remains within project assets or deferred project costs is accounted for as a reduction to our basis in the project, which at the time of sale and meeting all revenue recognition criteria will be recorded within cost of sales.

Project assets and deferred project costs consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Project assets — land	$	810	$	9,164
Project assets — development costs including project acquisition costs	251,835		157,489
Project assets — construction costs	71,827		192,171
Project assets — projects in commercial operation under project PPAs	205,283		—
Project assets	$	529,755	$	358,824
Deferred project costs — current	$	1,004,778	$	21,390
Deferred project costs — non-current	29,396		486,654
Deferred project costs	1,034,174		$	508,044
Total project assets and deferred project costs	$	1,563,929	$	866,868

Note Receivable

On April 8, 2009, we entered into a credit facility agreement with a solar power project entity of one of our customers for an available amount of €17.5 million to provide financing for a PV solar power system. The credit facility replaced a bridge loan that we had made to this entity. The credit facility bears interest at 8% per annum and is due on December 31, 2026. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the balance on this credit facility was €7.0 million. The outstanding amount of this credit facility is included within “Other assets” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Note Receivable, Affiliate

In January 2012, we contributed an immaterial amount for a 50% ownership interest in a newly formed limited liability company (“property company”), which was formed for the sole purpose of holding land for use in the development of a certain solar power project. One of our customers also contributed an immaterial amount for the remaining 50% ownership interest in the property company. The activities for the property company were governed by a shareholders agreement. The intent of the shareholders agreement was to outline the parameters of the arrangement with our customer, whereby we would supply solar modules to our customer for the solar power project and our customer would develop, construct, and sell the project. The shareholders agreement also required each party to consent to all decisions made for the most significant activities of the property company. There were no requirements for us to make further contributions to the property company and the proceeds from the sale of the project were to be divided equally between us and our customer after the repayment of all project development related costs including the repayment of the loan discussed further below.

We also entered into a loan agreement, with a 6% per annum interest rate, with the property company, which is considered an affiliate, which required that the proceeds be used to purchase the project land and to pay for certain land development costs. Construction of the project was substantially completed during September 2012. During the first quarter of 2013, the then outstanding principal balance on this loan of €13.4 million was repaid in full. Additionally, €1.1 million of interest income was received under the terms of the loan, representing the cumulative interest due from the property company since the inception of the loan.

The property company is considered a variable interest entity and our previous ownership interest in and our loan to the property company were considered variable interests. We accounted for our investment in the property company under the equity method of accounting as we concluded we were not the primary beneficiary as we did not have the power to make decisions for the most significant activities of the property Company. We had no remaining ownership interest or equity method investment balance related to the property company as of June 30, 2013.

Intangible Assets

“Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets” include acquired intangible assets, the majority of which were acquired during the three months ended June 30, 2013 as part of our TetraSun acquisition described in Note 5. “Acquisitions.”Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets also include our internally-generated intangible assets, substantially all of which are patents on technologies related to our products and production processes. We record an asset for patents, after the patent has been issued, based on the legal, filing, and other costs incurred to secure them. We amortize intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives once the intangible assets meet the criteria to be amortized.

Intangible assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Intangible assets, gross	$	48,939		$	9,139
Accumulated amortization	(5,700		)	(5,404		)
Intangible assets, net	$	43,239		$	3,735

$39.1 million of the $48.9 million of Intangible assets, gross as of June 30, 2013 consists of IPR&D related to assets that were acquired as part of our TetraSun acquisition. Such assets will be amortized over their estimated useful lives upon successful completion of the project or expensed earlier if impaired.

Accrued expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Accrued compensation, benefits and severance	$	41,552	$	105,677
Accrued property, plant and equipment	22,131		20,564
Accrued inventory and balance of systems parts	55,910		52,408
Accrued project assets and deferred project costs	85,989		76,133
Product warranty liability (Note 14)	62,989		90,581
Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses (1)	64,252		75,020
Other accrued expenses	58,941		134,050
Accrued expenses	$	391,764	$	554,433

(1) Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses consists primarily of commitments to certain customers, each related to the manufacturing excursion occurring during the period between June 2008 to June 2009 (“2008-2009 manufacturing excursion”), whereby certain modules manufactured during that time period may experience premature power loss once installed in the field. Additionally, included in such accrued expenses are commitments to certain customers related to a workmanship issue potentially affecting solar modules manufactured between October 2008 to June 2009, as a limited number of the modules manufactured during that time utilized a new material and process to attach the cord plate (junction box) to the module which may not adhere securely over time.

Our best estimate for such remediation programs is based on evaluation and consideration of currently available information, including the estimated number of potentially affected modules in the field, historical experience related to our remediation efforts, customer-provided data related to potentially affected systems, the estimated costs of performing the removal, replacement and logistical services and the post-sale expenses covered under our remediation program. If any of our estimates prove incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses.

Deferred Revenue

We recognize deferred revenue as net sales only after all revenue recognition criteria are met. We expect to recognize these amounts as net sales within the next 12 months.

Payments and billings for deferred project costs

Payments and billings for deferred project costs represent customer payments received or customer billings made under the terms of solar power project related sales contracts for which all revenue recognition criteria for real estate transactions have not yet been met. The associated solar power project related costs are included as deferred project costs. We classify such amounts as current or noncurrent depending upon when all revenue recognition criteria are expected to be met, consistent with the classification of the associated deferred project costs.

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Derivative instruments	$	4,759	$	5,825
Deferred tax liabilities	—		2,226
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (1)	4,044		2,422
Other	52,346		21,824
Other current liabilities	$	61,149	$	32,297

(1) Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represents billings made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Typically, billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement and the timing of revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer.

Other liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Product warranty liability	$	126,268	$	101,015
Other taxes payable	117,542		102,599
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (1)	45,334		47,623
Other	85,727		40,979
Other liabilities	$	374,871	$	292,216

(1) Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represents billings made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Typically, billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement and the timing of revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer.

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Note 16. Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes Disclosure

16. Income Taxes

Our effective tax rates were 18.2% and 13.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, and 18.0% and (5.4)% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. Our effective tax rate was higher during the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012 primarily due to the increase in pre-tax profits during such periods and a greater percentage of profits earned in higher tax jurisdictions, partially offset by an increase in tax expense during the six months ended June 30, 2012 related to the establishment of a valuation allowance of $12.3 million against previously established deferred tax assets and losses being generated in jurisdictions for which no tax benefit was recorded. The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal rate primarily due to the benefit associated with foreign income taxed at lower rates including the beneficial impact of our Malaysian tax holiday, and additional tax expense attributable to losses in jurisdictions in which no tax benefits could be recorded, in addition to the establishment of valuation allowances against previously established deferred tax assets.

Our Malaysian subsidiary has been granted a long-term tax holiday that expires in 2027. The tax holiday, which generally provides for a 100% exemption from Malaysian income tax, is conditional upon our continued compliance in meeting 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.

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Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

14. Commitments and Contingencies

Financial Guarantees

In the normal course of business, we occasionally enter into agreements with third parties under which we guarantee the performance or obligations of our wholly owned subsidiaries related to certain contracts, which may include development, engineering, procurement of permits and equipment, construction management, and operating and maintenance services related to solar power plants. These agreements are considered guarantees of our own performance and no liabilities are separately recorded outside of any liabilities recorded by our subsidiaries.

Loan Guarantees

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our only loan guarantees were guarantees of our own long-term debt, as disclosed in Note 13. “Debt,” to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Commercial Commitments

During the normal course of business, we enter into commercial commitments in the form of letters of credit, surety bonds, and bank guarantees to provide financial and performance assurance to third parties. Our Revolving Credit Facility provides us the capacity to issue up to $600.0 million in letters of credit at a fee equal to the applicable margin for Eurocurrency revolving loans and a fronting fee. As of June 30, 2013, we had $153.9 million in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility with a remaining availability of $446.1 million, all of which can be used for the issuance of letters of credit. The substantial majority of these letters of credit were supporting our systems business projects. As of June 30, 2013, we had $40.1 million in bank guarantees and letters of credit issued outside of our Revolving Credit Facility, some of which were posted by certain of our foreign subsidiaries and $40.8 million in surety bonds outstanding primarily for our systems business projects.

Product Warranties

When we recognize revenue for module or systems project sales, we accrue a liability for the estimated future costs of meeting our limited warranty obligations for both modules and the balance of the systems. We make and revise these estimates based primarily on the number of our solar modules under warranty installed at customer locations, our historical experience with warranty claims, our monitoring of field installation sites, our internal testing of and the expected future performance of our solar modules and balance of systems (“BoS”) components, and our estimated replacement cost.

From time to time we have taken remediation actions in respect of affected modules beyond our limited warranty, and we 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 obligation 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, 2013 and June 30, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Product warranty liability, beginning of period	$	185,630		$	179,454		$	191,596		$	157,742
Accruals for new warranties issued	7,916			7,636			18,449			11,613
Settlements	(8,447		)	(10,894		)	(19,410		)	(16,597		)
Changes in estimate of product warranty liability (1)	4,158			5,693			(1,378		)	29,131
Product warranty liability, end of period	$	189,257		$	181,889		$	189,257		$	181,889
Current portion of warranty liability	$	62,989		$	97,779		$	62,989		$	97,779
Noncurrent portion of warranty liability	$	126,268		$	84,110		$	126,268		$	84,110

(1) Changes in estimate of product warranty liability during the six months ended June 30, 2012 includes increases to our best estimate of $22.6 million partially related to a net increase in the expected number of replacement modules required for certain remediation efforts related to the manufacturing excursion that occurred between June 2008 and June 2009. Such estimated increase was primarily due to the completion of the analysis on certain outstanding claims as of December 31, 2011. Additionally, the remaining increase was primarily related to a change in estimate for the market value of the modules that we estimated would be returned to us under the voluntary remediation efforts that would meet the required performance standards to be re-sold as refurbished modules.

At June 30, 2013, our accrued liability for product warranty was $189.3 million. We have historically estimated our product warranty liability for power output and defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service conditions to have an estimated warranty return rate of approximately 3% of modules covered under warranty. A 1 percentage point change in estimated warranty return rate would change our estimated warranty liability by approximately $51.0 million.

Systems Project Sale Rescission

From time to time under the sales agreements for a limited number of our solar power projects, we may be required to rescind the sale of such projects if certain events occur, such as not achieving commercial operation of the project within a certain timeframe. As of June 30, 2013 one of our sold projects was subject to such a conditional rescission clause.

For any sales agreements that have such conditional rescission clauses, in accordance with ASC 360, we will not recognize revenue on such sales agreements until the conditional rescission clauses are of no further force or effect and all other necessary revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Legal Proceedings

Class Action

On March 15, 2012, a purported class action lawsuit titled Smilovits v. First Solar, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00555-DGC, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona (hereafter “Arizona District Court”) against the Company and certain of our current and former directors and officers. The complaint was filed on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s securities between April 30, 2008, and February 28, 2012. The complaint generally alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by making false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for damages, and an award of costs and expenses to the putative class, including attorneys’ fees. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.

On July 23, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order appointing as lead plaintiffs in the class action the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (collectively “Pension Schemes”). The Pension Schemes filed an amended complaint on August 17, 2012, which contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief as the original complaint. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the court denied Defendants’ motion to dismiss. On February 26, 2013, the court directed the parties to begin class certification discovery, and ordered a further scheduling conference to set the merit discovery schedule after the issue of class certification has been decided. On June 21, 2013, the Pension Schemes filed a motion for class certification.

The action is still in the initial stages and there has been no merits discovery. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any.

Derivative Actions

On April 3, 2012, a derivative action titled Tsevegmid v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00417-CJB, was filed by a putative stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (hereafter “Delaware District Court”) against certain current and former directors and officers of the Company, alleging breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. The complaint generally alleges that from June 1, 2008, to March 7, 2012, the defendants caused or allowed false and misleading statements to be made concerning the Company’s financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for, among other things, damages in favor of the Company, certain corporate actions to purportedly improve the Company’s corporate governance, and an award of costs and expenses to the putative plaintiff stockholder, including attorneys’ fees. On April 10, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Delaware District Court. The complaint, titled Brownlee v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00456-CJB, contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the Tsevegmid action. By Court order on April 30, 2012, pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, the Tsevegmid action and the Brownlee action were consolidated into a single action in the Delaware District Court and defendants filed a motion to challenge Delaware as the appropriate venue for the consolidated action on May 15, 2012. On March 4, 2013, the magistrate judge issued a Report and Recommendation recommending to the Court that defendants’ motion be granted and that the case be transferred to the District of Arizona. On July 12, 2013, the Court adopted the magistrate judge’s Report and Recommendation and ordered the case transferred to the District of Arizona.

On April 12, 2012, a derivative complaint was filed in the Arizona District Court, titled Tindall v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00769-ROS. In addition to alleging claims and seeking relief similar to the claims and relief asserted in the Tsevegmid and Brownlee actions, the Tindall complaint alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. On April 19, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Arizona District Court, titled Nederhood v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00819-JWS. The Nederhood complaint contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the Tsevegmid and Brownlee actions. On May 17, 2012 and May 30, 2012, respectively, two additional derivative complaints, containing similar allegations and seeking similar relief as the Nederhood complaint, were filed in Arizona District Court: Morris v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-01031-JAT and Tan v. Ahearn, et al., 2:12-cv-01144-NVW.

On July 17, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order granting First Solar’s motion to transfer the derivative actions to Judge David Campbell, the judge to whom the Smilovits class action is assigned. On August 8, 2012, the Court consolidated the four derivative actions pending in Arizona District Court, and on August 31, 2012, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. Defendants filed a motion to stay the action on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the Court granted Defendants’ motion to stay pending resolution of the Smilovits class action. The Company intends to move the Court for an order consolidating the two derivative actions transferred from the Delaware District Court with the stayed Arizona derivative actions.

On July 16, 2013, a derivative complaint was filed in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County, titled Bargar et al. v. Ahearn et al., Case No. CV2013-009938, by a putative shareholder against certain current and former directors and officers of the Company. The complaint contains similar allegations to the Delaware and Arizona derivative cases, and includes claims for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties, insider trading, unjust enrichment, and waste of corporate assets.

The Company believes that plaintiffs in the derivative actions lack standing to pursue litigation on behalf of First Solar. The derivative actions are still in the initial stages and there has been no discovery. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any.

XML

Document and Entity Information	18 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Aug. 02, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001274494
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2013
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		97,647,373

XML

Note 15. Share-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation Disclosure

15. Share-Based Compensation

We measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize this cost as share-based compensation expense over the required or estimated service period for awards expected to vest, in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. The share-based compensation expense that we recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013		June 30, 2012
Share-based compensation expense included in:
Cost of sales	$	1,307		$	2,337		$	5,823	$	10,595
Research and development	988			914			2,921		4,135
Selling, general and administrative	5,207			(19,419		)	14,926		(8,123		)
Production start-up	(72		)	(822		)	248		(169		)
Restructuring	—			329			—		495
Total share-based compensation expense	$	7,430		$	(16,661	)	$	23,918	$	6,933

The following table presents our share-based compensation expense by type of award for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2012
Stock options	$	—		$	33		$	—		$	264
Restricted and performance stock units	7,244			(15,054		)	25,680			8,958
Unrestricted stock	300			186			600			361
Stock purchase plan	235			136			472			371
Net amount absorbed into inventory	(349		)	(1,962		)	(2,834		)	(3,021		)
Total share-based compensation expense	$	7,430		$	(16,661	)	$	23,918		$	6,933

Share-based compensation expense capitalized in our inventory was $7.3 million and $4.5 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, we had no unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards, and $94.6 million of unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to unvested restricted and performance stock units including our stock purchase plan, which we expect to recognize as an expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years.

The share-based compensation expense that we recognize in our results of operations is based on the number of awards expected to ultimately vest; therefore, amounts used to determine share-based compensation expense have been reduced for estimated forfeitures. ASC 718 requires us to estimate the number of awards that we expect to vest at the time the awards are granted and revise those estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods. We estimate the number of awards that we expect to vest based on our historical experience with forfeitures, giving consideration to whether future forfeiture behavior might be expected to differ from past behavior. We recognize compensation cost for awards with graded vesting schedules on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods for each separately vesting portion of the award as if each award was in substance multiple awards.

Our forfeiture rate assumptions, which estimates the share-based awards that will ultimately vest, requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period of change and could be materially different from share-based compensation expense recorded in prior periods. Additionally, in accordance with ASC 718, when an associate’s employment is terminated, all previously unvested awards granted to such associate are forfeited, which results in a benefit to share-based compensation expense in the period of such associate’s termination equal to the cumulative expense recorded through the termination date for such forfeited unvested awards.

We increased our estimated forfeiture rate in the second quarter of 2012, which was recorded as a cumulative adjustment in accordance with ASC 718 and resulted in a decrease to share-based compensation expense of $12.7 million in the quarter. The increased forfeiture rate was primarily due to the restructuring activities discussed in Note 4. “Restructuring,” which caused us to experience an increase in actual forfeitures during the second quarter of 2012 compared to historical experience prior to such restructuring activities. We expect that our recent forfeiture experience will continue over the remaining term of our outstanding share-based compensation awards. Additionally, primarily as a result of associate terminations, including terminations specifically related to our restructuring activities and reductions in force, we recorded a benefit to share-based compensation expense of $4.9 million and $8.5 million during the second quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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Note 16. Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Holiday (MALAYSIA)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
MALAYSIA
Income Tax Holiday [Line Items]
Income Tax Holiday, Termination Date	2027
Income Tax Holiday, Description	100% exemption

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Note 16. Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	18.20%	18.00%	13.50%	(5.40%)
Valuation Allowance, Amount	$ 12.3		$ 12.3