The CdTe thin-film manufacturer and installer blamed lower average selling prices and government tariff uncertainty for the falling figures. A decrease in revenue from First Solars systems business was also reported, partially offset by higher module volume of six percent on Q1.
In a statement announcing the figures, First Solars CEO Rob Gillette commented, "We expect stronger performance in the second half of 2011 as we build projects from our systems pipeline, develop promising new markets, execute our cost reduction roadmaps and continue to improve module efficiencies."
First Solars full-year guidance remains net sales of $3.6 billion, income of $900 to $960 million, representing an increase in net sales on 2010 of $1 billion. In its Q2 report, First Solar revealed spending in research and development of $33,102 and production start-up costs of $10,294.
In terms of operations, First Solars production was 483 megawatts, up 40 percent on 2010 and 19 percent from Q1. The production ramp of the KLM 6 factory and startup of the Frankfurt-Oder 2 facility was attributed to the increased production figures. Module manufacturing and cost per watt was $0.75. The First Solar Malaysian plants achieved a cost milestone of $0.69 per watt.
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