Rio Tinto Solar Project Secures Tellurium Supply for First Solar

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Rio Tinto’s new 25 MW solar array at Kennecott uses over 71 000 panels manufactured by First Solar with tellurium sourced from the same mine via 5N Plus, reinforcing a fully North American supply chain. The project enhances First Solar’s feedstock security and reduces supply chain risks for its thin-film modules.

1. Manufacturing and Financial Performance

First Solar reported revenue of 1.59 billion in Q3 2025, marking a 79.7% increase year over year, driven by strong demand for its thin-film photovoltaic modules. Net income rose to 456 million, translating to earnings per share of 13.04. Gross margins remained robust at 38.3%, reflecting operational efficiencies in its Ohio and Arizona manufacturing facilities. These results underscore First Solar’s ability to scale production rapidly while maintaining profitability in a competitive solar module market.

2. Strategic Positioning in Global Solar Buildout

As governments and utilities accelerate the transition to renewable energy, First Solar’s utility-scale focus positions it at the center of the largest infrastructure buildout of the decade. The company has secured multiple multi-year supply agreements for projects in the Middle East and North America, including participation in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. With over 10 gigawatts of capacity on its project backlog, First Solar is well positioned to capture growth from large-scale solar tenders and government-subsidized auctions through 2030.

3. Supply Chain Resilience and U.S. Policy Support

First Solar’s vertically integrated U.S. manufacturing base provides a hedge against global supply chain disruptions and import tariffs on crystalline silicon panels. By producing cadmium telluride modules domestically, the company benefits from federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, including production tax credits and accelerated depreciation. This policy alignment not only lowers project-level costs for customers but also insulates First Solar from raw-material volatility and geopolitical trade risks.

4. Investor Outlook and Valuation

Trading at 19 times trailing earnings with an 11 times forward multiple, First Solar’s valuation reflects solid growth expectations without euphoria. The company’s inclusion as the second-largest holding in a leading clean energy ETF at over 7% signals broad institutional endorsement. Analysts project double-digit revenue growth through 2028, supported by a project pipeline exceeding 15 gigawatts. For investors seeking direct exposure to large-scale solar deployment, First Solar offers a blend of growth, profitability, and policy-driven support.

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