First Solar is already in advanced talks with the German regional and federal authorities to obtain the necessary regulatory permits and financial framework for the thin-film solar module manufacturing expansion.

The expansion would double the annual capacity of the Frankfurt (Oder) manufacturing plant to around 446 MW by the fourth quarter of 2011 from 223 MW today to serve the European customer base.

Minister President of the State of Brandenburg, Matthias Platzeck, says: "Companies that are willing to invest also in times of economic crises ensure a bright future of the state. This will create sustainable jobs. At the same time, the expansion of production capacity of solar modules will foster our top position in renewable energy and will help the state to achieve its ambitious energy and climate goals."