First Solar Inc. announced a Cooperation Framework Agreement with the Chinese government. The Agreement between First Solar and Ordos spells out additional project details and local support that advance the development of the 2 gigawatt (GW) solar power plant and confirm the June 1, 2010 expected construction start date for the 30 megawatt (MW) Phase 1. First Solar and Ordos also agreed to establish two committees to ensure the successful execution of the project and to develop a new energy industry in Ordos. The 2GW First Solar project is to be built in multiple phases, beginning with the 30MW Phase 1. Phases 2, 3 and 4 are to be 100MW, 870MW, and 1 000MW, respectively. Phases 2 and 3 are to be completed by 2014 and Phase 4 is to be completed by 2019. The project is part of a planned 11.95GW New Energy Industry Demonstration Zone in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia. The New Energy Industry Demonstration Zone is expected to combine solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass power sources to provide a steady supply of renewable energy to the region that includes the Chinese capital.

Effective December 1, 2009, First Solar Inc. and John T. Gaffney, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the company, mutually agreed to end Mr. Gaffney's employment with the company.

Effective November 2, 2009, First Solar Inc. promoted James Zhu, who had been serving as the company's Vice President, Corporate Controller, to the position of Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to November 2, 2009, the position of principal accounting officer had been held by Jens Meyerhoff, the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Meyerhoff will remain the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Zhu, age 47, served as the Company's Vice President, Corporate Controller from June 2007 until his appointment as Chief Accounting Officer on November 2, 2009.