First Solar says plants running despite COVID-19 measures

First Solar modules installed on rooftop in Osmaniye Organized Industrial Zone. Source: Zorlu Solar

US thin-film photovoltaics (PV) maker First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:FSLR) today said its manufacturing plants in Ohio, Malaysia and Vietnam remain operational.

A “Stay at Home” order was issued in Ohio on March 22 to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state has allowed only essential businesses and operations to continue work as normal. Malaysia has also introduced lockdown measures, while Vietnam is restricting movement.

First Solar said it is the company’s understanding that its Perrysburg and Lake Township plants in Ohio, and the Kulim manufacturing plants in Malaysia remain unaffected by the measures in the respective locations. It also confirmed that its operations in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam will not suffer.

“First Solar cautions that the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, including governmental efforts to contain the spread of the virus, are dynamic and subject to change at any time,” the company said.

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