First Solar Inc. announced that its new solar module manufacturing plant here has begun operations.

“As the world’s largest solar power market, Germany is the ideal location for our production facility,” said Bruce Sohn, president of Phoenix-based First Solar. “The First Solar location in Frankfurt (Oder) is testament to the successful environmental and economic policies in Germany. The favorable investment climate was made possible by the consistent promotion of environmentally friendly energies through the renewable energy act (EEG).”

Sigmar Gabriel, federal secretary of the environment, said First Solar makes an important contribution for the development of renewable energies in Germany.

“The creation of new jobs is a substantial factor for the employment in the region and the production of economical solar modules contribute substantially to the climatic protection,” he noted. “I am pleased about this investment of a U.S. enterprise in Germany.”

Because of the support of the German government, the federal state of Brandenburg and the city of Frankfurt (Oder), First Solar was able to construct a new plant in a short time frame, said Heiner Eichermüller, vice president of global manufacturing of First Solar.

“So far, we have hired more than 400 employees and we are proud of the highly motivated and educated work force we have recruited for our production plant,” he said.

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