Core Insights - Perovskite solar cells are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional silicon panels, offering higher efficiency and lower production costs [1] - First Solar Inc. (FSLR) is actively investing in perovskite technology to enhance its thin-film solar panel offerings [1][10] Company Developments - In 2023, FSLR acquired Swedish perovskite specialist Evolar AB to advance the development and commercialization of high-efficiency thin-film PV technology [2] - FSLR is establishing a perovskite development line at its Perrysburg, OH campus as part of a $370 million R&D initiative focused on next-generation solar technologies [3][10] - As of March 2025, FSLR is continuing its research into perovskite crystals to improve efficiency and stability for commercially scalable products [4] Industry Trends - Perovskite solar cells have seen efficiency improvements from 3% in 2009 to over 26% in 2024 for small-area devices, indicating significant advancements in the technology [5] - JinkoSolar (JKS) is also investing in perovskite technology, achieving a conversion efficiency of 33.84% in its N-type TOPCon-based perovskite tandem solar cell [7] - Canadian Solar (CSIQ) is enhancing its module efficiency through TOPCon technology and may explore perovskite solutions in the future [8] Market Performance - FSLR shares have increased by 36.6% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 35.5% [9] - FSLR's shares are trading at a forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 9.57X, below the industry average of 17.02X, indicating a relative discount [11]