Is First Solar a good company to work for?

First Solar has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on over 805 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has decreased by 3% over the last 12 months. 70% of employees would recommend working at First Solar to a friend and 62% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about First Solar have been left by employees working as Manufacturing Engineer , Development Engineer and Manager .

Does First Solar pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, First Solar employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.4 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at First Solar. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at First Solar?

70% of First Solar employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated First Solar 3.7 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.7 for culture and values and 3.3 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at First Solar?

Engineer (24) , Manufacturing Engineer (21) , Manager (17) , Technician (13) , Development Engineer (11) , Intern (9) , Development Engineer II (8) , Internship (8) , Manufacturing Associate (8) , Project Manager (8) , Production Operator (7) , Analyst (6) , Director (6) , Coater Technician (5) , Human Resources Generalist (5)

What are the pros of working at First Solar according to real employee reviews?

"Good benefit and growth of the company" ((in 54 reviews)); "People are understanding of mistakes and it's great as a first full time corporate job." ((in 51 reviews)); "Good pay and days off" ((in 47 reviews)); "Innovative culture and great co" ((in 34 reviews)); "Good work life balance here" ((in 23 reviews))

What are the cons of working at First Solar according to real employee reviews?

"Poor communication and coordination throughout the organization" ((in 11 reviews)); "Cultural challenges given the number of spread out offices and difficulty establishing a common culture; stock price volatility reducing the value of equity compensation, a number of silos which resulted in "us vs them" mentality (EPC versus Project Development); recent layoffs given shift in the market away from historically subsidized markets in Europe" ((in 10 reviews)); "Long hours necessary to accomplish workload." ((in 9 reviews)); "Hectic, stressful, and bad leadership" ((in 8 reviews)); "Managers and HR ignore issues instead of addressing them head on." ((in 7 reviews))

What are employees saying about First Solar layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about First Solar layoffs and their outlook for job security at First Solar in 2026.

What are the top reviewed First Solar locations?

Perrysburg , Tempe , Toledo , Santa Clara , Trinity , Phoenix , Bridgewater , Walbridge , San Francisco , Columbus , Sunnyvale , New York , Mesa , Palmdale , Oakland , New Iberia , Tampa , Butler , Bound Brook , Jersey City , Lumberton , Decatur , Farmington , Chandler , Tucson , Portland , Elm City , Austin , Dallas , Houston

First Solar reviews

3.7

70% would recommend to a friend

(683 total reviews)

Mark Widmar

86% approve of CEO

62% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (683 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

First Solar has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 683 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The First Solar employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Manufacturing industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

683 reviews

5.0

Nov 2, 2017

Best Of Both Worlds

Administrative assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I appreciate the value First Solar sees in part time positions, as it provides opportunities for moms like me to dedicate more time to the family needs, all the while staying relevant in the work force. I truly feel like I am getting the best of both worlds.

Cons

If not managed wisely, the workload can seem overbearing, but First Solar has amazing core values and beliefs that encourages balance and collaboration, which is recognized by the leadership team. Firs Solar pride is also felt throughout the organization, which is added motivation to press on through the high pace environment.

First Solar Response

8y

Thank you for taking time to leave a review. We are glad to hear that your experience has been positive! Keep up the great work!

3.0

Aug 16, 2017

Good place to work, but not what it used to be

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

- Great co-workers who pitch in and help when you are overwhelmed - Awesome perks: gourmet café, onsite workout facility and high tech offices - Health benefits are great - When associates are in need, the company rallies around them

Cons

- Little career growth for women - Managers not willing to have hard conversations with their associates on performance, so no way to improve - Vacation policy is from the 1980's - Much has been taken away from associates over the last 5 years with the promise of do more now for us and we'll hire back and take work off your plate when things pick up. Well, they picked up years ago and they keep asking people to do more

First Solar Response

8y

Thank you for taking time to leave a review. We appreciate you sharing your experience with us and are glad that so much has been positive. If you would like to discuss your concerns further, we’d love the opportunity to resolve them. Please email jobs@firstsolar.com and we will be sure to get you in touch with a representative that can help you.

2.0

Jul 9, 2017

Future Not So Bright for First Solar

Associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Originally good R&D, and potential international growth. New process.

Cons

Company wasted their competitive advantage by poor business decisions and lack of a concerted expansion plan. Many empty plants around world. Layed off 1400 associates, most of them long term employeed who doubled product efficiency and are now redundant as market matures and offshore competitors dump product below their cost.

First Solar Response

8y

Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback. It’s unfortunate that your experience did not met your expectations. We’d love the opportunity to resolve your concerns. Please email jobs@firstsolar.com and we will be sure to get you in touch with a representative that can help you.

Viewing 64 - 66 of 683 Reviews

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Jobs at First Solar

Production Operator (Nights)

Production Operator (Night Crew)

Production Operator (Days)

Production Operator (Day Crew)

First Solar

First Solar reviews

Company ratings over time

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Best Of Both Worlds

Good place to work, but not what it used to be

Future Not So Bright for First Solar

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Jobs at First Solar