First Solar reviews

3.7

70% would recommend to a friend

(120 total reviews)
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Mark Widmar

86% approve of CEO

62% positive business outlook

Reviews by job title

120 reviews

Reviews about "Culture"

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5.0
Aug 15, 2017

First Solar - Nice Place to Work

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible, pleasant culture, Fast Paced

Cons

Fast Paced, ever revolving and changing

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First Solar Response
8y
Thank you for taking time to leave a review. We appreciate you sharing your experience with us and are happy to have you on the team!
5.0
Aug 15, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

First Solar is a great place to work. I have been with First Solar for over 8 years. I believe that First Solar has a strong leadership team that is driven to ensure we stay ahead of our solar rivals in a highly competitive marketplace. First Solar is an environment of constant change which is a dynamic that I enjoy. I believe the willingness to change when it makes sense is one of the key factors as to why First Solar has been successful. First Solar is and organization with diverse backgrounds and employees with tremendous skillsets. I feel fortunate that I continue to have the opportunity to be a part of the First Solar team. High level internal communications were an organization weakness and over the last 1-2 years have become a strength of the organization. Another strength I have seen is First Solar promoting internal associates when we have the skill set and talent internally. Overall Perrysburg has great facilities including an onsite café and workout facility. I would recommend First Solar to friends as a place to consider if they are evaluating a career change or if they are looking for their first career opportunity.

Cons

As I mentioned as one of my pros, First Solar is an organization of constant change. I understand this isn't for everyone. Some employees don't like the fast pace and the demands of the job.

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First Solar Response
8y
Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts. We appreciate you sharing your experience with us and are glad you have had a great experience!
4.0
Aug 15, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Goal driven company, very fast paced and requires a lot of tolerance for change. Job demands agility and flexibility. Casual work environment. Good health insurance benefits. Better, more aligned leadership under Mark Widmar. Proud to be working for a green energy company that can make a positive impact on the environment. Co-workers are very smart and driven. Like working with the people here. Bonus opportunity is good when the company performs well. I have been promoted a few times. Bonuses consistently have had some payout, even in bad years.

Cons

Industry is volatile and layoffs have impacted good people. Vacation and paid holiday allotment is stingy, and it takes 10 years to get additional vacation days. Leadership diversity could improve. Very few women in leadership roles. Job sharing, flex schedules, and part-time policies are very new and not really part of the culture. Constant pressure on "reducing OPEX", i.e. headcount and budgets, is exhausting. Merit increases are low (about 3%), and in 2017 they didn't give raises at all. Very few team building or employee events are ever sponsored.

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First Solar Response
8y
Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback and are happy to hear that so much of your experience 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.
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