Is First Solar a good company to work for?

First Solar has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on over 806 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 decreased by 1% over the last 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, 3.6 for culture and values and 3.4 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 53 reviews)); "Good pay and work with top tallent peers" ((in 51 reviews)); "Good culture Friendly co" ((in 30 reviews)); "good work / life balance" ((in 22 reviews))

What are the cons of working at First Solar according to real employee 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 12 reviews)); "Long hours necessary to accomplish workload." ((in 10 reviews)); "Poor communication and coordination throughout the organization" ((in 10 reviews)); "Managers discouraged input from qualified team members." ((in 10 reviews)); "senior management is incompetent and lazy" ((in 5 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

(684 total reviews)

Mark Widmar

86% approve of CEO

62% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

4.0

Diversity & inclusion

3.7

Work/Life balance

3.6

Culture & values

3.4

Senior management

3.4

Compensation and benefits

3.4

Career opportunities

First Solar has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 684 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).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

684 reviews

2.0

Apr 17, 2026

Good for new grads, but disorganized with low pay

Manufacturing engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

If you are a new grad, this is a good place to fill out your resume. You will be able to talk about any topic in future interviews. Cafe was pretty nice.

Cons

There is a huge disconnect between the office workers and floor workers. As an ME, you will not get promoted if you do not look like the CMO. Disorganized, pitiful pay, long hours, in the middle of no where.

First Solar Response

2mo

Thank you for sharing your feedback and highlighting the early‑career opportunities at First Solar. We’re glad you found value in the hands‑on experience our teams offer. As we continue to grow, we regularly review our practices and investments to support our associates and long‑term success. We appreciate feedback as it informs ongoing improvements across our sites. If you have any further thoughts, please feel free to reach out to us at jobs@firstsolar.com.

3.0

Apr 17, 2026

Good benefits and schedule, but cliquish environment

Production operator

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits. Liked the schedule 2 days on 2 days off, every other weekend off.

Cons

Favoritism amidst the workers. Cliques. It was like high school.

First Solar Response

2mo

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and reflect on your experience with First Solar. We appreciate your recognition of the benefits and schedule, and we value all perspectives as they help inform our ongoing efforts to create a positive and supportive workplace. We are committed to continuous improvement and to fostering an environment where associates feel respected and valued. If you have any further thoughts or would like to share additional feedback, please feel free to reach out to us at jobs@firstsolar.com.

4.0

Mar 16, 2026

Great culture and company, pay mediocre

Recruiter

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture, lots of internal opportunities. People have been at the company for many years and many return later if they've left. This is always a sign of a solid company.

Cons

Pay and benefits weren't the best. The company does sometimes low-ball people.

First Solar Response

4mo

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for your recommendation. We’re proud to hear your positive perspective on our culture and the internal opportunities available to our team members. The long tenure of our associates and the fact that many choose to return speaks volumes about the environment we strive to create—one rooted in collaboration, growth, and meaningful work. We appreciate your thoughtful feedback and are glad to know you would consider joining us again in the future.

Viewing 163 - 165 of 684 Reviews

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Jobs at First Solar

Production Operator (Nights)

Administrative Assistant II

Manager– Marketing & Marketing Operations

Manager- Brand and Creative

Production Operator (Night Crew)

First Solar

First Solar reviews

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Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Good for new grads, but disorganized with low pay

Good benefits and schedule, but cliquish environment

Great culture and company, pay mediocre

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