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Energy Secretary Moniz and Export-Import Bank Chairman Hochberg to Visit First Solar Facility in Perrysburg, Ohio

WASHINGTON— On Friday, February 20, 2015 Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz will join Fred P. Hochberg, Chairman and President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) for a tour of the First Solar manufacturing plant in Perrysburg, highlighting the federal government’s continued support of renewable energy innovation in the U.S. and underscoring the contributions these investments are making to the nation’s goal of a low-carbon energy future. The visit will also highlight the importance of the Ex-Im Bank, a critical tool for Ohio manufacturers of all sizes as they compete to win overseas deals and grow through exports.

First Solar is one of America’s largest PV solar companies and Ex-Im Bank has primarily financed their exports to India during the first phase of that country’s National Solar Mission.  The company also has a long-standing relationship with the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) where they worked to boost cell efficiencies within their manufacturing processes. In addition, more than 1 GW of First Solar panels have been deployed by utility-scale PV solar projects supported by the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office.