Solar Stocks Surge: First Solar and ETFs Benefit from Treasury Tax Incentive
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 18 2025
0mins
Should l Buy FSLR?
Source: Benzinga
Solar Shares Rally: Solar shares, particularly First Solar, surged following new tax credit guidance from the U.S. Treasury and IRS that changes how clean-energy projects qualify for subsidies, eliminating the "5% safe harbor" rule for large-scale projects.
ETF Investment Opportunities: The Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) is highlighted as a key investment option for those looking to benefit from the solar sector while diversifying risk, with TAN up nearly 5% recently.
Broader Clean Energy Funds: For investors seeking broader exposure, the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) offer diversified investments in renewable energy sectors, both showing gains of over 2%.
Policy Impact on Market: The new tax policies provide clarity for investors, reducing uncertainty in the clean-energy market, although challenges remain for larger wind projects; ETFs may be a strategic choice for those wanting exposure without the volatility of individual stocks.
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Analyst Views on FSLR
Wall Street analysts forecast FSLR stock price to rise
23 Analyst Rating
18 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 197.250
Low
150.00
Averages
280.35
High
335.00
Current: 197.250
Low
150.00
Averages
280.35
High
335.00
About FSLR
First Solar, Inc. is a photovoltaic (PV) solar technology and manufacturing company. It is focused on enabling power generation needs with its advanced, thin film PV technology. The Company's primary segment is its modules business, which involves the design, manufacture, and sale of CdTe solar modules, which convert sunlight into electricity. Third-party customers of the segment include system developers, independent power producers, utilities, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners and operators. The Company's products include the Series 7 Module and Series 6 Plus module. Its Series 6 Plus module is a glass laminate approximately 4ft x 6ft in size that encapsulates thin film PV semiconductor materials. Its Series 7 module has a larger form factor of approximately 4ft x 7ft in size. The Series 6 Plus and Series 7 modules had an average power output of 459 watts and 531 watts, respectively.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Analysts Weigh in on Solar Energy Stock Investment Timing
- Market Volatility Impact: The ongoing volatility in global oil and gas markets raises questions about the timing for investing in solar stocks, with WideAlpha advising against direct investment in the Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) due to the commoditized nature of PV manufacturers, instead recommending advanced system components like Enphase Energy (ENPH).
- Differentiation Opportunities: Nextpower (NXT) faces commoditization in utility solar trackers but demonstrates competitive advantages through its TrueCapture software that optimizes positioning to increase yield, while also expanding into foundations and automatic monitoring, enhancing its market position.
- Privatization Trend: Companies developing solar and wind projects, such as Innergex and Atlantica Yield, have been taken private, with Boralex (BRLXF) also announcing privatization, indicating strong demand for quality assets, while Brookfield Renewable (BEP) and Northland Power (NPIFF) remain viable pure-play options.
- Renewable Energy Outlook: Despite U.S. natural gas prices not rising alongside global prices, Ragmar Rikberg finds First Solar (FSLR) an attractive investment, with projections indicating renewables will be the only electricity generation segment to grow by 2026, highlighting the sector's long-term potential.
See More
Jefferies Lowers Target Price for First Solar Inc. to $197 from $205 (Correction)
- Price Adjustment: Jeffries has cut the target price for First Solar from $205 to $197.
- Market Impact: This adjustment reflects changes in market conditions and expectations for First Solar's performance.
See More
S&P 500 Stock Analysis and Investment Recommendations
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- Equifax Performance Decline: Equifax, valued at $22 billion, holds detailed financial records on over 800 million consumers, but its adjusted operating margin has decreased by 4.1 percentage points over the past five years, with earnings per share growing only 2.2% annually, and its current share price of $182.39 reflects a forward P/E of 21.1x, indicating competitive weaknesses.
- First Solar Growth Potential: First Solar, with a market cap of $20.96 billion, has achieved an impressive annual revenue growth of 25.4% over the last two years, indicating an expanding market share; its positive free cash flow margin shows the company is at a pivotal point, and its stock price of $195.60 implies a favorable forward P/E of 11.1x, suggesting strong investment value.
- Recommended Market-Leading Stocks: In the current market environment, selecting high-quality stocks is crucial, and StockStory's recommended stocks not only have performed well in the past but also demonstrate ongoing revenue growth and capital return capabilities, making them potential market winners worth investors' attention.
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- Death Cross Signal: Insmed, First Solar, and Aptiv have all formed a death cross, where the 50-day moving average falls below the 200-day, indicating a potential long-term downtrend, leading to a broadly bearish sentiment among retail investors, which could trigger further selling pressure.
- Insmed's Strong Performance: Despite the death cross formation, Insmed's stock remains about 8% above its 200-day moving average, and has surged over 12% since reporting positive results for Arikayce, with analysts projecting a strong buy consensus and a price target of $214.32, suggesting a potential upside of approximately 32%.
- First Solar's Challenges: First Solar's stock has dropped over 7% since its February earnings report, with the spread between its 50-day and 200-day moving averages exceeding 2%, indicating a well-established death cross; analysts have set a price target of $250.57, implying about 28% upside, but ongoing uncertainty in U.S. energy policy remains a concern.
- Aptiv's Structural Shift: Aptiv has faced a dual blow from tariff hikes and the removal of EV tax incentives, leading to a 6% decline in stock price, although it has gained over 20% in the past year; the death cross is firmly in place, with analysts targeting $92.43, indicating a potential upside of around 51%, while the upcoming spin-off of its electrical business may impact market reactions.
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Geronimo Power Launches Dodson Creek Solar Project in Ohio
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- Economic Contribution: With this project, Geronimo's total operating capacity in Ohio reaches 675 megawatts, which is expected to create over $240 million in economic benefits for local and state residents throughout its operational life, demonstrating a significant impact on the local economy.
- Job Creation: At its peak construction phase, the Dodson Creek project employed 125 construction workers, highlighting Geronimo Power's positive role in driving local employment and economic growth, while also showcasing a strong partnership with Kiewit Power Constructors Co.
- Tax Revenue and Charitable Commitment: Over the first 20 years, Dodson Creek is anticipated to generate approximately $21 million in new tax revenue for Highland County and local districts, while Geronimo has pledged to contribute $585,000 to local charities through a dedicated fund, further exemplifying its commitment to community responsibility.
See More
Geronimo Power Launches 117 MW Solar Project in Ohio
- Project Launch: Geronimo Power has officially commenced commercial operations at its Dodson Creek Solar Project in Highland County, Ohio, delivering 117 megawatts of power and generating an estimated $49 million in direct economic benefits for the local community, thereby solidifying the company's market position in the region.
- Economic Contribution: With this project, Geronimo's total operating portfolio in Ohio has reached 675 MW, which is expected to create over $240 million in economic benefits for local and state residents throughout its operational life, demonstrating the company's profound impact on the local economy.
- Job Creation: At its peak construction phase, the Dodson Creek project employed 125 construction workers, reflecting the strong partnership between Geronimo Power and Kiewit Power Constructors Co., and contributing to local employment and economic growth.
- Tax Revenue and Charitable Commitment: Over the first 20 years, Dodson Creek is anticipated to generate approximately $21 million in new tax revenue for Highland County and its local governments, while Geronimo has pledged $585,000 to local charities, showcasing its commitment to being a good neighbor in the communities where it operates.
See More
Analysts Weigh in on Solar Energy Stock Investment Timing
- Market Volatility Impact: The ongoing volatility in global oil and gas markets raises questions about the timing for investing in solar stocks, with WideAlpha advising against direct investment in the Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) due to the commoditized nature of PV manufacturers, instead recommending advanced system components like Enphase Energy (ENPH).
- Differentiation Opportunities: Nextpower (NXT) faces commoditization in utility solar trackers but demonstrates competitive advantages through its TrueCapture software that optimizes positioning to increase yield, while also expanding into foundations and automatic monitoring, enhancing its market position.
- Privatization Trend: Companies developing solar and wind projects, such as Innergex and Atlantica Yield, have been taken private, with Boralex (BRLXF) also announcing privatization, indicating strong demand for quality assets, while Brookfield Renewable (BEP) and Northland Power (NPIFF) remain viable pure-play options.
- Renewable Energy Outlook: Despite U.S. natural gas prices not rising alongside global prices, Ragmar Rikberg finds First Solar (FSLR) an attractive investment, with projections indicating renewables will be the only electricity generation segment to grow by 2026, highlighting the sector's long-term potential.
See More
Jefferies Lowers Target Price for First Solar Inc. to $197 from $205 (Correction)
- Price Adjustment: Jeffries has cut the target price for First Solar from $205 to $197.
- Market Impact: This adjustment reflects changes in market conditions and expectations for First Solar's performance.
See More
S&P 500 Stock Analysis and Investment Recommendations
- STERIS Investment Risks: With a market cap of $21.45 billion, STERIS plays a critical role in infection prevention, yet its return on invested capital is only 5%, indicating management struggles to identify attractive investment opportunities; trading at $218.71 per share with a forward P/E of 20.2x suggests limited growth potential.
- Equifax Performance Decline: Equifax, valued at $22 billion, holds detailed financial records on over 800 million consumers, but its adjusted operating margin has decreased by 4.1 percentage points over the past five years, with earnings per share growing only 2.2% annually, and its current share price of $182.39 reflects a forward P/E of 21.1x, indicating competitive weaknesses.
- First Solar Growth Potential: First Solar, with a market cap of $20.96 billion, has achieved an impressive annual revenue growth of 25.4% over the last two years, indicating an expanding market share; its positive free cash flow margin shows the company is at a pivotal point, and its stock price of $195.60 implies a favorable forward P/E of 11.1x, suggesting strong investment value.
- Recommended Market-Leading Stocks: In the current market environment, selecting high-quality stocks is crucial, and StockStory's recommended stocks not only have performed well in the past but also demonstrate ongoing revenue growth and capital return capabilities, making them potential market winners worth investors' attention.
See More
Insmed, First Solar, and Aptiv Form Death Cross, Signaling Bearish Trends
- Death Cross Signal: Insmed, First Solar, and Aptiv have all formed a death cross, where the 50-day moving average falls below the 200-day, indicating a potential long-term downtrend, leading to a broadly bearish sentiment among retail investors, which could trigger further selling pressure.
- Insmed's Strong Performance: Despite the death cross formation, Insmed's stock remains about 8% above its 200-day moving average, and has surged over 12% since reporting positive results for Arikayce, with analysts projecting a strong buy consensus and a price target of $214.32, suggesting a potential upside of approximately 32%.
- First Solar's Challenges: First Solar's stock has dropped over 7% since its February earnings report, with the spread between its 50-day and 200-day moving averages exceeding 2%, indicating a well-established death cross; analysts have set a price target of $250.57, implying about 28% upside, but ongoing uncertainty in U.S. energy policy remains a concern.
- Aptiv's Structural Shift: Aptiv has faced a dual blow from tariff hikes and the removal of EV tax incentives, leading to a 6% decline in stock price, although it has gained over 20% in the past year; the death cross is firmly in place, with analysts targeting $92.43, indicating a potential upside of around 51%, while the upcoming spin-off of its electrical business may impact market reactions.
See More
Geronimo Power Launches Dodson Creek Solar Project in Ohio
- Project Launch: Geronimo Power has officially commenced commercial operations at the Dodson Creek Solar Project in Highland County, Ohio, delivering 117 megawatts of power and generating an estimated $49 million in direct economic benefits for the local community, thereby reinforcing the company's market position in the region.
- Economic Contribution: With this project, Geronimo's total operating capacity in Ohio reaches 675 megawatts, which is expected to create over $240 million in economic benefits for local and state residents throughout its operational life, demonstrating a significant impact on the local economy.
- Job Creation: At its peak construction phase, the Dodson Creek project employed 125 construction workers, highlighting Geronimo Power's positive role in driving local employment and economic growth, while also showcasing a strong partnership with Kiewit Power Constructors Co.
- Tax Revenue and Charitable Commitment: Over the first 20 years, Dodson Creek is anticipated to generate approximately $21 million in new tax revenue for Highland County and local districts, while Geronimo has pledged to contribute $585,000 to local charities through a dedicated fund, further exemplifying its commitment to community responsibility.
See More
Geronimo Power Launches 117 MW Solar Project in Ohio
- Project Launch: Geronimo Power has officially commenced commercial operations at its Dodson Creek Solar Project in Highland County, Ohio, delivering 117 megawatts of power and generating an estimated $49 million in direct economic benefits for the local community, thereby solidifying the company's market position in the region.
- Economic Contribution: With this project, Geronimo's total operating portfolio in Ohio has reached 675 MW, which is expected to create over $240 million in economic benefits for local and state residents throughout its operational life, demonstrating the company's profound impact on the local economy.
- Job Creation: At its peak construction phase, the Dodson Creek project employed 125 construction workers, reflecting the strong partnership between Geronimo Power and Kiewit Power Constructors Co., and contributing to local employment and economic growth.
- Tax Revenue and Charitable Commitment: Over the first 20 years, Dodson Creek is anticipated to generate approximately $21 million in new tax revenue for Highland County and its local governments, while Geronimo has pledged $585,000 to local charities, showcasing its commitment to being a good neighbor in the communities where it operates.
See More
