First Solar Rises as Permit Resolved on Los Angeles Plant

Bloomberg News

First Solar Inc. (FSLR), the biggest maker of thin-film solar panels, climbed the most since June 12 after receiving permission to continue construction on a $1.36 billion power project in Los Angeles County.

First Solar had the biggest increase among the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index companies, rising 9.2 percent to $15.88 at the close in New York. Shares of the Tempe, Arizona-based company have dropped 53 percent this year.

Construction of the Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One plant had been suspended during a permitting dispute with county officials over building codes, First Solar said today in a statement. The project is partially funded by a $646 million U.S. Energy Department loan guarantee and is expected to be complete next year.