First Solar: Can Thin-Film Keep Up?

2017 was a banner year for First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) for a number of reasons. It sold large solar developments for more money than expected, resulting in a short-term boost in earnings. The Suniva trade case was also a surprising windfall, driving at least 6.7 GW of solar panel bookings -- about two years of production -- in the first three quarters of the year.

The upgrade from Series 4 to Series 6 solar panels is also driving enthusiasm about First Solar and will improve the company's cost per watt profile long term. But there's a risk investors should keep in mind that may undermine the current enthusiasm surrounding First Solar.

Image source: First Solar.

Source: Fool.com