Photo by First Solar
Photo by Solar Industry Magazine

Mark Widmar

CEO

First Solar

POSITION

CEO

COMPANY

First Solar

COUNTRY

USA

Website

firstsolar.com

SCENE

Business

SOCIAL

LinkedIn

Twitter

What makes Mark Widmar a Global Shaker?

American energy-entrepreneur Mark Widmar has flourished as one of the global leaders in photovoltaic manufacturing (PV) since becoming Chief Executive Officer at First Solar in July 2016. The company is widely-celebrated for both becoming the first solar panel manufacturing company to lower its manufacturing cost to $1 per watt, and producing photovoltaic panels with almost 17% efficiency.

First Solar is now the second-largest producer of PV modules worldwide and was a member of Forbes’ ‘Just 100’ US companies in 2018, for its commitment to fair pay, diverse leadership and minimal environmental impact. With the company’s net sales reaching $2.9 billion in 2017, it is clear that Mark Widmar has firmly established his position as one of the global leaders in renewable and green energies.

Prior to joining First Solar, the Indiana University graduate served as Director on the board of general partners for renewable energy venture 8point3 Energy Partners LP, formed by First Solar and SunPower Corporation. His career began as an accountant with Ernst & Young in 1987, later flourishing in managerial positions with firms such as Dell and NCR.

Last updated: June 7, 2019