First Solar to build projects in Australia

TEMPE, Ariz. — First Solar Inc., the biggest producer of thin-film panels, has agreed to build Australia's two largest photovoltaic projects as part of its effort to expand into new markets.

It is to construct 106-megawatt and 53-megawatt projects in New South Wales for power distributor AGL Energy Ltd., the Tempe, Ariz.-based company said Monday in a statement. Terms weren't disclosed. First Solar began in Toledo and has its only U.S manufacturing plant in Perrysburg Township.