First Solar to Ride the High-Tech PV Module Wave With Its CuRe Program

Amid increasing global usage of renewable electricity, a notable surge in the demand for high-tech photovoltaic (PV) solar modules has been witnessed lately, backed by rapid advancements in solar cell efficiency, lowering production costs, along with technological innovations like perovskite tandem cells. To reap the benefits of this demand trend, America’s largest solar module manufacturer, First Solar Inc. FSLR brought forth its CuRe program, which is focused on improving its current semiconductor structure by replacing copper with selected elements to enhance module performance.Resultantly, FSLR’s PV solar modules, rolled out as part of this CuRe program, are expected to produce more energy than traditional crystalline silicon modules and thereby boost demand for the same. In late 2024, First Solar began a limited commercial production run of CuRe modules and sold its first modules to customers in the first half of 2025.Starting in early 2026, First Solar aims to gradually roll out CuRe technology across selected manufacturing facilities. With higher energy output and improved durability, CuRe modules are expected to play an important role in distributed energy generation and commercial solar projects worldwide.Scaling this technology should help FSLR strengthen its position in the solar market, setting a new standard for module efficiency.Other Stocks Warranting a LookWhile First Solar focuses on CuRe technology, other solar manufacturers are also investing in ways to improve module efficiency.Canadian Solar CSIQ is enhancing its solar modules using TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) cell technology. In May 2025, CSIQ introduced a new TOPCon module series with conversion efficiency ranging from 23.3% to 24.4%, reflecting its efforts to optimize energy output in real-world conditions.Similarly, JinkoSolar JKS is advancing perovskite/silicon tandem technology alongside its traditional PV products. In January 2025, JinkoSolar achieved a conversion efficiency of 33.84% with its N-type TOPCon-based tandem cells, demonstrating the potential for next-generation solar modules to deliver higher energy yields and improved reliability.The Zacks Rundown for FSLRShares of FSLR have gained 14.3% in the past month compared with the industry’s 9.9% growth.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe company’s shares are trading at a discount on a relative basis, with its forward 12-month Price/Earnings being 10.43X compared with its industry’s average of 15.50X.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for FSLR’s near-term earnings has moved south over the past 60 days, except for 2025 and 2026.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchFSLR stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.5 Stocks Set to DoubleEach was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They includeStock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and ResilienceStock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the DipStock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the MarketStock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for GrowthStock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to SpringMost of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%.Download Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback free today.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited (JKS): Free Stock Analysis Report First Solar, Inc. (FSLR): Free Stock Analysis Report Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks