In Q4 2024, First Solar Inc. was reported to have spent $310,000 on lobbying efforts related to domestic manufacturing tax credits, Buy America provisions, and trade issues tied to the Inflation Reduction Act. This activity highlights the company's engagement in corporate political influence, raising concerns about its potential impact on democratic processes.

An audit at First Solar's Malaysia factory revealed unethical labor practices including forced labour, passport retention, recruitment fee charges, and wage theft among subcontracted migrant workers. The company has taken remedial actions by returning passports, wages, and recruitment fees, and by enforcing overtime regulations. While these steps are commendable, the initial findings highlight serious concerns in labor relations and supply chain oversight.

First Solar, the leading U.S. solar manufacturer, reported a forced labor incident in its supply chain at its Malaysian facility, where a third-party audit found that migrant workers employed as janitorial and security staff were exploited through recruitment fees, withheld pay, and confiscated passports. The company has since taken steps to remediate the situation, including policy changes and periodic reviews.