Why First Solar's Shares Jumped (FSLR)

Why First Solar's Shares Jumped

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR ) jumped as much as 13% today, the second jump of at least 10% in as many weeks.

So what: Today's move was a result of Los Angeles County Department of Public Works giving final approval to First Solar to complete the 230 MW Antelope Valley project it is building there. Inspectors brought the project to a screeching halt when a county inspector refused to certify electrical connectors First Solar was using on the project. The connectors had been used in other projects built by First Solar without issue.

Now what: This is the type of regulatory burden that is slowing solar in the U.S., and it appears that the inspectors simply needed more information because this was their first major project. Left hanging in the balance were investors and 230 workers who were furloughed during the delay. But never fear, the project is back on and investors are cheering the move today. This alone doesn't make me bullish on First Solar, but it's an incremental positive for shareholders.

Interested in more info on First Solar? Add it to your watchlist by clicking here.

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Fool contributor Travis Hoium does not have a position in any company mentioned. You can follow Travis on Twitter at @FlushDrawFool, check out his personal stock holdings or follow his CAPS picks at TMFFlushDraw.

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