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  <xsd:element id="fslr_LendingAgreementWithSolarProjectEntityNoteTwoMember" name="LendingAgreementWithSolarProjectEntityNoteTwoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_IncomeExpenseByIncomeStatementLocationAxis" name="IncomeExpenseByIncomeStatementLocationAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfOtherLoansTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfOtherLoansTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" name="OtherLiabilitiesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_NextlightMember" name="NextlightMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AccruedExpensesCurrentTextBlock" name="AccruedExpensesCurrentTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ForeignEarningsIncomeTaxRepatriationMember" name="ForeignEarningsIncomeTaxRepatriationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_FranceFacilityAgreementMember" name="FranceFacilityAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_DerivativesInstrumentsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract" name="DerivativesInstrumentsDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_TurnerRenewableEnergyLlcMember" name="TurnerRenewableEnergyLlcMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AverageExchangeRateRatio" name="AverageExchangeRateRatio" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_AccuedExpensesAbstract" name="AccuedExpensesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_NumeratorPerShareCalculationBasicAbstract" name="NumeratorPerShareCalculationBasicAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" name="CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_InventoryCurrentNoncurrentNet" name="InventoryCurrentNoncurrentNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_NoteReceivablePercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" name="NoteReceivablePercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsOtherCurrentAndNoncurrent" name="ProjectAssetsOtherCurrentAndNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_SolarPowerSystemMember" name="SolarPowerSystemMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesOverTwoYearsToThreeYearsMember" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesOverTwoYearsToThreeYearsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ForeignEarningsRepatriationIncomeTaxImpactDomain" name="ForeignEarningsRepatriationIncomeTaxImpactDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_NotesReceivableDomain" name="NotesReceivableDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_CapitalizationByAssetDomain" name="CapitalizationByAssetDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ValueAddedTaxFinancingFacilityAgreementMember" name="ValueAddedTaxFinancingFacilityAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesRestrictedAmortizedCost" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesRestrictedAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_NoteReceivablePercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" name="NoteReceivablePercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_RevenueRebateParticipationRate" name="RevenueRebateParticipationRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesContractualMaturitiesAxis" name="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesContractualMaturitiesAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_CreditFacilityAgreementMember" name="CreditFacilityAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_SalesProductRevenueRebatesIssued" name="SalesProductRevenueRebatesIssued" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsAbstract" name="PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_MalaysianFacilityAgreementFixedRateTermLoanMember" name="MalaysianFacilityAgreementFixedRateTermLoanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_CapitalizedInterestTextBlock" name="CapitalizedInterestTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_OtherAssetsCurrentMember" name="OtherAssetsCurrentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_DeferredProjectCostsCurrent" name="DeferredProjectCostsCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessCombinationProFormaEarningsOrLossOfAcquireePerShareBasicAndDilutedSinceAcquisitionDateActual" name="BusinessCombinationProFormaEarningsOrLossOfAcquireePerShareBasicAndDilutedSinceAcquisitionDateActual" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_IncomeTaxesAbstract" name="IncomeTaxesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProductionCapacityProjected" name="ProductionCapacityProjected" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsTable" name="RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_CapitalizationByAssetAxis" name="CapitalizationByAssetAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ForeignEarningsRepatriatedProjected" name="ForeignEarningsRepatriatedProjected" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_SolarModuleCollectionAndRecyclingCustodialAccount" name="SolarModuleCollectionAndRecyclingCustodialAccount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_SupranationalDebtMember" name="SupranationalDebtMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAvailableForSaleSecurities" name="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAvailableForSaleSecurities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_InvestmentsCurrentFairValueDisclosure" name="InvestmentsCurrentFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ResearchAndDevelopmentMember" name="ResearchAndDevelopmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProductWarrantyAccrualInExcessOfNormalProductWarrantyLiabilityNonrecurring" name="ProductWarrantyAccrualInExcessOfNormalProductWarrantyLiabilityNonrecurring" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" name="RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ToSystemsSegmentMember" name="ToSystemsSegmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ReconciliationOfNetIncomeToCashProvidedByNetOperatingActivitiesTextBlock" name="ReconciliationOfNetIncomeToCashProvidedByNetOperatingActivitiesTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsNoncurrent" name="ProjectAssetsNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationSharesIssued" name="BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationSharesIssued" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_OtherLiabilitiesCurrentMember" name="OtherLiabilitiesCurrentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_DirectorOfDevelopmentOfStateOfOhio2009MaturityMember" name="DirectorOfDevelopmentOfStateOfOhio2009MaturityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesByMaturityTextBlock" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesByMaturityTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageVariableRateDescription" name="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageVariableRateDescription" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_ForeignEarningsRepatriatedAxis" name="ForeignEarningsRepatriatedAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" name="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_SystemsSegmentMember" name="SystemsSegmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsLineItems" name="RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_SolarModulesMember" name="SolarModulesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ContingentConsideration" name="ContingentConsideration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_DenominatorPerShareCalculationDilutedAbstract" name="DenominatorPerShareCalculationDilutedAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_IncreaseDecreaseInProjectAssets" name="IncreaseDecreaseInProjectAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_NotesReceivableAxis" name="NotesReceivableAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProductMinimumServiceLife" name="ProductMinimumServiceLife" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ForeignEarningsRepatriatedIncomeTaxDomain" name="ForeignEarningsRepatriatedIncomeTaxDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesOverOneYearToTwoYearsMember" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesOverOneYearToTwoYearsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ForeignTaxExpenseBenefitPullForward" name="ForeignTaxExpenseBenefitPullForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_DirectorOfDevelopmentOfStateOfOhio2015MaturityMember" name="DirectorOfDevelopmentOfStateOfOhio2015MaturityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_OtherAssetsNoncurrentMember" name="OtherAssetsNoncurrentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_DerivativeByDenominationCurrencyDomain" name="DerivativeByDenominationCurrencyDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsCurrent" name="ProjectAssetsCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems" name="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_InterSegmentTransferDomain" name="InterSegmentTransferDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesNoteAbstract" name="CommitmentsAndContingenciesNoteAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_MalaysianFacilityAgreementMember" name="MalaysianFacilityAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_NotesReceivableNoncurrentFairValueDisclosure" name="NotesReceivableNoncurrentFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_AccountsReceivableTradeNetAbstract" name="AccountsReceivableTradeNetAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_SolarModuleMember" name="SolarModuleMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_FairValueMeasurmentNoteAbstract" name="FairValueMeasurmentNoteAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedNumberOfShares" name="BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedNumberOfShares" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsAndDeferredProjectCostsMember" name="ProjectAssetsAndDeferredProjectCostsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_IncomeTaxHolidayDuration" name="IncomeTaxHolidayDuration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsRiskManagementTable" name="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsRiskManagementTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasureOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" name="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasureOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_LineOfCreditCommitmentFeeAnnualPercentageRate" name="LineOfCreditCommitmentFeeAnnualPercentageRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_AcquisitionProFormaAbstract" name="AcquisitionProFormaAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_RestrictedStockUnitsMember" name="RestrictedStockUnitsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" name="UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCostsDuringPeriod" name="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCostsDuringPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesNetUnrealizedGainsLosses" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesNetUnrealizedGainsLosses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaNetIncomeLossAcquiree" name="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaNetIncomeLossAcquiree" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityIntegrationCostsDuringPeriod" name="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityIntegrationCostsDuringPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProceedsFromEconomicDevelopmentFunding" name="ProceedsFromEconomicDevelopmentFunding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessAcquisitionProjectAssetsAcquired" name="BusinessAcquisitionProjectAssetsAcquired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLand" name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLand" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_DenominatorPerShareCalculationBasicAbstract" name="DenominatorPerShareCalculationBasicAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetailsAbstract" name="ConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetailsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_LineOfCreditRevolvingLetterOfCreditMember" name="LineOfCreditRevolvingLetterOfCreditMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsAxis" name="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesRestrictedFairValueDisclosure" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesRestrictedFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_JpMorganChaseBankNaAndBankOfAmericaMember" name="JpMorganChaseBankNaAndBankOfAmericaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_SegmentReportingInformationByAlternateSegmentAxis" name="SegmentReportingInformationByAlternateSegmentAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ExcludingForeignEarningsRepatriationIncomeTaxImpactMember" name="ExcludingForeignEarningsRepatriationIncomeTaxImpactMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_RepatriationOfEarningsIncomeTaxesLineItems" name="RepatriationOfEarningsIncomeTaxesLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsDomain" name="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_SubsequentEventsRevolvingLetterOfCreditMember" name="SubsequentEventsRevolvingLetterOfCreditMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_CashMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsNoteAbstract" name="CashMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsNoteAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_LendingAgreementWithSolarProjectEntityNoteOneMember" name="LendingAgreementWithSolarProjectEntityNoteOneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AccruedInventory" name="AccruedInventory" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_ForeignEarningsRepatriationIncomeTaxImpactAxis" name="ForeignEarningsRepatriationIncomeTaxImpactAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsLandCurrentAndNoncurrent" name="ProjectAssetsLandCurrentAndNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ExcludingTaxHolidayImpactMember" name="ExcludingTaxHolidayImpactMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_InterSegmentTransferFrom" name="InterSegmentTransferFrom" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_RelatedPartyTransactionsNoteAbstract" name="RelatedPartyTransactionsNoteAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearMember" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfNotionalValueOfForeignExchangeForwardDerivativesTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfNotionalValueOfForeignExchangeForwardDerivativesTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_PlansToBuildNewPlantsMember" name="PlansToBuildNewPlantsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessAcquisitionSharesIssuedAndReleasedFromEscrow" name="BusinessAcquisitionSharesIssuedAndReleasedFromEscrow" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_SolarModuleRebatesAbstract" name="SolarModuleRebatesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProductionStartupMember" name="ProductionStartupMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_UnrestrictedStockMember" name="UnrestrictedStockMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember" name="OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNoteAbstract" name="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNoteAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_RestrictedAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock" name="RestrictedAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationByAlternateSegmentTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationByAlternateSegmentTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ExchangeRateRatio" name="ExchangeRateRatio" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_DerivativeFixedInterestRatePaidOnSwap" name="DerivativeFixedInterestRatePaidOnSwap" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_TaxHolidayImpactAxis" name="TaxHolidayImpactAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsCurrentAndNoncurrent" name="ProjectAssetsCurrentAndNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTextBlock" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_MalaysianFacilityAgreementFloatingRateTermLoanMember" name="MalaysianFacilityAgreementFloatingRateTermLoanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeMember" name="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ComponentsSegmentMember" name="ComponentsSegmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProductionStartUpExpense" name="ProductionStartUpExpense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsTextBlock" name="ProjectAssetsTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_AccountsReceivableTradeTextBlock" name="AccountsReceivableTradeTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_GoodwillAndProjectAssetsNoteAbstract" name="GoodwillAndProjectAssetsNoteAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionFairValueTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionFairValueTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_DocumentAndEntityInformationTable" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesContractualMaturitiesDomain" name="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesContractualMaturitiesDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_DebtNoteAbstract" name="DebtNoteAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredProjectCosts" name="IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredProjectCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationSharesIssuableValueAssigned" name="BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationSharesIssuableValueAssigned" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_NotesReceivableAmountOutstanding" name="NotesReceivableAmountOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_NotesReceivableFairValueCurrentDisclosure" name="NotesReceivableFairValueCurrentDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTable" name="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="fslr_DerivativeByDenominationCurrencyAxis" name="DerivativeByDenominationCurrencyAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="fslr_UnallocatedShareBasedCompensationAbsorbedIntoInventoryMember" name="UnallocatedShareBasedCompensationAbsorbedIntoInventoryMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>