The Arizona-based thin-film PV giant had net quarterly income of $170.6m, or $1.66 per share, versus a $60.9m net loss, or $0.61, a year earlier. Gross profit was 31% compared to 8.3%.

"Our first quarter results represent a very strong start to 2016," says Hughes.

The company shipped 774MW, up 43% from a year earlier, while factory capacity utilization was 100% compared to 87%.

Potential