The solar systems developer and thin-film PV module giant reported $346.2m net income, or $3.38 per share on a GAAP basis, versus $94.5m, or 93 cents in the second quarter and $88.4m, or 87 cents a year earlier.

Sales surged to $1.271bn, up 42% versus the second quarter and a 43% increase from a year earlier.

"We had tremendous execution in the third quarter from both a financial and bookings perspective," says chief executive Jim Hughes.

"We