First Solar (FSLR) up 15% today after raising earnings guidance for next year.

First Solar, Inc. announced that for fiscal 2010, it expects net sales of $2.6-$2.7 billion, reflecting reallocation of module capacity from its systems business to meet stronger module demand by its European customers. Earnings per fully diluted share (EPS) are projected in the range of $6.80 to $7.30 and include $0.09-0.10 per share dilution for the pending acquisition of NextLight Renewable Power, LLC. According to Reuters Estimates, analysts on an average are expecting the Company to report revenues of $2.7 billion and EPS of $6.29 for fiscal 2010. The First Solar Board of Directors has approved an additional four line manufacturing plant with an annual capacity of over 220 MW at the first quarter 2010 line run-rate. The plant is expected to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2011.

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This is one company that has no only the technicals of thin film down but also the management and productivity to convert that potential into shareholder wealth. Was really worried about 2010 with Spain cutting their utterly unsustainable subsidy (feed in tariff at $0.40+ per kWh) program but things look good for next year.

Analysts looking for $6.29 in FY 2010 and company says nope we are going to make $6.80 to $7.30. Nice.