<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2022 Workiva-->
<!--r:9a686113-2e1b-4ea3-9dbf-833cdee32091,g:5c22c204-f0ae-4194-a5f3-6ec0d53db678-->
<xs:schema xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:fslr="http://www.firstsolar.com/20220630" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2020-01-21" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.firstsolar.com/20220630">
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2022" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xlink-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2020-01-21" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2020-01-21/types.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2022" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2022/currency-2022.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd"/>
  <xs:annotation>
    <xs:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="fslr-20220630_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="fslr-20220630_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="fslr-20220630_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="fslr-20220630_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:roleType id="Document" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/Document">
        <link:definition>0001001 - Document - Document</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperations" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperations">
        <link:definition>1001002 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>1002003 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>1003004 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1004005 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquityStatement" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquityStatement">
        <link:definition>1005006 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Statement</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows">
        <link:definition>1006007 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A1BasisofPresentation" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A1BasisofPresentation">
        <link:definition>2101101 - Disclosure - 1. Basis of Presentation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A2SalesofBusinesses" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A2SalesofBusinesses">
        <link:definition>2102102 - Disclosure - 2. Sales of Businesses</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A2SalesofBusinessesDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A2SalesofBusinessesDetails">
        <link:definition>2403401 - Disclosure - 2. Sales of Businesses (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A3CashandMarketableSecurities" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A3CashandMarketableSecurities">
        <link:definition>2104103 - Disclosure - 3. Cash and Marketable Securities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A3CashandMarketableSecuritiesTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A3CashandMarketableSecuritiesTables">
        <link:definition>2305301 - Disclosure - 3. Cash and Marketable Securities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A3CashandMarketableSecuritiesDetailsCashandMarketableSecurities" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A3CashandMarketableSecuritiesDetailsCashandMarketableSecurities">
        <link:definition>2406402 - Disclosure - 3. Cash and Marketable Securities (Details) - Cash and Marketable Securities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A3CashandMarketableSecuritiesDetailsMarketableSecurities" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A3CashandMarketableSecuritiesDetailsMarketableSecurities">
        <link:definition>2407403 - Disclosure - 3. Cash and Marketable Securities (Details) - Marketable Securities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A4RestrictedMarketableSecurities" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A4RestrictedMarketableSecurities">
        <link:definition>2108104 - Disclosure - 4. Restricted Marketable Securities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A4RestrictedMarketableSecuritiesTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A4RestrictedMarketableSecuritiesTables">
        <link:definition>2309302 - Disclosure - 4. Restricted Marketable Securities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A4RestrictedMarketableSecuritiesDetailsRestrictedMarketableSecurities" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A4RestrictedMarketableSecuritiesDetailsRestrictedMarketableSecurities">
        <link:definition>2410404 - Disclosure - 4. Restricted Marketable Securities (Details) - Restricted Marketable Securities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A4RestrictedMarketableSecuritiesDetailsAvailableforsale" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A4RestrictedMarketableSecuritiesDetailsAvailableforsale">
        <link:definition>2411405 - Disclosure - 4. Restricted Marketable Securities (Details) - Available for sale</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A5ConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A5ConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails">
        <link:definition>2112105 - Disclosure - 5. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A5ConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetailsTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A5ConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetailsTables">
        <link:definition>2313303 - Disclosure - 5. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A5ConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetailsDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A5ConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetailsDetails">
        <link:definition>2414406 - Disclosure - 5. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A6DerivativeFinancialInstruments" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A6DerivativeFinancialInstruments">
        <link:definition>2115106 - Disclosure - 6. Derivative Financial Instruments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables">
        <link:definition>2316304 - Disclosure - 6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetailsSummary" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetailsSummary">
        <link:definition>2417407 - Disclosure - 6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Summary</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetailsHedgingRelationship" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetailsHedgingRelationship">
        <link:definition>2418408 - Disclosure - 6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Hedging Relationship</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetailsRiskManagement" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetailsRiskManagement">
        <link:definition>2419409 - Disclosure - 6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Risk Management</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetailsTransactionExposure" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A6DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetailsTransactionExposure">
        <link:definition>2420410 - Disclosure - 6. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Transaction Exposure</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A7Leases" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A7Leases">
        <link:definition>2121107 - Disclosure - 7. Leases</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A7LeasesTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A7LeasesTables">
        <link:definition>2322305 - Disclosure - 7. Leases (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A7LeasesDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A7LeasesDetails">
        <link:definition>2423411 - Disclosure - 7. Leases (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A8FairValueMeasurements" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A8FairValueMeasurements">
        <link:definition>2124108 - Disclosure - 8. Fair Value Measurements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A8FairValueMeasurementsTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A8FairValueMeasurementsTables">
        <link:definition>2325306 - Disclosure - 8. Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A8FairValueMeasurementsDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A8FairValueMeasurementsDetails">
        <link:definition>2426412 - Disclosure - 8. Fair Value Measurements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A8FairValueMeasurementsDetailsBalanceSheetGrouping" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A8FairValueMeasurementsDetailsBalanceSheetGrouping">
        <link:definition>2427413 - Disclosure - 8. Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Balance Sheet Grouping</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A9Debt" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A9Debt">
        <link:definition>2128109 - Disclosure - 9. Debt</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A9DebtTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A9DebtTables">
        <link:definition>2329307 - Disclosure - 9. Debt (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A9DebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A9DebtDetails">
        <link:definition>2430414 - Disclosure - 9. Debt (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A10CommitmentsandContingencies" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A10CommitmentsandContingencies">
        <link:definition>2131110 - Disclosure - 10. Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A10CommitmentsandContingenciesTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A10CommitmentsandContingenciesTables">
        <link:definition>2332308 - Disclosure - 10. Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A10CommitmentsandContingenciesDetailsCommercialCommitments" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A10CommitmentsandContingenciesDetailsCommercialCommitments">
        <link:definition>2433415 - Disclosure - 10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Commercial Commitments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A10CommitmentsandContingenciesDetailsProductWarranties" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A10CommitmentsandContingenciesDetailsProductWarranties">
        <link:definition>2434416 - Disclosure - 10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Product Warranties</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A10CommitmentsandContingenciesDetailsIndemnifications" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A10CommitmentsandContingenciesDetailsIndemnifications">
        <link:definition>2435417 - Disclosure - 10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Indemnifications</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A10CommitmentsandContingenciesDetailsSolarModuleCollectionandRecyclingLiability" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A10CommitmentsandContingenciesDetailsSolarModuleCollectionandRecyclingLiability">
        <link:definition>2436418 - Disclosure - 10. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A11RevenuefromContractswithCustomers" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A11RevenuefromContractswithCustomers">
        <link:definition>2137111 - Disclosure - 11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A11RevenuefromContractswithCustomersTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A11RevenuefromContractswithCustomersTables">
        <link:definition>2338309 - Disclosure - 11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A11RevenuefromContractswithCustomersDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A11RevenuefromContractswithCustomersDetails">
        <link:definition>2439419 - Disclosure - 11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A12ShareBasedCompensation" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A12ShareBasedCompensation">
        <link:definition>2140112 - Disclosure - 12. Share-Based Compensation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A12ShareBasedCompensationTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A12ShareBasedCompensationTables">
        <link:definition>2341310 - Disclosure - 12. Share-Based Compensation (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A12ShareBasedCompensationDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A12ShareBasedCompensationDetails">
        <link:definition>2442420 - Disclosure - 12. Share-Based Compensation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A13IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A13IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>2143113 - Disclosure - 13. Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A13IncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A13IncomeTaxesDetails">
        <link:definition>2444421 - Disclosure - 13. Income Taxes (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A14NetIncomePerShare" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A14NetIncomePerShare">
        <link:definition>2145114 - Disclosure - 14. Net Income Per Share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A14NetIncomePerShareTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A14NetIncomePerShareTables">
        <link:definition>2346311 - Disclosure - 14. Net Income Per Share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A14NetIncomePerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A14NetIncomePerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>2447422 - Disclosure - 14. Net Income Per Share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A15AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A15AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss">
        <link:definition>2148115 - Disclosure - 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A15AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A15AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables">
        <link:definition>2349312 - Disclosure - 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A15AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A15AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails">
        <link:definition>2450423 - Disclosure - 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A16SegmentReporting" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A16SegmentReporting">
        <link:definition>2151116 - Disclosure - 16. Segment Reporting</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A16SegmentReportingTables" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A16SegmentReportingTables">
        <link:definition>2352313 - Disclosure - 16. Segment Reporting (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A16SegmentReportingDetails" roleURI="http://www.firstsolar.com/role/A16SegmentReportingDetails">
        <link:definition>2453424 - Disclosure - 16. Segment Reporting (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xs:appinfo>
  </xs:annotation>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccruedProjectCosts" abstract="false" name="AccruedProjectCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DebtServiceReserveFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="DebtServiceReserveFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ContractualMaturitiesOfDebtsecuritiesAvailableforsaleRangeStartInYears" abstract="false" name="ContractualMaturitiesOfDebtsecuritiesAvailableforsaleRangeStartInYears" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccruedOtherTaxes" abstract="false" name="AccruedOtherTaxes" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ProductionStartUpExpense" abstract="false" name="ProductionStartUpExpense" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DFCandIFCMember" abstract="true" name="DFCandIFCMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_EPCServicesMember" abstract="true" name="EPCServicesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ProductionStartUpExpenseMember" abstract="true" name="ProductionStartUpExpenseMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_GuarantorObligationsAdjustmentToRevenue" abstract="false" name="GuarantorObligationsAdjustmentToRevenue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_InternationalOperationsAndMaintenanceBusinessMember" abstract="true" name="InternationalOperationsAndMaintenanceBusinessMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_OtherMember" abstract="true" name="OtherMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_PVSolarPowerSystemsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="PVSolarPowerSystemsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingLeaseLiabilitiesNoncurrent" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingLeaseLiabilitiesNoncurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_PVsolarpowersystemsMember" abstract="true" name="PVsolarpowersystemsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccountsReceivableUnbilledAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss" abstract="false" name="AccountsReceivableUnbilledAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccruedInventory" abstract="false" name="AccruedInventory" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_BilateralFacilitiesMember" abstract="true" name="BilateralFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ContractAssetNetChange" abstract="false" name="ContractAssetNetChange" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccountsReceivableUnbilledBeforeAllowanceForCreditLosses" abstract="false" name="AccountsReceivableUnbilledBeforeAllowanceForCreditLosses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ContractLiabilityPercentChange" abstract="false" name="ContractLiabilityPercentChange" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_FSJapanProject25GKMember" abstract="true" name="FSJapanProject25GKMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" abstract="true" name="ProjectAssetsCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingLeaseLiabilitiesCurrent" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingLeaseLiabilitiesCurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ContractLiabilityNetChange" abstract="false" name="ContractLiabilityNetChange" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMaturitiesRollingYearFourThroughFive" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMaturitiesRollingYearFourThroughFive" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccumulatedDepreciationPVSolarPowerSystems" abstract="false" name="AccumulatedDepreciationPVSolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_OperatingLeaseAssetsMember" abstract="true" name="OperatingLeaseAssetsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AdvancedPaymentsForRawMaterialsNoncurrent" abstract="false" name="AdvancedPaymentsForRawMaterialsNoncurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsNoncurrent" abstract="false" name="ProjectAssetsNoncurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_OperatingSupplies" abstract="false" name="OperatingSupplies" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_JapanProjectDevelopmentBusinessMember" abstract="true" name="JapanProjectDevelopmentBusinessMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_EnergyGenerationMember" abstract="true" name="EnergyGenerationMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_IFCMember" abstract="true" name="IFCMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsDevelopmentandLandCosts" abstract="false" name="ProjectAssetsDevelopmentandLandCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccountsReceivableUnbilledAllowanceForCreditLossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" abstract="false" name="AccountsReceivableUnbilledAllowanceForCreditLossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_RestrictedDebtSecuritiesMember" abstract="true" name="RestrictedDebtSecuritiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_SolarModuleCollectionAndRecyclingLiability" abstract="false" name="SolarModuleCollectionAndRecyclingLiability" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_IncreaseInRevenueFromNetChangesInTransactionPrice" abstract="false" name="IncreaseInRevenueFromNetChangesInTransactionPrice" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccruedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" abstract="false" name="AccruedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_CashHeldInCustodialAccountsMember" abstract="true" name="CashHeldInCustodialAccountsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ProceedsToBeReceivedFromSalesOfBusinesses" abstract="false" name="ProceedsToBeReceivedFromSalesOfBusinesses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_LettersofCreditOutstandingSecuredbyCash" abstract="false" name="LettersofCreditOutstandingSecuredbyCash" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_OperationsandMaintenanceMember" abstract="true" name="OperationsandMaintenanceMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_NorthAmericanOperationsAndMaintenanceBusinessMember" abstract="true" name="NorthAmericanOperationsAndMaintenanceBusinessMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfRestrictedAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfRestrictedAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_FSJapanProject24GKMember" abstract="true" name="FSJapanProject24GKMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DebtSecuritiesAvailableforsaleMaturitiesRollingYearOneThroughTwo" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableforsaleMaturitiesRollingYearOneThroughTwo" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DebtSecuritiesAvailableforsaleMaturitiesRollingYearThreeThroughFour" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableforsaleMaturitiesRollingYearThreeThroughFour" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingLeaseAssets" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingLeaseAssets" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_GuarantorObligationsPotentialRecoveries" abstract="false" name="GuarantorObligationsPotentialRecoveries" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_SpareMaintenanceMaterialsAndParts" abstract="false" name="SpareMaintenanceMaterialsAndParts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_RevenuefromContractswithCustomersLineItems" abstract="true" name="RevenuefromContractswithCustomersLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_RestrictedDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="RestrictedDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_PowerPurchaseAgreementsMember" abstract="true" name="PowerPurchaseAgreementsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_OridoCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="OridoCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsRiskManagementTable" abstract="true" name="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsRiskManagementTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ContractualMaturitiesOfDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRangeEndInYears" abstract="false" name="ContractualMaturitiesOfDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRangeEndInYears" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_PVsolarpowersystemsnetAbstract" abstract="true" name="PVsolarpowersystemsnetAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_FirstSolarJapanGKMember" abstract="true" name="FirstSolarJapanGKMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_PurchasePriceSaleOfBusiness" abstract="false" name="PurchasePriceSaleOfBusiness" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DebtSecuritiesSupranationalDebtMember" abstract="true" name="DebtSecuritiesSupranationalDebtMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DFCMember" abstract="true" name="DFCMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_InvestmentTableTable" abstract="true" name="InvestmentTableTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccountsReceivableUnbilledAllowanceForCreditLoss" abstract="false" name="AccountsReceivableUnbilledAllowanceForCreditLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_NomuraCapitalInvestmentCoLtdAndAozoraBankLtdMember" abstract="true" name="NomuraCapitalInvestmentCoLtdAndAozoraBankLtdMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ProjectAssetsConstructionCosts" abstract="false" name="ProjectAssetsConstructionCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ProductMinimumServiceLife" abstract="false" name="ProductMinimumServiceLife" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DebtInstrumentDescriptionofFixedRateBasis" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentDescriptionofFixedRateBasis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_IncreaseDecreaseInProjectAssetsAndPVSolarPowerSystems" abstract="false" name="IncreaseDecreaseInProjectAssetsAndPVSolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ConsumptionTaxFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="ConsumptionTaxFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_LuzdelNorteCreditFacilitiesMember" abstract="true" name="LuzdelNorteCreditFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_RestrictedAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" abstract="true" name="RestrictedAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_TermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="TermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ModulesSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="ModulesSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_LettersofCreditRemainingBorrowingCapacity" abstract="false" name="LettersofCreditRemainingBorrowingCapacity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_NetChangeinEstimateasaPercentageofAggregateRevenueforAssociatedProjects" abstract="false" name="NetChangeinEstimateasaPercentageofAggregateRevenueforAssociatedProjects" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_SolarModuleMember" abstract="true" name="SolarModuleMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_IndirectTaxReceivablesNoncurrent" abstract="false" name="IndirectTaxReceivablesNoncurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_USProjectDevelopmentBusinessMember" abstract="true" name="USProjectDevelopmentBusinessMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ReconciliationofCashCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ReconciliationofCashCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_SolarPowerSystemsSalesofMember" abstract="true" name="SolarPowerSystemsSalesofMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_RevenuefromContractswithCustomersTable" abstract="true" name="RevenuefromContractswithCustomersTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes" abstract="false" name="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_YatsuboCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="YatsuboCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ParqueSolarFotovoltaicoLuzdelNorteSpAMember" abstract="true" name="ParqueSolarFotovoltaicoLuzdelNorteSpAMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_FixedRateTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="FixedRateTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccountsReceivableUnbilledNoncurrentAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss" abstract="false" name="AccountsReceivableUnbilledNoncurrentAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedImpairment" abstract="false" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedImpairment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ScheduleofProjectAssetsCurrentandNoncurrentTableTextBlockTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleofProjectAssetsCurrentandNoncurrentTableTextBlockTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_FSIndiaSolarVenturesPrivateLimitedMember" abstract="true" name="FSIndiaSolarVenturesPrivateLimitedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ContractAssetPercentChange" abstract="false" name="ContractAssetPercentChange" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_KyotoCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="KyotoCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfNotionalValueOfForeignExchangeForwardDerivativesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfNotionalValueOfForeignExchangeForwardDerivativesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_MomuraCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="MomuraCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_VariableRateTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="VariableRateTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_SuretyBonds" abstract="false" name="SuretyBonds" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_PVSolarPowerSystemsNet" abstract="false" name="PVSolarPowerSystemsNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_SuretyBondCapacity" abstract="false" name="SuretyBondCapacity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccountsReceivableUnbilledTotalCurrentAndNoncurrentAfterAllowanceForCreditLosses" abstract="false" name="AccountsReceivableUnbilledTotalCurrentAndNoncurrentAfterAllowanceForCreditLosses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_PVSolarPowerSystemsGross" abstract="false" name="PVSolarPowerSystemsGross" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentAndNoncurrentTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentAndNoncurrentTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_MizuhoBankMember" abstract="true" name="MizuhoBankMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfRestrictedMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfRestrictedMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromNetInvestmentHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes" abstract="false" name="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromNetInvestmentHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DebtSecuritiesAvailableforsaleMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughThree" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableforsaleMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughThree" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMaturitiesRollingYearMoreThanFive" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleMaturitiesRollingYearMoreThanFive" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_InventoryCurrentAndNoncurrentNet" abstract="false" name="InventoryCurrentAndNoncurrentNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_MaximumLengthOfTimeNetInvestmentHedge" abstract="false" name="MaximumLengthOfTimeNetInvestmentHedge" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCapitalizedInInventoryAndPVSolarPowerSystems" abstract="false" name="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCapitalizedInInventoryAndPVSolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_ScheduleOfBorrowingRateOnDebtTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfBorrowingRateOnDebtTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadonFixedRate" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadonFixedRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_FSJapanProjectB5GKMember" abstract="true" name="FSJapanProjectB5GKMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_AccruedFreight" abstract="false" name="AccruedFreight" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="fslr_IndiaCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="IndiaCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
</xs:schema>


