First Solar Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of photovoltaic modules, announced that the company’s common stock was added to the S&P 500 Index after the market closed on Oct. 15, 2009.

First Solar is the first pure-play renewable energy company to be added to the index, which represents a milestone for the solar industry.

The company will be added to the S&P 500 GICS (Global Industry Classification Standard) Electrical Components & Equipment Sub-Industry of the Industrials sector.