First Solar Plans to Reduce Panel Production at German Factory

First Solar Inc., the world’s biggest maker of thin-film solar panels, plans to reduce production at its factory in Germany as declining subsidies reduce European demand.

First Solar applied for government assistance to help offset the loss of income for the 1,200 employees in Germany who will be placed on a part-time work schedule, said Alan Bernheimer, a spokesman for the Tempe, Arizona-based company.