By Tess Stynes First Solar Inc. (FSLR) reached a collaboration and licensing agreement with Intermolecular Inc. (IMI) aimed at improving the efficiency of First Solar's cadmium-telluride photovoltaic technology. In recent premarket trading, First Solar shares were up 2.8% at $13.18. Through Friday's close, the stock is down roughly 62% this year. Under the agreement, First Solar will use Intermolecular's technology platform, which allows research-and-development experimentation to be performed much more quickly than traditional methods. Financial terms weren't disclosed. First Solar said in a statement the collaboration addresses new opportunities in certain critical materials and processes that may significantly influence the efficiency of its cadmium-telluride photovoltaic technology. Separately, First Solar said it was chosen for two utility-scale solar projects totaling 159 megawatts for AGL Energy Ltd. (AGK.AU) under the Australian government's program to support solar energy projects. First Solar last month reported it swung to a first-quarter loss on lower revenue and more than $400 million in restructuring costs. Intermolecular shares closed Friday at $6.43 and were inactive premarket. The stock is down nearly 36% from its November initial public offering price of $10 a share. Write to Tess Stynes at Tess.Stynes@dowjones.com
