July 30 (Reuters) - First Solar ( FSLR ), the biggest

U.S.-based solar panel maker, on Thursday posted a rise in

second-quarter profit, helped by higher volume of modules sold

to third parties.

Shares of the company were up over 3% in extended trading.

* Solar power has become one of the fastest-expanding

sectors of the U.S. energy industry, fueled by growing demand

from businesses and governments seeking cleaner energy and

urgent action on climate change.

* First Solar's ( FSLR ) net sales for the quarter came in at $1.06

billion, down from $1.10 billion a year ago, but in line with

analysts' average estimates, according to data compiled by LSEG.

* Net sales dropped primarily due to lower revenue following

customer contract terminations.

* The company expects module sales to be between 3.9 GW and

4.5 GW in the third quarter.

* It reported a quarterly net income of $422.5 million, or

$3.92 per share, compared with $341.9 million, or $3.18 per

share, from the year-ago period.