Why did FSLR's operating expenses fluctuate in 2022?

First Solar's operating expenses did not fluctuate significantly in 2022 based on the available data. The company's operating expenses were not provided for the full year 2022, only the cumulative amount as of December 31, 2022. Additionally, no specific information about fluctuations in operating expenses was provided in the company's reports for 2022.

However, it is important to note that First Solar made significant investments in its manufacturing capacity in 2022, including the approval of a $1.1 billion investment in an Alabama plant for a planned 3.5 GW capacity expansion. These investments could potentially lead to increased operating expenses in the future as the company ramps up production and operations at the new facility.

Furthermore, First Solar also made the strategic decision to cut 1,600 jobs, which accounted for 27% of its global workforce, to reduce costs as it transitioned to production of Series 6 modules. This restructuring is likely to have had a significant impact on the company's operating expenses, although the direction of the impact (increase or decrease) would depend on various factors such as the costs associated with layoffs, severance, and potential restructuring charges, as well as any efficiencies gained from the transition to new production processes and technologies.

In conclusion, while the data does not suggest that First Solar's operating expenses fluctuated significantly in 2022, the company's strategic decisions regarding investments in new manufacturing capacity and workforce reductions could have a significant impact on operating expenses in the future.