Definitely don't see them as competitors as 5N Plus supply of their products is not anything HPQ is doing.  In fact I believe First Solar PV modules are just stating that the carbon and water footprints are few times lower than crystalline silicon PV panels as mentioned in that news release.  

Perhaps they can be a customer in need of HPQ's NSiR silicon nanopowders and/or QRR 3-4N Si. 

"First Solar PV modules deliver today carbon and water footprints that are 2 to 3 times lower than crystalline silicon PV panels." 

Also 5NPlus semiconductor compounds  are cadmium telluride , Zinc Telluride etc... https://www.5nplus.com/semiconductor-compounds.html