First Solar has struck a deal to supply Leeward Renewable Energy with 1GW of advanced, ultra-low carbon thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules in the US.
Leeward Renewable Energy will deploy these modules across its 20GW solar development and construction pipeline in the US over 2023 and 2024.
The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between the two companies, and expands Leeward’s order book with First Solar to over 3GW of modules that are estimated to enable the build of 18 new sites from 2022 to 2024.
Leeward Renewable Energy chief strategy officer Eran Mahrer said: “We are pleased to build on our strong relationship with First Solar and support the expansion of domestic solar manufacturing.
“This agreement creates significant growth opportunities bringing stability, predictability and diminished risk from geopolitical tensions to our solar module supply chain, and by extension to our finance, construction, and off-take partners.
“We look forward to working closely with First Solar and other US-based component manufacturers as we aggressively expand our solar portfolio.”
First Solar chief commercial officer Georges Antoun said: “Sophisticated project developers such as LRE are looking to secure their development portfolios by partnering with a module supply partner that offers a reliable, clean energy solution with a long-term agreement structure.
“First Solar is able to meet this need by delivering a competitive, high-quality, responsibly produced solar module.
“We are delighted LRE recognises the value in our eco-efficient solar modules that are advancing the fight against climate change, and we look forward to playing a role in growing their solar platform.”
First Solar is investing $680m in expanding US domestic PV solar manufacturing capacity by 3.3GW annually, by building its third facility in the country in Lake Township, Ohio.
The new facility is expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2023 and when fully operational will scale the company’s Northwest Ohio footprint to a total annual capacity of 6GW.