First Solar adds 700 MW to 4 GW solar module supply contract with Silicon Ranch – pv magazine International

The US-made solar panel supplier has signed an agreement to extend its supply agreement with the leading utility-scale solar developer.

Silicon Ranch, a leading independent power producer, and First Solar, the largest US-based solar power maker, announced that the two have expanded a 4GW supply deal reached in April , adding 700 MW of modules to the deal. First Solar will supply its Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules.

The partnership dates back to 2015, when Silicon Ranch became the first owner-operator of large-scale photovoltaic power plants using First Solar modules. The expanded partnership shows an ongoing commitment to domestic sourcing and low-carbon production processes. Silicon Ranch said the deal would support innovation, manufacturing expansion and job creation in the United States; improve the carbon footprint of its supply chain; and reduce volatility and logistical risks.

(Read: “First Solar Enters into 4GW Module Supply Agreement with Silicon Ranch”)

“One of our guiding principles at Silicon Ranch is that we choose the right path rather than the easiest path to get the job done, and this agreement with First Solar represents the ‘right path’ for our module supply,” said said Reagan Farr, co-founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch. “In recent months, Silicon Ranch has reaffirmed our leadership in supporting U.S. solar manufacturers and decarbonizing our supply chain, and we are pleased to achieve this progress by working collaboratively with our strategic partners to deliver the best power plants. possible to serve our customers. and communities across the United States.

In addition to entering into long-term agreements with First Solar, Silicon Ranch has partnered with Nextracker to improve the carbon footprint of its tracker supply, while supporting additional investments in US manufacturing capabilities.

“From the beginning of our relationship, it’s been clear that Silicon Ranch has a genuine focus on responsible solar development, and with the lowest carbon and water footprint of any commercially available photovoltaic technology, First Solar provides reliable and responsibly produced modules in line with this vision,” said Georges Antoun, Commercial Director of First Solar.

In August, First Solar announced plans to invest up to $1.2 billion in large-scale production of U.S.-made solar modules, an investment that is expected to expand the company’s ability to produce modules for the American solar market at more than 10 GW.CC by 2025.

As part of its push to scale U.S. solar module production, the company intends to build its fourth fully vertically integrated domestic plant, with an annual capacity of 3.5 GW.CC, in the southeastern United States. The company said it plans to invest up to $1 billion in the new plant, which, subject to clearance and approval of various federal, state, regional and local incentives, is expected to begin operations. activities in 2025.

Solar project developers seeking to make the most of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are required to meet minimum domestic content thresholds in their projects. A 10% surcharge is applied to ITC for projects that meet national content requirements. To qualify, 100% of any steel or iron that is part of the facility must be produced in the United States, and 40% of all components of the facility must be produced in the United States. Goods will be deemed to have been manufactured domestically if at least 40% of the total costs of all such manufactured goods at that facility are attributable to manufactured goods that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States.

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