First Solar to Supply 1GW Solar Module to Leeward Renewable Energy

Renewable energy players First Solar and Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) have signed an agreement under which First Solar will supply 1 GW of advanced, ultra-low carbon and thin-film PV solar modules to Leeward.

The official statement of the companies says that LRE will deploy these modules across its 20GW solar development and construction pipeline in the U.S. over 2023 and 2024.

This agreement now takes the quantum of order from LRE to First Solar to more than 3 GW. This will result in installation of 18 new solar power sites from 2022-24.

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First Solar has designed and developed these thin-film modules at its research and development centers in California and Ohio. First Solar says that the production of modules stands as the industry’s benchmark of quality, durability, reliability and environmental performance. The carbon footprint is said to be 2.5 times lower and water footprint is 3 times lower than the average silicon solar panel made with cells produced in China.

Eran Mahrer, chief strategy officer at LRE, states, “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 U.S.-based component manufacturers as we aggressively expand our solar portfolio.”

Georges Antoun, chief commercial officer at First Solar said, “First Solar is able to meet this need by delivering a competitive, high-quality, responsibly produced solar module. We are delighted LRE recognizes 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.”

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First Solar is investing $680 million by building its third US manufacturing facility in Lake Township, Ohio and to expand the USA’s PV manufacturing capacity by 3.3 GW annually. This facility will be commissioned in the first half of 2023. This will scale up the annual capacity of First Solar in Northwest Ohio to a total of 6 GW. “First Solar has already invested over $2 billion in its US manufacturing footprint and, when its third factory is fully operational, will directly employ over 2,500 people in Ohio, while supporting an estimated 7,000 indirect jobs through its American supply chain,” says First Solar.