News: Photovoltaics
12 April 2022
Origis Energy orders 750MW of First Solar modules
First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA says that Origis Energy of Miami, FL, one of America’s largest solar and energy storage developers, has placed an order for 750MWDC of its cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. The deal, which was booked prior to the release of First Solar’s fourth-quarter 2021 earnings in February, utilizes First Solar’s agile contracting approach and Origis will benefit from any advances in technology through 2024, when the modules will be delivered to its projects across the USA.
First Solar and Origis share a long-standing relationship spanning five years and over 1.5GWDC of modules. “This 750MW solar agreement builds on a long-term alliance between the First Solar and Origis teams,” says Samir Verstyn, Origis Energy’s chief investment officer and operations officer. “Front and center is always our commitment to meet customer clean energy goals. This mission has been put to the test by the unprecedented headwinds impacting the solar industry. Such an environment makes it even more important to work with market partners who have consistently delivered,” he adds. “We applaud First Solar’s build out of its domestic PV solar manufacturing capacity. Today’s announcement is an important step forward in fulfilling the renewable energy goals of our utility and corporate customers across America.”
First Solar is investing $680m in expanding America’s domestic PV solar manufacturing capacity by 3.3GW annually, by building its third US manufacturing facility, in Lake Township, Ohio. The new facility is expected to be commissioned in first-half 2023 and, when fully operational, will scale the company’s Northwest Ohio footprint to a total annual capacity of 6GW (making it the largest fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing complex outside of China, it is believed). First Solar has invested over $2bn in its US manufacturing footprint and, when its third factory is fully operational, will directly employ about 2500 people in Ohio, while supporting an estimated 7000 indirect jobs through its American supply chain.
“At First Solar, we value long-term relationships with partners like Origis because they are based on trust and a respect for mutually-held values and principles,” said Georges Antoun, chief commercial officer, First Solar. “At a time of unprecedented supply and pricing volatility across the solar industry, our ability to deliver and stand behind our commitments is a crucial differentiator that serves to strengthen relationships like these.”
In addition to its Ohio manufacturing facilities, First Solar also operates factories in Vietnam and Malaysia, and is building a new 3.3GW factory in India that is expected to be commissioned in second-half 2023. With First Solar’s expansion in the USA and India and optimization of its existing fleet, the firm expects its nameplate manufacturing capacity to double to 16GW by 2024.
First Solar breaks ground on $680m, 3.3GW Ohio manufacturing facility
First Solar expanding manufacturing footprint with 3.3GW plant in India
