Photovoltaic module manufacturer First Solar has received a long-term future order from Canadian generator Capital Power in Alberta.
Capital Power has closed the order for about 1 GW of Series 6 Plus ultra-low carbon thin film solar modules, which will be delivered between 2026 and 2028, from First Solar.
First Solar’s thin-film photovoltaic solar modules claim a industry-low carbon and water footprint and are included in the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool global registry for sustainable electronics.
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“First Solar's longstanding investment in domestic supply chains ensures the use of high-quality American solar technology, including products made with significant amounts of domestically sourced content, to power our projects," said Chris Kopecky, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal, Development and Commercial Officer, Capital Power. "Together, with our shared commitment to the sustainable and responsible development of the solar industry, we look forward to building on this relationship.”
Capital Power has three solar facilities in operation and is aiming for net zero emissions by 2045. The company will use its expertise to deliver projects against an active U.S. solar pipeline totaling nearly 2.4 GW.
As part of an expansion plan in the U.S., First Solar is investing about $1.3 billion to increase its annual capacity from 6.5 GW to 10.9 GW by 2026. The company expects to finance $1.1 billion in a new 3.5 GW facility in Alabama, while it has commenced a $185 million expansion of its existing facility in Ohio.
First Solar is also funding $370 million for a research and development innovation center in Perrysburg, Ohio, anticipated to be completed in 2024.
The company is one of many announcing new manufacturing facilities in the U.S. in the wake of the federal Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives to tighten the clean energy supply chain domestically.
“Capital Power joins a growing group of project developers that partner with First Solar as a reliable module technology provider that can help de-risk their project pipelines by delivering long-term pricing and supply certainty,” said Georges Antoun, chief commercial officer, First Solar.
