Deal grows Geronimo-First Solar relationship to over 1.4GWDC of systems and technology sales
PVTIME – First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced that it has entered into a framework supply agreement with Geronimo Energy, a National Grid company. Under the agreement, First Solar will supply 415 megawatts (MW)DC of its high-performance, eco-efficient Series 6 photovoltaic (PV) modules in 2022. This latest transaction has grown the relationship between the two companies to over 1.4 gigawatts (GW)DC of both systems and module technology sales.
Geronimo Energy, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a leading American renewable energy company, with over 2.4GW of wind and solar operational or under construction, and a multi-gigawatt development pipeline. Geronimo was acquired by National Grid, one of the world’s largest publicly owned utilities in July 2019.
“Geronimo sees value in optimizing our solar projects with the Series 6 module. Its benchmark-setting degradation rate and lifetime energy yields make it the right choice to support our mission to help repower America’s grid with clean, renewable electricity,” said Nathan Franzen, Vice President of Development, Geronimo Energy. “First Solar and Geronimo have deep roots in the US Midwest and a shared commitment to a sustainable future. A strategic partnership like this helps Geronimo continue its mission to repower rural American communities with renewable energy projects through farmer-friendly development and local economic benefits.”
Designed and developed at the Company’s research and development (R&D) centers in California and Ohio, First Solar’s Series 6 PV module sets industry benchmarks for quality, reliability, design, and environmental performance. With a carbon footprint that is up to six times lower than crystalline silicon PV panels manufactured using conventional, energy-intensive production methods, Series 6 delivers a superior environmental profile and cleaner solar electricity.
“Geronimo and First Solar have a longstanding relationship that’s based on shared values and a common vision for a sustainable energy future,” said Darin Green, Senior Director, Business Development, First Solar. “Geronimo’s evolution into one of the country’s largest and most respected independent power producers is an American success story. As America’s solar company, we’re proud that our Series 6 technology will play a role in their continued growth, enabling the success of their multi-gigawatt US solar pipeline.”
First Solar recently expanded its manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for Series 6 modules, starting production at its new module manufacturing facility in Lake Township, Ohio, in October 2019. Representing over $1 billion in cumulative investment, the new facility expanded First Solar’s annualized manufacturing capacity in the United States to 1.9GWDC, making it the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere. The Company also operates manufacturing facilities in Vietnam and Malaysia, with a global annualized Series 6 manufacturing capacity of 5.5GWDC. First Solar recently celebrated two decades since its founding in 1999, and 25GWDC of PV modules shipped, making it the only American solar module manufacturing company to achieve this milestone.
