First Solar, a leading solar panel manufacturer based in Tempe, Arizona, has strengthened its partnership with Boston-based Swift Current Energy. This agreement involves the supply of 500 MW of Series 7 advanced thin-film modules.
Swift Current Energy’s commitment to Clean Energy
Swift Current Energy is a long-standing First Solar customer, having already placed orders for 3.3 gigawatts of First Solar modules by 2022. The latest order further strengthens their collaboration, guaranteeing a stable supply of high-quality solar modules for Swift Current Energy’s expanding renewable energy projects.
Eric Lammers, co-founder and CEO of Swift Current Energy, emphasized the importance of this partnership, saying, “As we continue to advance our development pipeline in the U.S., certainty of price and supply is essential to ensure we deliver on planned capacity. This agreement with First Solar supports our efforts to build a resilient and competitive value chain, while supporting investment in domestic manufacturing and the jobs and economic benefits that come with it.”
First Solar 7 Series Modules
First Solar’s 7 Series modules have the lowest carbon and water footprints of any commercially available photovoltaic modules today, and are listed in the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) global register for sustainable electronics products.
Georges Antoun, First Solar’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the extended partnership, saying, “We are delighted that Swift Current Energy has chosen to extend its partnership with First Solar through 2028, entrusting a significant portion of its development pipeline to our technology. Their decision is a testament to the competitive value we can offer in terms of energy, price and supply certainty, as well as an advanced photovoltaic module produced responsibly in America, for America.”
First Solar’s Expansion Strategy
First Solar’s commitment to expanding its production capacity is clear. It is currently a manufacturer of solar panels in the Western Hemisphere, with around 6 GW of nominal capacity fully integrated and operational in the United States. The company has ambitious expansion plans, aiming to reach 14 GW of nameplate capacity in the U.S. and 25 GW worldwide by 2026.
In addition to its existing Ohio plant, First Solar plans to expand its presence in the 0.9 GW state while establishing new manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Louisiana. These new plants, with an expected rated capacity of 3.5 GW each, are designed to produce the Series 7 modules ordered by Swift Current Energy. These modules should be manufactured with 100% American components, in line with current domestic content guidelines issued by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Once the Louisiana plant is completed and operational, Series 7 modules are expected to account for more than two-thirds of First Solar’s national annual nameplate capacity. This strategic expansion underscores First Solar’s commitment to promoting renewable energy production in the United States.
In summary, First Solar’s expanded partnership with Swift Current Energy marks a significant milestone in the renewable energy industry. The agreement guarantees a stable and sustainable supply of Series 7 advanced modules, contributing to Swift Current Energy’s ambitious renewable energy projects. As First Solar continues to expand its manufacturing capacity, it remains a key player in the drive towards a greener, more sustainable future.
