News: Photovoltaics
6 May 2020
First Solar to supply 415MW of Series 6 PV modules to Geronimo Energy
First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA – which makes thin-film photovoltaic modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) as well as providing engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) services – has entered into a framework supply agreement to supply 415MWDC of its Series 6 photovoltaic (PV) modules in 2022 to Geronimo Energy. This latest transaction has grown the relationship between the two companies to over 1.4GWDC of both systems and module technology sales.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Geronimo Energy is a North 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 in July 2019 by National Grid, one of the world’s largest publicly owned utilities.
“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,” comments Nathan Franzen, VP of development. “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 re-power rural American communities with renewable energy projects through farmer-friendly development and local economic benefits,” he adds.
Designed and developed at First Solar’s R&D centers in California and Ohio, the Series 6 PV module is claimed to set 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 is said to deliver a superior environmental profile and cleaner solar electricity.
“Geronimo and First Solar have a longstanding relationship,” says 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.”
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 $1bn in cumulative investment, the new facility expanded First Solar’s annualized manufacturing capacity in the USA to 1.9GWDC, making it the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere. The firm also operates manufacturing facilities in Vietnam and Malaysia, with a global annualized Series 6 manufacturing capacity of 5.5GWDC.
