First Solar, a leading manufacturer of thin film solar modules, has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Longroad Energy, a renewable energy developer based in the United States.
The collaboration involves Longroad Energy procuring an additional 2 gigawatts (GW) of First Solar’s solar modules. These modules are expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2029. This development builds upon an existing framework agreement of 3.7 GW between the two companies and brings Longroad Energy’s total procurement of First Solar thin film modules to approximately 8 GW since their partnership began in 2017.
First Solar’s solar modules are renowned for having the lowest carbon and water footprint among commercially available PV modules. Furthermore, First Solar holds the distinction of being the first PV manufacturer to have its products listed in the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) global registry for sustainable electronics.
As part of its manufacturing expansion strategy, First Solar has achieved remarkable growth, increasing its global operational nameplate capacity from around 6 GW in 2020 to an impressive 13 GW today. The company is committed to further expansion, with plans to reach 25 GW of global nameplate capacity by 2026.
Earlier this year, First Solar commissioned its third factory in Ohio, and it is on track to complete a new facility in Alabama as well as expand its existing Ohio footprint in 2024. Additionally, the company has disclosed plans to establish a fifth U.S. facility in Louisiana, slated for completion in the first half of 2026. To reinforce its commitment to innovation, First Solar is investing up to $370 million in a dedicated R&D innovation center in Perrysburg, Ohio, with an expected completion date next year.
Longroad Energy, on the other hand, has a distinguished track record in the renewable energy sector, having developed or acquired 4.3 GW of renewable energy projects across the United States. The company has successfully raised $10 billion in equity, debt, and tax equity to support the completion of its extensive portfolio.
Currently, Longroad Energy owns over 2.4 GW of wind, solar, and storage projects, which are either operational or under construction. Additionally, the company operates and manages a total of 4.0 GW on behalf of both Longroad and third-party clients.