American solar PV module manufacturer First Solar, Inc has secured an order to supply 2 GW DC worth solar modules to National Grid Renewables, formerly Geronimo Energy, for the latter's projects situated across the US.
First Solar will deliver the entire order for its advanced cadmium telluride (CadTel) thin film solar modules between 2024 and 2025.
For National Grid Renewables, this framework agreement ensures it a stable supply of modules for its projects as supply chain volatility and material prices play spoilsport for project developers, not to miss trade issues related to solar PV.
On the other hand, First Solar gets to ride on the Made in America sentiment and also that its panels are devoid of any polysilicon whose prices are currently skyrocketing.
"Experienced project developers and owner-operators like National Grid Renewables understand the criticality of both, insulating themselves from pricing and supply volatility, and staying true to their values and principles. Both factors are invaluable in helping them successfully navigate some of the industry's headwinds," said First Solar's Chief Commercial Officer Georges Antoun.
This isn't the first partnership between the 2 companies. National Grid Renewables has used First Solar modules previously for its operational 200 MW Prairie Wolf Solar Project in Illinois and for its under construction 275 MW Noble Solar Project with 125 MWh storage in Texas.
Recently, AES, Clearway Energy, Cypress Creek Renewables and DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) launched a request for proposals call as US Solar Buyer Consortium to secure up to 7 GW annual domestically manufactured solar module supply from 2024 onwards (see Consortium Looking For US Made Modules).
Being the largest solar module manufacturer in the US, First Solar hailed it as a 'great idea' and called for the passing of Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act (SEMA) to ensure that the country 'transitions to a clean energy future with traceable supply chains and eco-efficient competitive tech made by American solar workers. This is what buying American could look like!'