First Solar Bags Its Largest Module Order Ever

• Lightsource bp has placed an order for 4.3 GW DC modules with First Solar
• Its parent bp too has an option to procure another 1.1 GW DC under the framework agreement signed
• Projects will be located in Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas in the US
• First Solar will also explore opportunity to source solar power from Lightsource bp for its Ohio fab

First Solar, Inc. has landed its largest solar module supply order ever. Lightsource bp and its parent bp ordered a total of 5.4 GW from the US headquartered thin-film module manufacturer

While Lightsource bp will procure up to 4.3 GW DC modules as firm orders to be used for its US utility scale solar power projects, with an option for bp to buy another 1.1 GW DC for its projects being developed by Lightsource bp. All the respective projects will be located in the US states of Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

First Solar will deliver firm orders under the framework agreement divided as 1.55 GW DC in 2023, 1.3 GW DC in 2024 and 1.55 GW DC in 2025.

For First Solar, the huge order for its cadmium telluride (CadTel) thin film module technology provides its production plans a certainty, and for Lightsource bp and bp, it provides the duo with a cushion from 'increasingly volatile solar panel production, pricing and supply'.

"These modules are a critical step in delivering our 9 GW solar pipeline that will provide affordable energy, create jobs, bolster the supply chain and deliver the type of returns our investors expect," said bp's Senior Vice President of zero carbon energy, Felipe Arbelaez. The company aims to develop around 50 GW net renewable generating capacity by 2030 (see BP: 50 GW Renewable Generating Capacity By 2030).

In September 2021, Lightsource bp raised $1.8 billion from a host of financiers to grow its developed solar project portfolio from 3.8 GW to 25 GW by 2025 (see Lightsource BP Targeting 25 GW Solar By 2025).

First Solar further shared that it has also entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lightsource bp to explore opportunities to procure solar energy from assets developed, owned and operated by the latter for its 2 fabs in Ohio. It is part of the company's plans to power 100% of its global manufacturing operations with renewable energy by 2028.

First Solar is building its 3^rd fab in the US, also in Ohio, with 3.3 GW DC capacity that's planned to enter commercial operations in H1/2023 (see First Solar's 3.3 GW DC Ohio Fab Enters Construction). In addition, it also plans to build a 3.3 GW fab in India that's likely to be commissioned in H2/2023.

Along with its existing operational facilities in Vietnam and Malaysia, the US manufacturer targets to increase its nameplate manufacturing capacity to 16 GW by 2024.