Solar products manufacturer Qcells, a subsidiary of Hanwha Solutions Corp, has announced a significant expansion of its strategic collaboration with Microsoft Corp. The new agreement outlines the supply of 12 GW of solar modules and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services over the next eight years. This ambitious partnership builds upon the original 2.5-GW deal established a year ago.

Under the expanded pact, Qcells and Microsoft will jointly contribute to delivering an estimated 1.5 GW of solar panels annually, fulfilling Microsoft's project commitments through 2032. These modules will be produced at Qcells' upcoming factory in Cartersville, Georgia, marking a crucial component of the company's USD 2.5 billion investment to establish a complete solar supply chain in the United States.

Bobby Hollis, Vice President, Energy, at Microsoft, expressed the partnership's goal to drive large-scale domestic production of solar modules. Hollis stated, "Through long-term agreements like this, we are signaling Microsoft's demand and bringing more renewable energy to the grid, faster." This initiative aligns with Microsoft's commitment to covering 100% of its electricity usage with renewable energy by 2025.

The Cartersville facility, scheduled for completion later this year, will utilize polysilicon from REC Silicon's recently restarted plant in Moses Lake, Washington. This revival follows a substantial investment of over USD 200 million by Hanwha Solutions in April 2022. The collaboration underscores the companies' collective commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and supporting Microsoft's renewable energy objectives.

Source: renewablesnow.com