SolarFreedomNow.com – In a groundbreaking move, First Solar, the leading solar panel manufacturer based in the United States, has recently clinched a monumental deal with Energix, a prominent Israeli renewable energy firm. The deal entails supplying Energix with an impressive 5 gigawatts (GW) of cutting-edge, ultra-low carbon thin film solar panels.
The arrangement, scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2030, will see the deployment of these advanced solar panels across key projects in Israel, Poland, and the US, effectively bolstering the global transition to cleaner energy sources. Evidently, this marks Energix’s most substantial agreement to date, signifying a significant stride in their commitment to sustainable energy initiatives.
Notably, Energix is already spearheading projects amounting to more than 7 GW in the three aforementioned countries. To further emphasize their dedication to eco-conscious practices, Energix will collaborate with First Solar Recycling Services to manage the end-of-life solar panels effectively. This commendable recycling program adopts a closed-loop semiconductor recovery approach, which facilitates the integration of reclaimed materials into new modules. Moreover, valuable resources like aluminum, glass, and laminates are also retrieved and reused through this sustainable process.
Given Energix’s existing partnership with First Solar, this latest order will ultimately translate into the operation of a remarkable 7 to 9 GW of First Solar panels by the year 2030. This impressive feat solidifies both companies’ commitment to promoting renewable energy solutions and mitigating environmental impact.
First Solar’s distinctive position among the world’s top 10 solar panel manufacturers stands out as the sole US-based company and the exclusive producer of thin film PV modules. The company’s continued success in securing substantial orders can be attributed, in part, to the favorable impact of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. This legislation serves as a significant incentive for companies to establish and expand renewable energy production within the US, propelling First Solar to the forefront of the industry.
Notably, First Solar boasts cutting-edge cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV technology, which has been an ongoing focus of investment since 1999. As a result of this dedication, CdTe has risen to become the second most prevalent PV technology globally. Furthermore, First Solar proudly asserts that their panels offer the lowest carbon and water footprint among all commercially available solar panels, making them a prime choice for sustainable energy solutions.
Demonstrating their unwavering commitment to expanding and enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities, First Solar is investing a staggering $1.3 billion to boost their US manufacturing footprint. This investment will lead to a substantial increase in their annual nameplate capacity from over 6.5 GW to around 10.9 GW by 2026. A notable portion of this expansion includes an anticipated $1.1 billion investment in establishing a state-of-the-art 3.5 GW DC factory in Alabama, along with a $185 million upgrade to their existing factory in Ohio. Furthermore, First Solar is spearheading a visionary $370 million investment in an R&D innovation center in Perrysburg, Ohio, scheduled to reach completion by 2024.
With this latest game-changing deal and their unwavering dedication to technological innovation and environmental stewardship, First Solar is undoubtedly poised to maintain its leading position in the renewable energy landscape, shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for the planet.
