First Solar Bags 5.4GW Module Order from bp & Lightsource bp

First Solar has won multi-year orders for up to 5.4 gigawatts photovoltaic (PV) solar modules from global solar leader Lightsource bp and integrated energy company bp.

As part of the deal, Lightsource bp and bp have placed orders for approximately 4.4GWDC of modules, with options for an additional 1GWDC. Lightsource bp has agreed to procure up to 4.3GWDC of modules for its US utility-scale projects, and bp will procure up to 1.1GWDC to power their projects being developed by Lightsource bp. bp acquired the projects as part of its net zero ambition and target to grow its net developed renewable generating capacity to 20GW by 2025 and 50GW by 2030.

Planned deployments for both companies include projects in Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The framework agreements, the largest in First Solar’s history according to the company, will provide modules scheduled to be delivered between 2023 and 2025 to support the companies’ solar development pipelines in the United States.

Under the agreement, First Solar has orders for 1.55GWDC of modules in 2023, 1.3GWDC in 2024, and 1.55GWDC in 2025. “This landmark solar industry procurement deal is a testimony to Lightsource bp’s exponential growth in the United States, and our confidence in First Solar’s technology,” said Kevin Smith, chief executive officer, Americas, Lightsource bp.

“As we continue to grow and progress our 10GW development pipeline across America, in addition to our partner bp’s 9GWs, executing significant long-term procurement agreements with bankable, world class suppliers like First Solar enables us to deliver on our growth plans and industry-leading global target of 25GW of solar by 2025. It also translates into competitively priced electricity for our customers.”

Felipe Arbelaez, bp’s senior vice president of zero carbon energy, added: “These modules are a critical step in delivering our 9GW solar pipeline that will provide affordable energy, create jobs, bolster the supply chain and deliver the type of returns our investors expect”

Over the span of the agreement, Lightsource bp and bp will have access to First Solar’s advanced Cadmium Telluride (CadTel) thin film module technology platform and the company’s US-made solar modules produced at its fully vertically-integrated manufacturing complex in Ohio.

Additionally, First Solar also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities to source electricity from generation assets developed, owned and operated by Lightsource bp in Ohio, where First Solar operates the Western Hemisphere’s largest solar manufacturing footprint.