QCells Signs 12-GW Solar Power Deal With Tech-Giant Microsoft

Global renewable energy player Qcells will supply tech giant Microsoft with 12 – G.W. of solar modules and EPC services over an 8-year period. This is Qcells’ largest module and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services agreement to date. The order is equivalent to powering more than 1.8 million homes annually.

The eight-year strategic alliance helps Microsoft solidify as one of the world’s largest purchasers of renewable energy. The new deal includes a 2.5 GW module and EPC services commitment previously announced in January 2023. Qcells said in its official statement that the company is building a secure solar supply chain in the USA while producing sustainably made solar modules. The two companies will collaborate to bring an estimated 1.5 GW of solar panels a year to projects Microsoft has contracted through 2032.

The solar modules will be supplied by Qcells’ fully integrated solar supply chain factory in Georgia, which is a part of Qcells’ $2.5 billion investment announced last year. “Qcells is uniquely positioned to ally with Microsoft towards creating a clean, sustainable future because of our investment in building an American-made solar supply chain,” said Justin Lee, CEO of Qcells.

“Our expanded agreement with Qcells is designed to drive large-scale domestic production of solar modules essential to advancing a resilient U.S. supply chain and clean energy economy,” said Bobby Hollis, VP of Energy, Microsoft. Through long-term agreements like this, Microsoft looks to bring more renewable energy to the grid & faster. Microsoft has a 2025 commitment to cover 100% of its electricity consumption with renewable energy.

Microsoft & Renewable Energy 

Microsoft is investing in renewable energy to meet its sustainability goals of being carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero waste by the end of this decade. Its data centers have been 100 percent carbon neutral since 2012. The company is striving to achieve zero waste production and positive water usage and offset all greenhouse gas emissions produced since its founding by 2050. Hence, the company has been investing heavily in developing renewable energy projects and technologies worldwide. After Amazon, Microsoft is believed to be the largest purchaser of green energy in the USA, combining solar and wind.

Microsoft has signed some major PPAs, including the 250 MW deal with Volt Energy, helping it decarbonize data centres. It recently joined forces with Amplus in India to enhance and market its Renewable Energy Remote Monitoring Solution. Previously, the two firms also agreed to develop a 100 MW solar power project in Rajasthan.