Washington, U.S.A. (Natural Energy News): In a significant stride toward sustainable energy solutions, solar panel manufacturer Qcells has announced an expanded partnership with tech giant Microsoft. The South Korea-based company will supply Microsoft with a staggering 12 gigawatts (GW) of solar modules, along with engineering, procurement, and construction services over the next eight years. This collaboration builds upon an initial deal of 2.5 GW of solar panels agreed upon in January of the previous year.
Strengthening the Solar Supply Chain
The expanded agreement between Qcells and Microsoft is strategically aligned with their shared vision of diversifying the global solar module supply chain and promoting sustainable manufacturing within the sector. The collaboration aims to bring cleaner energy to the grid, with the potential to power 1.8 million homes annually throughout the duration of the partnership.
Cutting-Edge Solar Manufacturing in the U.S.
Qcells' upcoming solar supply chain factory in Cartersville, Georgia, will play a pivotal role in fulfilling the solar module requirements for Microsoft. The state-of-the-art plant is anticipated to produce an impressive 3.3 GW of solar ingots, wafers, cells, and finished panels annually. This move underscores Qcells' commitment to building a robust solar supply chain in the United States.
Microsoft's Commitment to Clean Energy
Microsoft, known for its commitment to sustainability, has set ambitious targets, including going carbon-negative by 2030 and achieving 100% electricity consumption coverage with renewable energy by 2025. The expanded collaboration with Qcells is a strategic step in driving large-scale domestic production of essential solar modules, contributing to a resilient U.S. supply chain and fostering a clean energy economy.
Building a Resilient U.S. Supply Chain
Bobby Hollis, Vice President of Energy at Microsoft, emphasized the significance of the agreement in advancing a resilient U.S. supply chain and expediting the integration of renewable energy into the grid. The partnership reflects Microsoft's commitment to signaling demand for renewable energy and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Qcells' Investments in U.S. Solar Infrastructure
Qcells, a subsidiary of Hanwha, is actively investing in U.S. solar infrastructure. With over $2.5 billion dedicated to building a new plant in Cartersville and expanding its Dalton facility, the company is making substantial contributions to the growth of the solar industry. The recently opened solar module factory in Dalton added 2 GW of solar capacity to the plant.
In summary, the expanded partnership between Qcells and Microsoft marks a significant collaboration in advancing sustainable energy solutions, contributing to a cleaner grid, and fostering the growth of the solar industry in the United States.
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