First Solar has announced that MN8 Energy has placed orders for 457 MW of advanced thin film solar modules, including 170 MW of Series 6 Plus bifacial modules and 287 MW of Series 7 modules. The modules will power projects in the Northeastern and Southern United States.
MN8, founded as Goldman Sachs Renewable Power in 2017, owns and operates a 3.2 GW portfolio, delivering renewable energy solutions to over 40 corporates, 70 government entities, and 20 utilities. MN8 previously transacted with First Solar in their acquisition of the 123 MW American Kings Solar project in California.
“We are pleased to continue our relationship with First Solar, building certainty and resilience into our development pipeline,” said David Fernandez, chief operations officer, MN8. “By executing these agreements, MN8 demonstrates strong support for developing a robust domestic supply chain for the US renewable industry that upholds the highest environmental, sourcing, and manufacturing standards. Furthermore, we’re thrilled to be collaborating with a partner that shares our commitment to responsibly and domestically produced solar, strengthening our industry’s social license to operate.”
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“MN8 joins a growing number of renewable energy companies that are choosing certainty, competitiveness, and Responsible Solar by choosing First Solar,” said Georges Antoun, chief commercial officer of First Solar. “We thank MN8 for its trust and look forward to expanding this relationship.”
First Solar exited 2023 with 6 GW of annual US nameplate capacity. In addition to expanding its Ohio footprint to over 7 GW of annual nameplate capacity this year, First Solar expects to invest over $2 billion in new manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Louisiana, which are expected to come online in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Additionally, First Solar is on track to commission approximately $450 million in R&D innovation infrastructure in Perrysburg, Ohio, in the second half of this year.
