First Solar Bags 279 MW Thin Film Solar Panel Project in Alabama

First Solar Secures Landmark 2.1 GW Order from Matrix for Advanced Thin Film Modules

Electricity utility corporation, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), has deputed a project to thin film module maker First Solar for 279 MW (dc) of thin film solar panels. The Lawrence County Solar Project will be set up in Alabama and will kickstart operations in 2027.

This will be First Solar’s fourth factory in the United States.

Roger Waldrep, Vice President, TVA Major Projects, remarked, “TVA remains committed to investing in the energy system of the future for the benefit of the people of the Tennessee Valley that we serve and are pleased to work with First Solar. ”He further said, “Through our work with First Solar, TVA will continue to integrate more renewable generation into our overall portfolio with solar technology developed and manufactured in America.”

First Solar is making investments worth close to $1.3bn in the Unites States and looking to augment from more than 6.5 GW (dc) of yearly nameplate capacity, to about 10.9 GW (dc) by 2026. Other than the $1.1bn investment that the firm is making in the fresh 3.5 GW (dc) Lawrence County unit, First Solar has also set sights on expansion worth $185m expansion in its current manufacturing unit in Ohio.

The firm is investing up to $370m for a research and development (R&D) innovation centre in Perrysburg, Ohio. This facility is slated for completion next year in 2024.

Recently, First Solar signed a framework agreement with Israeli solar developer Energix Renewables to supply 5GW of modules.