MN8 Energy Sources 457 MW Solar Modules From First Solar

MN8 Energy Sources 457 MW Solar Modules From First Solar

Global solar module manufacturer First Solar has placed orders with MN8 Energy LLC (MN8) for 457 Megawatts (MW) of advanced thin-film solar modules. The order included 170 MW of Series 6 plus bifacial modules and 287 MW of Series 7 modules. The modules are expected to power projects in the northeastern and southern United States (US).

MN8 was founded as Goldman Sachs Renewable Power in 2017, which owns and operates a 3.2 Gigawatt (GW) portfolio. It delivered renewable energy solutions to over 40 corporations, 70 government entities, and 20 utilities. MN8 previously transacted with First Solar in their acquisition of the 123 MW American Kings Solar projects 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.”

“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, which exited 2023 with 6 GW of annual US nameplate capacity, is the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere. First Solar’s investments in US manufacturing are also believed to make it the most significant enabler of American jobs among solar manufacturers.

According to a recent study commissioned by First Solar, it supported an estimated 16,245 direct, indirect, and induced jobs in 2023, representing approximately $1.6 billion in annual labor income. As First Solar grows to an expected 14 GW in annual US nameplate capacity in 2026, it is forecast to support an estimated 30,060 direct, indirect, and induced jobs across the country, representing $2.8 billion in annual labor income. The study projects that every direct job First Solar supports in 2026 can potentially support 7.3 jobs nationwide.

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.