South Korea-based solar panel manufacturer Qcells has partnered with Microsoft to reduce carbon emissions and promote a clean energy economy.
As part of the collaboration, Qcells will provide over 2.5 GW of solar panels and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to certain solar projects in which Microsoft has power purchase agreements (PPAs).
The partnership is expected to enable a robust supply chain for new renewable electricity capacity, which will be equivalent to powering more than 400,000 homes. Microsoft has committed to meeting 100% of its electricity requirements with clean energy by 2025 and becoming carbon negative by 2030.
This is the first time a company that buys power is partnering directly with a solar supplier for large-scale adoption of clean energy. Qcells, owned by Hanwha Solutions, plans to invest over $2.5 billion to create a complete solar supply chain in the US and will begin construction on a new plant in Bartow County, Georgia, which will have the capacity to produce 3.3 GW of solar ingots, wafers, cells, and finished panels.
Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith said: “Building a resilient solar energy supply chain is essential to advancing a global green energy economy.
“Microsoft's partnership with Qcells will help make this vision a reality by bringing innovation and investment to rural Georgia. As one of the world's largest purchasers of renewable energy, this work will help bring more solar energy to the grid, faster.”
Qcells CEO Justin Lee said: “We're striving to build and deliver turnkey clean energy solutions, including those made in America, and this partnership with Microsoft will help accomplish this vision.
“Similarly, Qcells is proud to play a role with Microsoft to bring more renewable energy online in the years to come. This first step is only the beginning of a great partnership that not only supports our two companies but helps deliver a clean energy future for customers and communities.”
