Lightsource bp, a solar PV developer, has signed a major deal with industrial manufacturing firm Siemens to purchase 1GW of solar inverters for its US PV projects. Under the Volume Frame Agreement (VFA), Lightsource has committed to purchasing 850MW of Siemens central inverter systems over the next two years, with an option for an additional 200MW.
The inverters will be mainly rated at 4.3MW to 4.7MW and will include gas-insulated switchgear, step-up transformers, and auxiliary power stations. Siemens will provide commissioning and installation support for the projects, which will be situated in the Midwest and Southeast of the US.
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According to Rachael Legg, Lightsource bp's Chief Procurement Officer, this procurement deal is proof of the company's growth in the US and its trust in Siemens' technology. She also said that Lightsource bp will continue to invest strategically in products to help the company achieve its goal of delivering 25GW of developed solar by 2025.
Lightsource bp has already deployed or is building over 3.2GW of solar PV across 11 states in the US since 2019. The company also has other long-term supply deals in place, such as a 4GW module procurement plan with First Solar from 2026-28. Lightsource bp's CEO of the Americas, Kevin Smith, added that the US solar industry is poised for significant growth, with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) helping to deliver 30% of the country's electricity by 2030. He said that executing procurement agreements with reputable suppliers like Siemens would enable Lightsource bp to meet the demand for sustainable, affordable energy.
The US solar industry has faced several challenges recently, including disputes over anti-dumping/countervailing duty import tariffs and a move by Republican representatives to introduce a “Limit, Save, Grow Act,” which could curb federal support for renewable energy brought in under the IRA. Nevertheless, Lightsource bp's deal with Siemens signifies the continued growth and potential of the US solar market.
