Qcells, a global solar player investing in a U.S. solar supply chain, and Microsoft Corp., a global technology company with a commitment to be carbon negative by 2030, are partnering to enable a robust supply chain for new renewable electricity capacity expected to require at least 2.5 gigawatts of solar panels and related services — enough to power over 400,000 homes.
Qcells, a subsidiary of Hanwha Solutions with headquarters in Seoul, will collaborate with Microsoft to create solar projects and offer panels and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to selected solar projects Microsoft has contracted for through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Microsoft has committed to purchasing renewable energy to reach 100 percent renewable energy coverage of its electricity usage by 2025. Microsoft is expanding its environmental initiatives to encourage the domestic manufacture of green energy equipment in places where it operates. Microsoft supports Qcells’ solar products, particularly those made in the United States, to increase the amount of renewable energy on the grid. Qcells is the first firm in the United States to have a complete solar supply chain and offer one-stop solutions for renewable energy.
This partnership is the first time an energy procurement company has collaborated directly with a solar supplier to adopt clean energy on a large scale. The new partnership is founded on the collective commitments of the two companies to diversify the global energy supply chain, lead the development of more reliable energy supply chains in the United States and internationally, and reduce carbon emissions.
Growing demand for solar products made in the United States is anticipated to accelerate Qcells’ transformation into a one-stop shop for clean energy solutions. Qcells intends to become a leading developer of solar and other clean energy solutions, such as energy storage systems, as the only company in the United States with a complete solar supply chain. Qcells will continue to provide clean energy solutions and lead the global fight against climate change by combining its expanding EPC expertise with a smart energy management system.
“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,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president, Microsoft. “As one of the world’s largest purchasers of renewable energy, this work will help bring more solar energy to the grid, faster.”
“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,” said Justin Lee, CEO of Qcells. “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.”