Microsoft Corp., a global technology company, and Qcells, a global solar leader investing in building a U.S. solar supply chain, have joined hands to enable a strong supply chain for new renewable electricity capacity projected to require at least 2.5 gigawatts of solar panels and related services that is equivalent to powering over 400,000 homes.
Qcells will work with Microsoft for developing solar projects as well as provide panels and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to selected solar projects that Microsoft has contracted for through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
“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 at 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.”
It is the first time that a company procuring energy is directly working with a solar supplier to adopt clean energy on a big scale.