solarBattery and component manufacturer Qcells and tech giant Microsoft have reached a major agreement to advance sustainable energy. Under the deal, Qcells will supply Microsoft with up to 12 gigawatts (GW) of solar modules over eight years, including full services from design to procurement and construction. This agreement expands upon their January 2023 deal for 2.5GW of modules and EPC services.

Microsofts sustainability goals include achieving carbon negativity, water positivity and zero waste by 2030, which Qcells will help realize. Qcells will annually supply approximately 1.5GW of solar modules for Microsofts contracted projects through 2032. These modules will come from Qcells planned fully integrated solar supply chain factory in Cartersville, Georgia - a key part of Qcells $2.5 billion investment announced last year.

Justin Lee, CEO of Qcells, stated: "We are thrilled to be part of this significant commitment, which will accelerate the global transition to renewable energy solutions. We have invested in building a U.S.-manufactured solar supply chain and look forward to collaborating with Microsoft in creating a clean, sustainable future."

This cooperation agreement reflects the shared vision of both companies to promote the global clean energy economy. Microsoft has ambitious goals to source 100% of its electricity consumption from renewable energy by 2025, and Qcells will provide a complete U.S. solar supply chain to support this goal.

Bobby Hollis, Vice President of Energy at Microsoft, stated: "Our goal in expanding the partnership with Qcells is to promote large-scale domestic production of solar modules, which is crucial for the U.S. supply chain and the growth of the clean energy economy. Through such long-term agreements, we clarify Microsoft's needs and deliver more renewable energy to the grid faster."

Additionally, REC Silicon in Moses Lake, Washington, recently began producing polysilicon, a key raw material for solar modules. In April 2022, Qcells parent company Hanwha Solutions invested over $200 million in this facility to resume production. The polysilicon produced by REC Silicon will be used in Qcells new factory in Cartersville, Georgia, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Overall, this collaboration between Qcells and Microsoft is a significant step in the renewable energy sector, demonstrating the efforts and commitment of industry leaders in driving the global energy transition.