First Solar Inc. is touting the production of its first functional series 6 thin-film photovoltaic modules at its Perrysburg, Ohio, factory, a key milestone for the company as it retools for its next generation of solar panels.
The new line is expected to begin producing panels commercially in the second quarter of 2018, with an output of 600 MW at full capacity, First Solar said. First Solar made the decision in 2016 to skip its Series 5 module platform, concluding at the time that it was the best way to handle fast-declining solar panel prices.
"This is an extraordinary accomplishment, by any measure," First Solar CEO Mark Widmar said. "Last November, we were in full Series 4 production mode. Since our decision at the end of 2016 to rapidly transition to Series 6, we've hit every incremental target with precision. We are absolutely delighted to be on track for delivery of commercial product early next year."
The company also announced two sales of Series 6 modules, including a deal to deliver 200 MW of series 6 thin film photovoltaic modules to an affiliate of D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments LLC in 2019.
The new modules will be provided for D. E. Shaw Renewable's near-term pipeline of projects commencing construction in the U.S. in 2018 and 2019. First Solar also entered into an operations and maintenance contracts for two projects D. E. Shaw Renewable is developing, according to a Dec. 5 release.
Additionally, the solar panel manufacturer confirmed the sale of 595 MW of a mixture of Series 4 and Series 6 panels to Origis Energy. The deal, including Series 4 modules in 2017 and 2018 and Series 6 modules in 2019 and 2020 will be used in various projects throughout the U.S.
Additionally, since 2016, First Solar has sold the 40-MW Cuyama solar project in Santa Barbara County, Calif., the 31-MW Portal Ridge solar project in Los Angeles County, Calif. and the 11-MW Rancho Seco solar project in Sacramento County, Calif. to D. E. Shaw Renewable.
