First Solar to supply more thin-film panels for new Silicon Ranch projects

A subsidiary of Silicon Ranch Corp. recently entered into a framework agreement with First Solar Inc., which will provide 231.6 MW DC of thin-film modules for Silicon Ranch projects set for construction in 2017 and 2018.

"As long-term owners of all our projects, Silicon Ranch recognizes the importance of quality and performance in every choice we make," Silicon Ranch Chief Technology Officer Pete Candelaria said. "First Solar is a U.S. manufacturer with superior products and a strong balance sheet, all of which were important factors in our selection. Furthermore, their technical and logistics units are the best in the business, which made them a great fit for the Silicon Ranch team."

First Solar has worked with Silicon Ranch before, providing 180 MW DC of modules for projects constructed in 2015 and 2016 in Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee. First Solar’s thin film technology is especially useful in hot, humid climates, where it outperforms standard multi-crystalline silicon solar products by 10 percent for energy density, when considering conversion efficiency, temperature coefficient, spectral response and shadow tolerance.

"First Solar is pleased to strengthen our relationship with Silicon Ranch through this deal," First Solar Vice President of U.S. Business Development Roger Bredder said. "There is deep value in aligning with a trusted, major solar developer, and our previous endeavors with Silicon Ranch have allowed us to jointly benefit from working in a region with exciting growth opportunities."