Tennessee Valley Authority Secures 279 MW of Advanced Solar Panels from First Solar for Lawrence County Project
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has announced that it has secured 279 megawatts of advanced thin film solar panels from First Solar for its planned Lawrence County Solar Project in Lawrence County, Alabama. The project, which is expected to commence commercial operation in 2027, reflects TVA's growing emphasis on solar in the region. This development comes as First Solar commissions its fourth American factory, which is expected to become one of the largest fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing facilities in the United States by 2025. The partnership between TVA and First Solar aims to integrate more renewable generation into TVA's overall portfolio, using solar technology developed and manufactured in America.
Key Takeaways:
- TVA has secured 279 megawatts of advanced thin film solar panels from First Solar for the Lawrence County Solar Project in Alabama.
- The project is expected to commence commercial operation in 2027 and reflects TVA's growing emphasis on solar in the region.
- First Solar is investing approximately $1.3 billion in expanding its US manufacturing footprint from over 6.5 GW of annual nameplate capacity currently to approximately 10.9 GW by 2026.
- TVA is working with First Solar to integrate more renewable generation into its overall portfolio, using solar technology developed and manufactured in America.
- First Solar is the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere and is committed to delivering responsibly produced eco-efficient solar modules.
- The company's advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules set industry benchmarks for quality, durability, reliability, design, and environmental performance.
Statistics:
- 279 MW of advanced thin film solar panels have been secured by TVA from First Solar for the Lawrence County Solar Project.
- First Solar is investing approximately $1.1 billion in building a fourth factory in Alabama.
- The company aims to expand its annual nameplate manufacturing capacity to approximately 10.9 GW by 2026.
- First Solar's new R&D innovation center in Ohio is expected to be completed in 2024 and will involve an investment of up to $370 million.
- TVA is committed to providing clean energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states.
Sources:
- Business Wire
- First Solar
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
- Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)