#United States #solar energy #Clean Energy #ES Foundry #Greenwood

ES Foundry Secures 150 MW Supply Agreement

ES Foundry, a prominent player in the American solar landscape, has made headlines with its recent announcement of a three-year supply agreement accounting for 150 megawatts (MW) with a top-tier community solar developer in the U.S. This significant deal aligns with ES Foundry's mission of onshoring the production of crystalline solar cells and represents a critical step in the company's growth strategy amidst the rapidly expanding renewable energy market.

The Agreement's Key Components

Under the terms of this newly signed agreement, the community solar developer will obtain BNEF Tier 1 solar modules, which will integrate the high-quality solar cells manufactured at ES Foundry's state-of-the-art facility located in Greenwood, South Carolina. This collaboration not only empowers the solar developer to enhance its project portfolio across the nation but also supports ES Foundry in addressing the pressing demand for locally produced solar components in the U.S.

One of the essential benefits of this agreement for the developer is the ability to unlock the additional investment tax credit (ITC), an important incentive for utilizing domestic content in solar projects. This aspect is particularly relevant as the American solar industry faces ongoing supply chain challenges, emphasizing the need for a stable and reliable source of components.

Background on Solar Growth in the U.S.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the U.S. solar market, which experienced unprecedented growth in 2024. Reports from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) noted that the U.S. installed an astonishing 50 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity, marking the largest annual increase for any energy technology in over 20 years. Furthermore, solar energy constituted an impressive 66% of all new electric generating capacity added to the grid during the last year. As the market continues to accelerate, securing a dependable supply of domestically produced solar components becomes increasingly crucial.

A Commitment to Stability and Quality

Ken Johnston, the Vice President of Sales at ES Foundry, emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, "With this agreement, our customer is setting an example for other solar developers to proactively solidify their domestic supply chain strategies." He highlighted the necessity for developers to have certainty and reliability, which ES Foundry is committed to providing through its consistent supply of high-quality solar cells, enabling projects to be completed on time and at scale.

For the involved solar developer, partnering with ES Foundry guarantees a steady and dependable stream of American-made modules. This synergy is vital for expanding its long-term clean energy initiatives, ultimately paving the way for sustainability and cost savings for the communities they serve. In a broader context, enhancing domestic solar manufacturing is viewed as essential for promoting national energy independence, thereby reinforcing the shared goals of a resilient and secure energy future.

About ES Foundry

Founded in South Carolina, ES Foundry is at the forefront of advancing the U.S. solar industry by establishing domestic production of crystalline solar cells. The company’s sophisticated facility in Greenwood is dedicated to meeting the escalating demand from U.S. panel manufacturers while addressing the supply chain needs of developers and EPCs. By delivering locally produced solar cells, ES Foundry empowers its clients with valuable ITC options for domestic content. Backed by an experienced team, the organization is devoted to providing reliable, effective, and economically viable solar products that contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of the American clean energy ecosystem.

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