First Solar, Inc. has entered into a deal with Birch Creek Energy (“Birch Creek”) to provide 547 MW of advanced Series 6 Plus Bifacial thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules. The renewable energy company based in St. Louis intends to utilize these modules in various projects within its development pipeline across the United States.
Exiting 2023 with an annual US nameplate capacity of 6 GW, First Solar emerges as the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere. Its investments in US manufacturing are poised to significantly contribute to job creation. A recent study commissioned by First Solar indicates that its current operations supported approximately 16,245 direct, indirect, and induced jobs in 2023, amounting to around $1.6 billion in annual labor income. With an anticipated growth to 14 GW in annual US nameplate capacity by 2026, the company is projected to bolster job creation further, supporting an estimated 30,060 direct, indirect, and induced jobs nationwide. The study forecasts that every direct job supported by First Solar in 2026 will generate 7.3 jobs across the country.
“We are pleased to establish this relationship with First Solar, which we expect will enable certainty of module supply for a critical part of our development pipeline,” said Dan Siegel, CEO of Birch Creek. “By choosing to buy our modules from First Solar, we are strengthening our domestic content strategy with a trusted partner that delivers a competitive product.”
“Birch Creek’s decision to partner with us is a validation of our technology and competitiveness, and the value of pricing and supply certainty,” said Georges Antoun, chief commercial officer, First Solar. “We thank the team at Birch Creek for their trust and look forward to building on this relationship.”
