Microsoft, Qcells Strike Supply Deal For U.S.-Made Solar Panels

South Korea's Qcells has announced that it will supply Microsoft with 12 gigawatts of US-made solar panels through 2032 in what the companies called one of the largest-ever deals of its kind, as reported by Nichola Groom for Reuters.

The agreement secures substantial and stable demand for panels that Qcells will manufacture at its new $2.5 billion Georgia factory. I Photo: Georgia Tech

The agreement secures substantial and stable demand for panels that Qcells will manufacture at its new $2.5 billion Georgia factory.

For Microsoft, which aimed to reduce supply chain risks by finding a reliable panel provider, the deal contributes to its goal of powering its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025.

"How do we really make sure that we can meet those goals in this kind of an environment, as we see others coming in and doing the same thing?" Bobby Hollis, Microsoft's vice president for energy, said in an interview.

"We have to really undertake things in a very strategic and thoughtful way." The two companies initially agreed to a 2.5-gigawatt contract a year ago. Through this expanded agreement, Microsoft will increase its total commitment to 12 GW, enough to power about 1.8 million homes, the companies said.

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