Four major solar project developers in the United States have joined forces to commit to buying 7 GW of domestic solar panels each year beginning in 2024.
Courtesy of AES
AES Corp., Clearway Energy Group, Cypress Creek Renewables and D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) have formed the US Solar Buyer Consortium and launched an RFP to search for qualified domestic manufacturers that can commit to a long-term strategic partnership to supply the 7 GW of solar modules.
“Our group of companies comprise industry leaders that are committed to delivering cost-effective, renewable power for our customers. Our joint commitment to procure at this scale can provide the certainty suppliers need to ramp up capacity and overcome current supply chain constraints,” said David Zwillinger, DESRI’s CEO.
The buying consortium will encourage a stable, domestic supply chain for solar modules. Promoting the on-shoring of the module supply chain demonstrates the buying consortium’s belief in an American-made solar industry. Increasingly domestic supply chains will create lasting resiliency and alleviate constraints faced by the industry today.
“The consortium has a large and growing pipeline of solar projects in the United States, and we are committed to supporting America’s clean energy transition,” said Andres Gluski, AES President and CEO. “We’re working together with customers of all kinds to decarbonize their operations and the grid.”
“Solar provides low-cost clean energy, builds resiliency into the grid and is vital in addressing the climate crisis,” said Sarah Slusser, CEO of Cypress Creek Renewables. “We are proud to advance our country’s important decarbonization and clean energy goals and American manufacturing through the support provided by this consortium.”
“Today’s announcement from the Consortium is just one step toward bolstering America’s solar supply chain,” said Craig Cornelius, CEO of Clearway Energy Group. “With legislation pending before Congress, policymakers can scale our domestic manufacturing workforce and restore our country’s legacy as a manufacturing leader. We appreciate the Biden administration’s commitment to invest in American workers and urge lawmakers to seize this opportunity.”
To date, the domestic solar panel manufacturing industry can likely only supply less than 7 GW of panels annually. Today’s consortium announcement would encourage expansions and new facilities to meet a guaranteed demand.
For suppliers interested in responding to the RFP, please contact rfp@solar-consortium.com.
