First Solar bags 20 MW order from the Netherlands

U.S. thin-film solar module manufacturer First Solar Inc. has signed a 20 MW module supply deal with Denmark-based investment and management company specialized in renewable projects Obton.

First Solar modules will be installed two solar power plants, with a capacity of 13.9 MW and 4.4 MW, that Obton is developing in Stadskanaal, in Netherlands’ northeastern province of Groningen. The financial terms of the supply agreement were not revealed. Overall, First Solar will supply 156,000 First Solar series 4 modules for the two projects.

“The Stadskanaal projects are clear evidence that reliable, bankable utility-scale solar has earned its place in the country’s low carbon energy generation portfolio,” said Stefan Degener, First Solar’s Head of Business Development for Europe and Africa. “As the Netherlands makes steady progress towards its decarbonization goals, we’re very proud to be able to contribute to the effort to deliver clean and affordable solar electricity.”

Both projects, which are eligible for the incentives of the country’s SDE+ renewable energy program, mark Obton’s entry into the Dutch energy market as an IPP.

“Our projects allow us to play a role in the Netherlands’ plans to decarbonize its energy mix. They demonstrate that solar PV can effectively compete against any other renewable energy technology when powered by bankable module technology,” said Anders Marcus, CEO of Obton.  “Importantly, the fact that we’re using First Solar’s eco-efficient modules ensures that we’re also delivering the lowest carbon solar in the country.”