Energy Jobs: First Solar has 2 CTOs, Tesla loses ultracap boss, CAISO’s new CEO, MJ at NRTC, plus Prologis, Ecoplexus
Executive, career and boardroom moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities and energy VC — plus some select job openings.
Morning Brief: Mississippi approves two 78.5-MW PV projects, U of I solar construction starts
Also in the brief: Peabody to write down value of largest U.S. coal mine by $1.42 billion, First Solar joins RE100
First Solar posts a strong Q2, global operations to be 100% renewably powered by 2028
Another stalwart of the solar industry was able to take the necessary precautions in order to maintain some sense of normalcy during the pandemic, leading to a quarter of increased sales, net cash and a positive outlook to finish off the year.
First Solar sells off its O&M business to NovaSource
Deeming that “the strategic thesis behind O&M has changed,” First Solar has sold off its O&M business to the same private equity firm that SunPower did earlier this year.
Longroad just completed financing and sale of the 294-MW Muscle Shoals solar project to Ørsted
Longroad CEO: “There is definitely not an oversupply of tax equity.”
Project Suppliers: First Solar modules, Nextracker trackers and inverters from Power Electronics
First Solar inks massive PPA with Dow Inc.
Dow is now set to purchase 75% of the annual electricity generation at First Solar’s upcoming 200 MW Horizon Solar project in Frio County, Texas, under a 15-year power contract.
First Solar backs carbon pricing for wholesale electricity
First Solar has backed carbon pricing in comments submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The firm also co-founded a global policy institute that supports carbon pricing as a “cost-effective, equitable and politically viable climate solution.”
A new player appears in American thin-film cadmium telluride solar module manufacturing
Toledo Solar is trying to distinguish itself from First Solar’s cadmium telluride dominance by operating in the residential and commercial markets, markets which have been historically unkind to the technology.
Direct cash payments for solar projects floated as a legislative solution
Solar developers, including First Solar, believe that a direct cash payments solution could keep solar projects on track and help developers monetize the ITC in the event that tax equity financing dries up.
First Solar earnings: strong Q1 and an uncertain 2020 guidance — like most every solar firm
“Despite the uncertain economic environment, demand for our Series 6 product remains strong, as evidenced by the 1.1 GWDC of net-bookings since our prior earnings call.”
