Hanwha Q CELLS has secured a significant order in the United States, marking a major milestone in its expansion within the renewable energy sector. The company recently signed a partnership with Summit Ridge Energy (SRE) to supply 2GW of solar modules and collaborate on Energy Storage System (ESS) projects by 2027. This agreement builds upon a previous 1.2GW module supply partnership announced in April last year during US Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit to Hanwha Q CELLS’ Dalton plant in Georgia.
SRE plans to utilize the additional 800MW of modules for over 100 community solar projects across the United States. These modules will be produced at Hanwha Q CELLS’ North American solar cell manufacturing hub, ‘Solar Hub,’ which is set to be fully operational next year. Community solar projects allow members of a community to pool their investments to build solar power plants and share the profits, making solar energy more accessible to those who might not have the means to install solar panels on their own properties.
The module supply contract between Hanwha Q CELLS and SRE is the largest community solar-related partnership ever signed in the United States. In addition to supplying solar modules, Hanwha Q CELLS will provide SRE with ESS equipment and advanced Energy Management System (EMS) software. The company will act as the primary supplier for ESS projects led by SRE, offering procurement and supply services, as well as EMS solutions that leverage AI technology to optimize energy consumption and manage fluctuations in electricity prices.
Hanwha Q CELLS CEO Lee Koo-yung emphasized the company’s comprehensive capabilities, stating, “Hanwha Q CELLS has been recognized not only for its solar manufacturing capabilities but also for its system development expertise, securing integrated orders for hardware such as modules and BESS (Battery ESS), as well as software. We will continue to develop more competitive comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of more customers and amplify business synergy effects.”
This partnership is part of Hanwha Q CELLS’ broader strategy to expand its business scope in the US commercial solar market. In April, the company signed a ‘turn-key’ contract totaling 450MW with True Green Capital Management (TGC), a US energy infrastructure-focused private equity firm. Under this agreement, Hanwha Q CELLS will supply modules for TGC’s commercial solar and community solar projects, while its subsidiary Enable will handle Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services.
The collaboration between Hanwha Q CELLS and SRE is expected to have significant economic and social impacts. Renewable energy projects like these create jobs, stimulate local economies, and reduce energy costs. Moreover, community solar projects promote energy equity by allowing broader participation in renewable energy initiatives, especially for low-income households.
The political endorsement of renewable energy initiatives at the federal level, highlighted by Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit, underscores the strategic importance of such partnerships. As the US government continues to promote renewable energy through various policies and incentives, the demand for sustainable energy solutions is expected to grow, further solidifying the role of companies like Hanwha Q CELLS in the renewable energy landscape.
With the Solar Hub set to become fully operational next year and the ongoing development of advanced EMS software, Hanwha Q CELLS is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for integrated solar and ESS solutions. The company’s continued innovation and strategic partnerships are likely to drive further growth and success in the renewable energy sector.
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