In a earlier article, I discussed two company photo voltaic vitality offers that we coated earlier than, however to make an actual development, you want no less than three (as a result of twice is only a coincidence). Reality be informed, we have seen a whole lot of engagements like this, however that is the primary time I’ve seen so a lot of them in simply two months. So, it is not simply a typical, it is an enabler.
I lately discovered a 3rd related deal to the final two I acquired on this phase.
Microsoft Partnership With Qcells
Qcells, an organization that considers itself a world photo voltaic chief, has joined forces with Microsoft Corp., a revered know-how big that wants no introduction, and is devoted to turning into carbon unfavorable by 2030, to create a sustainable provide chain for brand new renewable vitality capability. roughly 2.5 gigawatts of photo voltaic panels and associated providers – which is equal to the ability of greater than 400,000 properties.
Hanwha Options, primarily based in Seoul and the proprietor of Qcells, will collaborate with Microsoft to construct photo voltaic initiatives. As well as, it can additionally present panels together with engineering, procurement, and development (EPC) providers for particular photo voltaic initiatives contracted by Microsoft via energy buy agreements (PPAs).
Microsoft is devoted to using renewable vitality, with the objective of acquiring 100% renewables for its electrical energy use by 2025. To pursue this ambition, Microsoft has launched sustainability initiatives to advertise the manufacturing of inexperienced energy tools all through world within the areas they function. Main these efforts is Qcells – the one firm in America that gives an entire photo voltaic provide chain and clear vitality answer – by supporting regionally produced photo voltaic merchandise in addition to overseas to convey extra renewable sources into our grid programs.
One of many largest issues they’re specializing in is localizing photo voltaic manufacturing to decrease solar-related emissions. This revolutionary collaboration brings collectively their shared ambitions to diversify the worldwide vitality trade, main its development in native and worldwide markets, whereas concurrently lowering carbon footprints. Collectively they work to create extra dependable vitality provide chains with clear sources of renewable energy at their core.
“Constructing a powerful photo voltaic vitality provide chain is crucial to the event of a world inexperienced vitality economic system. Microsoft’s partnership with Qcells will assist make this imaginative and prescient a actuality by bringing innovation and funding to rural Georgia,” mentioned Brad Smith, vice chairman and president, Microsoft. “As one of many largest purchasers of renewable vitality on this planet, this work will assist convey extra photo voltaic vitality on the grid, sooner.”
The demand for American-made photo voltaic merchandise is anticipated to extend, and Qcells intends to reap the benefits of this by establishing itself as a one-stop store with all of the clear vitality options obtainable. As the one firm within the US with a whole provide chain devoted solely to solar energy, it’s poised to grow to be a frontrunner amongst builders of sustainable vitality sources akin to storage programs, EPC experience, and clever administration software program. All of those assets work collectively to offer complete clear vitality choices whereas concurrently contributing to mitigating world local weather change.
“We attempt to create and ship turnkey clear vitality options, together with these made in America, and this partnership with Microsoft will assist obtain this imaginative and prescient,” mentioned Justin Lee, CEO of Qcells. . “Additionally, Qcells is proud to play a job with Microsoft to convey extra renewable vitality on-line within the coming years. This primary step is only the start of a fantastic partnership that not solely helps each of us corporations however assist ship a clear vitality future for purchasers and communities.
Verify Out These Three Offers
Whereas it is comparatively simple for a small enterprise to contact a photo voltaic firm and set up panels on their roof, these offers present that doing extra is best right here. Not solely will the top end result be cleaner and higher for the massive firm doing the deal, however they’ll depart issues higher than they discovered them.
For one, the sheer scale of what a few of the massive firms (Residence Depot and Microsoft, specifically) want signifies that it may be extra environment friendly to work on issues like energy buy agreements. and out of doors photo voltaic farms. There’s not at all times sufficient house on the roof to cowl all of the wants, however an electron is an electron, so placing the vitality within the grid elsewhere nonetheless makes for the corporate’s vitality use that’s not coated by native roof.
One other necessary facet of each of those partnerships (Patagonia/Subsequent and Microsoft/Qcells) is that they’ll use their giant assets to attempt new issues that have not occurred but.
For the Patagonia/Subsequent deal, they’re attempting a brand new option to put solar energy in a constructing. The ability outputs are low and any product of low quantity development will not be low cost, however they show the know-how for different individuals (principally small gamers) to reap the benefits of the better advantage of the latter. Often, massive firms are accused of trashing the little man, however it is a case the place they’re doing the alternative and utilizing their massive weapons to assist the little guys out.
For Microsoft, altering the way it does enterprise and getting extra photo voltaic manufacturing in the US is a giant deal. As a substitute of being lazy and simply shopping for panels that must go on a grimy container ship, they handle the method with this partnership to assist transfer and broaden manufacturing. This won’t solely imply that Microsoft will get cleaner energy for themselves, however the elevated manufacturing will profit the individuals who purchase after they’re executed.
Again within the 90s, Microsoft had a nasty fame for being monopolistic and grasping. Do not consider me? Simply watch this humorous clip from The Simpsons from time:
As we speak, we see Microsoft taking a step that’s the reverse of what it was identified for within the 90s. Like Patagonia, it does one thing that advantages others who observe them as an alternative of climbing the ladder. That is a good looking factor to see, and I hope we see extra of it.
Featured picture supplied by The Residence Depot.
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