In a earlier article, I discussed two company photo voltaic power offers that we lined earlier than, however to make an actual pattern, you want at the least three (as a result of twice is only a coincidence). Reality be instructed, we have seen lots of engagements like this, however that is the primary time I’ve seen so lots of them in simply two months. So, it is not simply a normal, it is an enabler.
I just lately discovered a 3rd comparable deal to the final two I received on this phase.
Partnership with Microsoft in Qcells
Qcells, an organization that considers itself a worldwide photo voltaic chief, has joined forces with Microsoft Corp., a revered expertise large that wants no introduction, and is devoted to changing into carbon adverse by 2030, to create a sustainable provide chain for brand spanking new renewable power capability. roughly 2.5 gigawatts of photo voltaic panels and associated companies – 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 should additionally present panels together with engineering, procurement, and building (EPC) companies for particular photo voltaic initiatives contracted by Microsoft via energy buy agreements (PPAs).
Microsoft is devoted to using renewable power, 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 gear all through world within the areas they function. Main these efforts is Qcells – the one firm in America that provides an entire photo voltaic provide chain and clear power resolution – by supporting regionally produced photo voltaic merchandise in addition to overseas to carry 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 power business, main its development in native and worldwide markets, whereas concurrently lowering carbon footprints. Collectively they work to create extra dependable power provide chains with clear sources of renewable energy at their core.
“Constructing a robust photo voltaic power provide chain is important to the event of a worldwide inexperienced power 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 power on the planet, this work will assist carry extra photo voltaic power on the grid, sooner.”
The demand for American-made photo voltaic merchandise is predicted to extend, and Qcells intends to benefit from this by establishing itself as a one-stop store with all of the clear power options accessible. As the one firm within the US with a complete provide chain devoted solely to solar energy, it’s poised to change into a frontrunner amongst builders of sustainable power sources reminiscent of storage programs, EPC experience, and clever administration software program. All of those sources work collectively to supply complete clear power choices whereas concurrently contributing to mitigating international local weather change.
“We try to create and ship turnkey clear power 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 carry extra renewable power on-line within the coming years. This primary step is just the start of a terrific partnership that not solely helps each of us corporations however assist ship a clear power future for patrons and communities.
Examine Out These Three Offers
Whereas it is comparatively straightforward for a small enterprise to contact a photo voltaic firm and set up panels on their roof, these offers present that doing extra is healthier right here. Not solely will the top consequence be cleaner and higher for the massive firm doing the deal, however they will go away issues higher than they discovered them.
For one, the sheer scale of what a number of the massive firms (Dwelling Depot and Microsoft, particularly) want implies that it may be extra environment friendly to work on issues like energy buy agreements. and outside photo voltaic farms. There’s not at all times sufficient area on the roof to cowl all of the wants, however an electron is an electron, so placing the power within the grid elsewhere nonetheless makes for the corporate’s power use that isn’t lined by native roof.
One other necessary facet of each of those partnerships (Patagonia/Subsequent and Microsoft/Qcells) is that they will use their massive sources to attempt new issues that have not occurred but.
For the Patagonia/Subsequent deal, they’re attempting a brand new solution to put solar energy in a constructing. The facility outputs are low and any product of low quantity building isn’t low cost, however they show the expertise for different folks (largely small gamers) to benefit from the higher advantage of the latter. Normally, massive firms are accused of trashing the little man, however this can be 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 america 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 increase manufacturing. This won’t solely imply that Microsoft will get cleaner energy for themselves, however the elevated manufacturing will profit the individuals who will purchase after they’re completed.
Again within the 90s, Microsoft had a nasty status for being monopolistic and grasping. Do not imagine 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 comply with them as a substitute of climbing the ladder. That is a gorgeous factor to see, and I hope we see extra of it.
Featured picture supplied by The Dwelling Depot.
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