Hanwha Q CELLS has achieved a significant milestone in the U.S. renewable energy sector by securing a 2GW solar module supply order from Summit Ridge Energy (SRE). This partnership, announced recently, builds on a previous 1.2GW module supply agreement unveiled during U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit to Hanwha Q CELLS’ Dalton plant in Georgia last year.
SRE plans to utilize an 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 will be fully operational next year. Community solar projects enable members of a community to collectively invest in solar power plants and share the benefits, making solar energy more accessible to those without the means to install panels on their own properties.
This agreement is the largest community solar-related partnership ever signed in the U.S. In addition to supplying solar modules, Hanwha Q CELLS will provide SRE with Energy Storage System (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, supply services, and AI-driven EMS solutions to optimize energy consumption and manage electricity price fluctuations.
“Hanwha Q CELLS has been recognized not only for its solar manufacturing capabilities but also for its system development expertise,” said CEO Lee Koo-yung. “We will continue to develop more competitive comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of more customers and amplify business synergy effects.”
This partnership aligns with Hanwha Q CELLS’ strategy to expand its footprint in the U.S. commercial solar market. In April, the company signed a ‘turn-key’ contract totaling 450MW with True Green Capital Management (TGC) to supply modules for commercial and community solar projects, with its subsidiary Enable handling 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. Community solar projects, in particular, promote energy equity by allowing broader participation in renewable energy initiatives, especially for low-income households.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit highlights the strategic importance of such partnerships. As the U.S. 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 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.
