Microsoft signs 20-year PPA with First Solar's 150 MW Sun Streams 2 solar project

First Solar, Inc. has announced that its Sun Streams 2 photovoltaic (PV) solar plant will power new energy-efficient data centers being built by Microsoft Corp. in Goodyear and El Mirage, Arizona. The 150 megawatts (MW)AC facility, is being developed and constructed by First Solar in Maricopa County and will power the data centers under a 20-year agreement.

The power plant will use First Solar’s proprietary Series 6 module technology which has a carbon footprint that is up to six times lower than conventionally-manufactured crystalline silicon PV panels, giving it a superior environmental profile and allowing Sun Streams 2 to deliver cleaner solar electricity. First Solar, which is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, is expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for Series 6 modules, with its second facility in the United States - representing nearly US$1 billion in cumulative investment - expected to start production in early-2020. Once the Perrysburg, Ohio facility is operational, First Solar will be the western hemisphere’s, and America’s, largest solar module manufacturer.

Sun Streams 2 is expected to begin construction in late-2019 and will provide up to 500 construction jobs. Aligned with Arizona’s renewable energy policy, the project will contribute significant economic benefits to Maricopa County, including increased tax revenues to support local schools.