First Solar Wins Modules Contract for Photovoltaic Plant in India

ACME Tele Power Ltd. and First Solar Inc. announced on Dec. 8 that they have signed an agreement covering the supply of First Solar’s advanced, thin film modules to ACME for a 15 MW (DC) solar power plant in the state of Gujarat, India. Delivery is expected to take place by March 2011 to fulfill the Gujarat government’s expectations.

ACME, a New Dehli-based company, is active in alternative energy and wireless telecommunications. First Solar is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.

Mr. Manoj Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman & Managing Director ACME Tele Power Ltd. on signing the agreement commented, "We are delighted to have entered this agreement with First Solar, which is one of the few companies in the world that possess a complete set of capabilities required to realize very large photovoltaic solar projects. This agreement is in line with our endeavor of pioneering turnkey solar technologies in India. We are enthusiastic about working with First Solar to make this ambitious project a success and deliver larger benefits to the country."

Mr. Atul Sabharwal, Executive Vice President ACME Tele Power Ltd commented, "We are excited about the developing relationship between ACME and First Solar. Our hope is that this project will mark the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship between the two companies as we begin to develop the nascent Indian solar market and ACME demonstrates its expertise in engineering, procurement and construction of projects with First Solar modules."

Commenting on the signing, TK Kallenbach, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Product Management at First Solar, said, "We see India as a land of immense opportunity and potential. We are pleased to collaborate with a leader like ACME to contribute to the country through the development of clean, affordable, sustainable solar electricity utilizing our advanced, thin film technology and unparalleled experience in large-scale solar PV systems."

Bloomberg reported that First Solar shares jumped as much as 2.6 percent after the announcement. The value of the contract was not disclosed.

First Solar has manufacturing facilities in Perrysburg, Ohio, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, and Kulim, Malaysia. POWERnews attempted to find out where the panels for this project would be manufactured, but First Solar did not respond to requests by press time.

Sources: ACME, First Solar, Bloomberg.com