Summit Ridge Energy is strengthening its partnership with Qcells, committing to purchase an additional 800 MW of solar panels to support its expanding development pipeline.
Summit Ridge and Qcells to Develop 100 U.S. Solar Projects
Through its expanded collaboration with Qcells, Summit Ridge Energy is advancing its solar initiatives and making clean energy more accessible to communities nationwide. Together, the companies plan to develop 100 new community solar projects across the United States.
Summit Ridge Energy is boosting its partnership with Qcells by committing to an additional 800 MW of solar panels. Pictured here is the agreement from April 2023. (Image: Summit Ridge Energy)
This partnership underscores the affordability and sustainability of solar energy, aiming to reach a broader audience previously underserved in the clean energy sector. By prioritizing domestic manufacturing and job creation, the initiative also highlights the positive societal impact of the clean energy economy.
Qcells to Manufacture Panels in Georgia Facility
Most of the solar panels will be produced at Qcells’ Georgia facility, contributing significantly to domestic manufacturing and job creation in the solar industry.
This enhanced partnership is bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides significant tax incentives for domestic energy production and manufacturing. Summit Ridge and Qcells were among the first to establish domestic manufacturing agreements under the IRA. Through separate procurement agreements, Qcells will also continue to supply Summit Ridge with battery storage and software solutions.
The Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act, a key part of the IRA, is also crucial to Qcells’ strategy of establishing a comprehensive domestic supply chain. This initiative supports domestically manufactured solar infrastructure, fosters job creation, and helps companies like Summit Ridge navigate the uncertainty caused by tariffs and global supply chain challenges.
“Through our partnership with Qcells, we contribute to domestic manufacturing and job creation, while also extending affordable clean energy to communities historically underserved by the clean energy transition,” said Brian Dunn, chief operating officer of Summit Ridge Energy.
Summit Ridge Projects to Benefit Low-Income Households
Many of Summit Ridge’s solar projects are eligible for IRA tax credits, which will give thousands of low-income households greater access to savings through clean energy.
“By expanding our partnership with Summit Ridge Energy, we aim to extend access to the world’s most affordable energy resource to more communities. This collaboration not only bolsters the domestic manufacturing sector and supports thousands of jobs in solar energy but also ensures that more people, particularly those historically underserved, can reap the benefits of the clean energy economy,” said Justin Lee, CEO of Qcells.
By acquiring an additional 800 MW of Qcells solar panels, Summit Ridge Energy is expanding its development pipeline and solidifying its leadership in the shift toward clean energy. With a focus on community solar projects and its collaboration with industry leaders like Qcells, the company is actively advancing the renewable energy sector. This strategic investment underscores the company’s dedication to building a sustainable future powered by clean, dependable energy sources.