ContourGlobal has secured a 446-MWp solar plant portfolio from Qcells, strengthening its foothold in the U.S. renewable energy sector. The acquisition includes a 324-MWp facility in Colorado and a 122-MWp project in Virginia, both connected to major grid networks.
Acquisition Strengthens ContourGlobal’s U.S. Market Position
The Colorado project is being developed in two phases. Its first 185-MWp segment is currently under construction and slated to become operational in the first half of 2025, with a second phase adding 139 MWp by 2026. The solar plant will supply electricity to Platte River Power Authority through a long-term power purchase agreement.
Construction on the Virginia solar plant is expected to begin in 2026, with commercial operations set to begin in 2027. The project will be supported by a 20-year power purchase agreement with an investment-grade utility. Together, the projects will produce over 845 GWh annually, enough energy to power about 80,000 households.
“We are proud to support ContourGlobal’s US expansion,” said IP Kim, President of Qcells GES. “This transaction showcases Qcells’ differentiated capabilities as a ‘total energy solutions provider’ to bring projects from development into operations. We are excited to explore other opportunities where Qcells’ full suite of capabilities can deliver value to partners like ContourGlobal.”
Qcells’ Role in Solar Plant Development
Qcells, a subsidiary of South Korea’s Hanwha Group, will manufacture the solar panels for both projects at its factories in Georgia.
The company will also oversee development, engineering, procurement, and construction, as well as provide operation and maintenance services after completion.
This deal follows ContourGlobal’s recent acquisition of over 1 GW of solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in South Carolina and Arizona.
Antonio Cammisecra, ContourGlobal CEO, stated: “This transaction allows us to maintain momentum in our U.S. renewable growth, nearing 1.2 GW of solar PV capacity complemented with additional 0.3 GW of BESS capacity, in construction or late development. It also meaningfully accelerates the start of our commercial operations to the first half of this year.”
The acquisition enhances ContourGlobal’s footprint in key U.S. electricity markets, giving the company a presence in the WECC and PJM interconnection zones. These regions are experiencing increased demand for renewable energy as thermal power capacity declines.
Future Growth and Renewable Energy Demand
ContourGlobal’s total renewable capacity in the U.S. now stands at approximately 1.5 GW, comprising 1.2 GW of solar PV and 0.3 GW of BESS.
The company also operates a 1.3 GW thermal portfolio across four states.
As a key player in the U.S. solar manufacturing sector, Qcells operates one of the largest solar panel production facilities in the Western Hemisphere. Its U.S. manufacturing capacity has stood at 5.1 GW since 2019 and is projected to reach 8.4 GW in the coming years.
Under the agreement, Qcells will continue to play a crucial role in developing these solar plants by supplying solar panels and key equipment from its Georgia facilities. This move aligns with its strategy of integrating manufacturing and project development.
Kim Ik-pyo, head of Hanwha Q CELLS Green Energy Solutions Division, emphasized: “This project sale demonstrates that Hanwha Q CELLS’ business execution capabilities as a total energy solutions provider are on a stable trajectory. We will provide differentiated solutions from manufacturing to power projects based on the Solar Hub, North America’s largest solar manufacturing base.”
ContourGlobal’s expansion comes at a time of strong demand for renewable energy in the U.S., driven by policymakers setting carbon reduction targets and corporations seeking cleaner power. The retirement of older thermal plants is also creating opportunities for solar and battery storage projects.
The company’s recent acquisitions position it as a major player in the U.S. renewable energy sector. With its growing solar plant capacity and integrated partnerships, ContourGlobal is poised for continued expansion, supporting national energy transition goals while delivering sustainable power to thousands of households.