Solar owner-operator Silicon Ranch Corporation has signed a PV module purchase agreement with First Solar to use its thin film modules for 231.6MWdc of solar projects. The agreement is following previous agreements for over 180MW of solar projects.

In real world, First Solar’s thin film technology generates more electricity than conventional multicrystalline Si PV modules, especially in hot, humid environments. Silicon Ranch has put more than 180MWdc of solar projects locating in Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee into commercial operations in 2015 and 2016, and First Solar’s thin film technology performs well in these states by providing an energy density of more than 10% over multicrystalline Si products.

The 231.6MW of solar projects are scheduled to be constructed in 2017 and 2018. Some of the projects will use First Solar’s balance of system solutions such as its single-axis trackers.

“First Solar is a U.S. manufacturer with superior products and a strong balance sheet, all of which were important factors in our selection. Furthermore, their technical and logistics units are the best in the business, which made them a great fit for the Silicon Ranch team,” said Pete Candelaria, Silicon Ranch’s Chief Technology Officer.