By Juzel L. Danganan
MANILA, May 27 (PNA) – OrionGroup International Inc., an American renewable energy (RE) firm and First Solar Inc., the world’s largest solar developer, have formed FSO Energy Solutions Inc. (FSO) to develop non-grid solar projects in the Philippines.
”Through FSO, First Solar and OrionGroup will focus on providing large commercial and industrial customers with electricity through long-term agreements,” OrionGroup said in a statement.
The company has no target capacity yet for its potential projects in the Philippines.
First Solar bagged the deal for the 550-megawatt (MW) Topaz Solar Farm, through a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Apple, which is considered as the world’s largest solar farm.
It noted it has a flexible financing solution that will allow customers to acquire renewable energy systems without down payments.
OrionGroup’s International executive vice president (EVP) Rynor Jamandre said the joint venture would elevate the photovoltaic (PV) installation standards in the Philippines.
Jack Curtis, First Solar’s regional manager for Asia Pacific, also pointed out the venture would help address the gap in demand and supply, usually brought by grid supply, costly alternate diesel power and increasing electricity prices.
OrionGroup has formerly provided solar solutions to hotels, hospitals, golf courses, offices, factories and houses around the Philippines.
The company is a subsidiary of OrionGroup International LLC, which has its headquarters in Poulsbo, Washington. It also has offices in Krygyzstan. (PNA)