5N Plus expands materials agreement with First Solar
Montreal-based 5N Plus has entered into a new supply agreement with First Solar, to reflect increased semiconductor compound volume commitments.
Under the contract terms, 5N Plus will increase its production and delivery of CdTe by 33 percent for the 2025-2026 period compared to initial levels, and by an additional 25 percent for the subsequent term/2027-2028 period. These materials are used by First Solar for the manufacture of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules integrated to its semiconductor stack.
In addition, starting in 2026, 5N Plus will begin to produce and deliver CdSe to First Solar, another critical material used in their PV solar panel manufacturing.
Thisnew agreement reflects the strength of 5N Plus’ longstanding collaboration with First Solar and supports their growing semiconductor supply needs as they scale their US manufacturing capacity with a strategic focus on using critical materials sourced from American sources or allied nations.
First Solar has four operating factories in Ohio and Alabama, and a fifth expected to begin commercial production in the second half of 2025. As First Solar ramps up its domestic production, it expects to achieve 14 GW of American manufacturing capacity in 2026.
“We are proud to help enable the growth in US power generation by expanding our partnership with America’s largest solar technology manufacturer,” said Gervais Jacques, president and CEO of 5N Plus. “At a time when the security of critical materials supply chains are under intense scrutiny, we’re pleased to reinforce our position as a trusted partner, with the expertise, supply chain and capacity to deliver the advanced materials this critical and growing sector depends on.”
“Our ability to meet this significant increase in volume with minimal additional investment is a direct result of our manufacturing flexibility and the recent expansion of our semiconductor compound production and recycling capabilities in Canada and Germany,” added Jacques.
“Access to secure critical materials supply chains supports our growth strategy, making 5N Plus a valued long-time partner,” said Mike Koralewski, chief supply chain officer, First Solar. “They have consistently demonstrated the ability to scale production capacity while maintaining the highest quality standards. Crucially, they continue to support our efforts to onshore production of critical minerals.”
