Microsoft is working with South Korean solar power company Qcells to curb carbon emissions and power the clean energy economy.

Qcells seeks to supply more than 2.5GW of solar panels and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to solar project developers in partnership with Microsoft. The collaboration is rooted in the companies’ collective commitments to diversify the global energy supply chain and reduce carbon emissions.

Microsoft has a commitment to be carbon negative by 2030. The partnership aims to enable a strong supply chain for new renewable electricity capacity projected to require at least 2.5GW of solar panels and related services, equivalent to powering over 400,000 homes.

Qcells, owned by Seoul-based Hanwha, will work with Microsoft to develop solar projects as well as provide panels and EPC services to selected solar projects Microsoft has contracted for through power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Microsoft has committed to purchasing renewable energy with a goal of achieving 100% coverage of electricity consumption with renewable energy by 2025. It is extending its sustainability activities to support domestic production of green energy equipment in the regions it operates globally.

Microsoft is supporting Qcells’ solar products to bring more renewable energy to the grid. Qcells says it will be the only company in the USA that will have a complete solar supply chain and provides one-stop clean energy.

This alliance is said to be the first time a company that procures energy has worked directly with a solar supplier to adopt clean energy on a big scale. The collaboration is rooted in the two companies’ collective commitments to diversify the global energy supply chain, proactively lead the development of more reliable energy supply chains in the USA and abroad, and reduce carbon emissions.

“Building a resilient solar energy supply chain is essential to advancing a global green energy economy,” said Microsoft president Brad Smith. “Microsoft’s partnership with Qcells will help make this vision a reality by bringing innovation and investment to rural Georgia. As one of the world’s largest purchasers of renewable energy, this work will help bring more solar energy to the grid, faster.”

Justin Lee, CEO of Qcells, added: “We’re striving to build and deliver turnkey clean energy, including those made in America, and this partnership with Microsoft will help accomplish this vision. Similarly, Qcells is proud to play a role with Microsoft to bring more renewable energy online in the years to come. This first step is only the beginning of a great partnership that not only supports our two companies but helps deliver a clean energy future for customers and communities.”

A growing need for American-made solar products is expected to accelerate Qcells’ transition into a one-stop shop for clean energy. Qcells intends to become a developer for solar and other clean energy products such as energy storage system. Combining its growing EPC expertise with smart energy management system, Qcells will continue to provide completely clean energy and fight against climate change.

Qcells is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and Thalheim, Germany, with manufacturing facilities in the USA, Malaysia, China and South Korea. It has a growing global business network spanning Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East.