Zorlu Solar to become major distributor of First Solar modules in 26 countries
MAINZ, Germany/ISTANBUL, Turkey, 14 February, 2017 – First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced that it has entered into a collaborative sales agreement with Zorlu Holding, A.S., a Turkish business and industrial conglomerate, to distribute its high-performance thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules in 26 selected markets.
The sales agreement is the latest of its kind to be signed by First Solar as part of the expansion of its global commercial footprint. In 2015, First Solar also entered into a strategic alliance with Caterpillar to market and sell Cat-branded solar panels, manufactured by First Solar, through its worldwide Cat dealer network
Under the five-year agreement, Zorlu will become a major distributor of First Solar’s modules in Turkey, Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia, Turkmenistan, the Ukraine, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In addition to selling PV modules in these markets, Zorlu Solar will undertake its own project development activity and will power its successful projects with First Solar technology.
“First Solar’s leading-edge technology has made it an important contributor to the growth of Turkey’s solar energy industry. As a major distributor of these high-performance modules, we hope to be able to further expand First Solar’s footprint in markets that Zorlu has active interests in,” said Sinan AK, CEO of Zorlu Energy.
“We see this agreement as an enabler of our growth strategy in the region. By leveraging Zorlu’s commercial strength in these countries we expect to gain access to module sales opportunities in emerging markets, some of which we have not previously targeted,” said Stefan Degener, First Solar’s Head of Business Development for Europe, Turkey, and Africa.
As part of the agreement, First Solar will transition its existing Business Development resources in Turkey to Zorlu Solar and will close its office in Istanbul. First Solar established a presence in Turkey in 2014.
About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced module and system technology. The company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.
About Zorlu Energy:
Zorlu Energy provides a wide range of “turn-key delivery” products and services including power generation and trade, project designing, long term maintenance and operation of power plants. Thanks to its portfolio of 6 natural gas plants, 7 hydroelectric plants, 3 geothermal plants and 4 wind plants, Zorlu Energy provides 67% of power generation capacity and 50% of total capacity in Turkey with local and renewable energy resources. Zorlu Energy has founded Zorlu Solar Energy Supply and Trade Inc. in March 2016 in order to produce electricity from solar power at home and abroad; to rent, sell, buy, export solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and place them on roofs; to offer any related installation and consultation services. Zorlu Energy is working hard to bring Turkey’s domestic and renewable energy sources into the economy.
