Siemens Inks 1GW Solar Inverter Agreement with Lightsource bp
- Siemens to supply solar inverter stations to multiple Lightsource bp projects throughout U.S.
- New agreement demonstrates leadership in growth of U.S. utility scale solar sector
Lightsource bp recently signed a Volume Frame Agreement (VFA) with Siemens to supply solar inverter stations for a series of projects in the Midwest and Southeast of the United States. Per the VFA, Lightsource bp will use more than 850MW of Siemens inverters, with an option to add 200MW more, over the course of the next two years as part of its renewable project development pipeline.
For the bulk of the projects, Siemens will provide central inverter stations rated at 4.3MW – 4.7MW including gas-insulated switchgear, step-up transformers and auxiliary power stations. Siemens’ factory-certified service personnel will provide commissioning and installation support on the projects.
Central inverter stations are essential equipment in a solar energy system. They convert direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, into alternating current (AC) electricity, which the electrical grid uses. Inverters also monitor critical operational data such as energy production. Incorporating them into renewable energy projects enables reliable and efficient delivery of clean energy to consumers, while also improving the overall performance and management of the renewable energy system.
“The U.S. solar industry is poised for historical growth, with the Inflation Reduction Act offering tailwinds toward delivering 30% of our country’s electricity by 2030,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of the Americas for Lightsource bp. “Executing significant long-term procurement agreements with bankable, world class suppliers like Siemens enables us to meet this urgent demand for sustainable, affordable energy and deliver on Lightsource bp’s industry-leading growth plans.”
Separate from the VFA, more than 185MW of Siemens central inverter stations are scheduled to be delivered to Lightsource bp throughout the remainder of this year.
“In just three short years, Siemens has positioned itself as a leader in the utility scale solar sector in the U.S.,” said Brian Dula, Vice President of the Electrification and Automation business at Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA. “We are extremely optimistic about the future of both large-scale energy storage and solar PV projects. Siemens has the end-to-end equipment requirements of these projects well covered.”
Rachael Legg, Lightsource bp’s Chief Procurement Officer, added: “This procurement deal is a testimony to Lightsource bp’s exponential growth in the United States, and our confidence in Siemens’ technology. To reach our worldwide goal of delivering 25GW of developed solar by 2025, we continue to strategically invest in the products that will support our success.”
Since 2019, the Lightsource bp team has brought into operation or initiated construction on 3.2 gigawatts of U.S. solar projects across 11 states, with capital costs of nearly $4 billion. Collectively, these projects can generate enough electricity to power 550,000 homes and abate more than 4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Siemens Press Contact
Allison Britt
+1-630-399-2587
Lightsource bp Press Contact
Mary Grikas
+1-732-429-3908
About Siemens
Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings, and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions, and services from point-of-power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. With around 70,000 employees worldwide, Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, and its U.S. corporate headquarters in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, USA.
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose, adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a global leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. In fiscal 2022, which ended on September 30, 2022, Siemens Group USA generated revenue of $18.6 billion and employs approximately 45,000 people serving customers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
About Lightsource bp
Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy and energy storage projects and a 50:50 joint venture with bp. For more than a decade, Lightsource bp has delivered affordable, safe and sustainable energy to businesses and communities around the world. The global team includes nearly 1,000 industry experts, working in 19 countries, providing full scope development for projects, from initial site selection, financing and permitting to long-term management of solar projects and energy sales to their customers. Lightsource bp in the U.S. is headquartered in San Francisco with development offices in Denver, Austin, and Philadelphia. For more information visit www.lightsourcebp.com/us.
