News: Photovoltaics
5 August 2025
5N Plus scales up and expands critical materials supply agreement with First Solar
Specialty semiconductor and performance materials producer 5N Plus Inc (5N+) of Montreal, Québec, Canada has entered into a new and expanded supply agreement with cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) module maker First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA including revised terms to the contract period underway (2025–2026) to reflect increased semiconductor compound volume commitments, as well the terms for the subsequent contract period (2027–2028), also reflecting increased volumes.
Under the new contract terms, 5N+ will increase its production and delivery of CdTe by 33% for the 2025–2026 period compared to initial levels, and by an additional 25% for the subsequent term 2027–2028 period.
In addition, starting in 2026, 5N+ will begin to produce and deliver cadmium selenide (CdSe) to First Solar, another critical material utilized in their PV solar panel manufacturing.
5N+ says that the new agreement reflects the strength of its 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. As the leading American solar power generation technology manufacturer, it is reckoned that First Solar is well positioned to support economic growth, digital infrastructure expansion, and accelerating electrification in the USA with American-made technology. The firm has four operating factories in Ohio and Alabama, and a fifth expected to begin commercial production in second-half 2025. As First Solar ramps up its domestic production, it expects to achieve 14GW of American manufacturing capacity in 2026.
“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,” says 5N+’s president & CEO Gervais Jacques.
“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,” he adds.
“Access to secure critical materials supply chains supports our growth strategy, making 5N+ a valued long-time partner,” comments First Solar’s chief supply chain officer Mike Koralewski. “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.”
5N Plus renews credit facilities for four-year term to support growth
5N Plus renews and increases CdTe materials supply agreement with First Solar
