The agreement names Centrosolar America as the exclusive provider of the TSMC Solar CIGS technology in residential and commercial solar markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Centrosolar America will distribute CIGS solar modules from TSMC Solar, whose 'CIGS' technology¹ is cost competitive with silicon-based solar modules, according to TSMC. The deal also creates opportunities for TSMC Solar and Centrosolar America to collaborate on utility-scale projects.

“For Centrosolar America, this partnership with TSMC Solar means expanded opportunities in serving the larger scale commercial and utility-scale markets and new ways to provide our installers with the latest technology, products and service for their customers," said Ram Akella, Centrosolar America’s managing director. "It means more choices in solar for the end-users and it challenges the mainstream industry to take solar to the next level."

Steve McKenery, vice president & general manager of TSMC Solar North America, agreed, calling Centrosolar America a "natural fit for us as we bring our high-performance CIGS solar technology to North American markets."

TSMC Solar, as a wholly owned subsidiary of TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), has a market cap in excess of $90 billion.

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1. According to TSMC, the CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, selenium) modules yield more kWh’s per Watt installed over the life of the system due to a lower temperature coefficient. The modules also offer increased power ratings due to the “Light Soaking effect” once exposed to light, and less power loss in shaded conditions due to the CIGS cell configuration, TSMC claims.