Swift Current Energy Sues First Solar Over Defects
The developer alleges over 2.4 million solar modules are defective, causing significant power output losses.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Energy
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Swift Current Energy has filed a lawsuit in New York state court alleging that First Solar knowingly delivered 2.4 million defective solar modules. The developer claims these defects have caused operational issues at sites including the Double Black Diamond project in Illinois.
Why it matters
Swift Current Energy asserts that manufacturing failures have hindered its ability to fulfill power purchase agreements. The developer is seeking damages and restitution for revenue losses and performance deficits associated with the equipment.
Leidos Engineering identified an average power loss of 8 percent across tested modules. The litigation centers on 2.4 million units delivered between 2023 and 2024, linked to a manufacturing process change initiated in 2021.
The players
Swift Current Energy
This is a renewable energy developer based in Massachusetts that specializes in large-scale utility projects.
First Solar
This is a major American manufacturer of thin-film solar modules used in utility-scale energy projects worldwide.
Leidos Engineering
This is a global technology and engineering solutions company that provides technical analysis for energy infrastructure.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that ground glass from module edges calcified onto panels, while a 2021 process change hindered the absorber layer. Swift Current claims First Solar used deceptive preconditioning testing to mask metastability losses until October 2024.
Timeline
First Solar initiated a manufacturing process change in 2021.
Swift Current received the modules between 2023 and 2024.
Swift Current submitted formal warranty claims on Dec. 23, 2024.
First Solar formally responded to the warranty claims on May 2, 2025.
Parties are scheduled to appear before the court on Nov. 16, 2026.
The Big Picture
The First Solar October 2024 warranty charge established a benchmark for how the manufacturer addresses acknowledged edge grind issues in thin-film modules. This lawsuit significantly expands that scope by challenging the manufacturer's broader transparency regarding manufacturing defects.
This dispute highlights potential long-term reliability risks for large-scale solar infrastructure projects. Any future court rulings could set a precedent for how warranty claims and manufacturing transparency are managed across the national renewable energy market.
The takeaway
Reliability in renewable energy projects remains a critical focus as developers and manufacturers navigate complex supply chain issues. Industry stakeholders must carefully monitor the outcome of this case to understand the long-term impact on module warranty and performance standards.
What happens next
The parties involved are scheduled for a court appearance on Nov. 16, 2026.
Further reading
For broader context on current challenges in the sector, visit the Energy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by pv magazine USA.
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