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11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Notes)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Text Block]
11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

We recognize revenue for module sales at a point in time following the transfer of control of the modules to the customer, which typically occurs upon delivery of the modules to the location specified in the terms of the underlying contract. Our customer contracts generally contain provisions that require us to pay the customer liquidated damages if we fail to deliver modules by scheduled dates or if we fail to deliver modules that meet certain U.S. domestic content requirements. We recognize these liquidated damages as a reduction of revenue in the period we transfer control of the modules to the customer. Our customer contracts also generally contain provisions that entitle us to a termination payment if the customer defaults on its contractual obligations and we terminate the contract. We account for such terminations as contract modifications in the period in which the contract is terminated. We recognize revenue for bill-and-hold arrangements at the point in time the customer obtains control of the modules when all of the following criteria have been met: (i) the arrangement is substantive, (ii) the modules are segregated and identified separately as belonging to the customer, (iii) the modules are ready for physical transfer to the customer, and (iv) we do not have the ability to use the modules or direct them to another customer.

The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities, which we classify as “Deferred revenue,” for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 (in thousands):
 September 30,
2024		December 31,
2023		Nine Month Change
Deferred revenue$1,965,381 $2,005,183 $(39,802)(2)%

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, our contract liabilities decreased by $39.8 million primarily due to the recognition of revenue for sales of solar modules for which payment was received in prior years, partially offset by advance payments received in the current year for future sales of solar modules. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recognized revenue of $284.0 million and $320.3 million, respectively, that was included in the corresponding contract liability balance at the beginning of the periods.

As of September 30, 2024, we had entered into contracts with customers for the future sale of 72.8 GW of solar modules for an aggregate transaction price of $21.7 billion, which we expect to recognize as revenue through 2030 as we transfer control of the modules to the customers. This volume and transaction price exclude contracts with customers in India for which payment has not been fully secured. This transaction price also excludes estimates of variable consideration associated with (i) future module technology improvements, including enhancements to certain energy related attributes, (ii) sales freight in excess of defined thresholds, (iii) changes to certain commodity prices, and (iv) the module wattage committed for delivery, among other things. As a result, the revenue recognized from such contracts may increase or decrease in future periods relative to the original transaction price. These contracts may also be subject to amendments as agreed to by the parties to the contract. These amendments may increase or decrease the volume of modules to be sold under the contract, change delivery schedules, or otherwise adjust the expected revenue under these contracts.

See Note 16. “Segment Reporting” for the disaggregation of revenue by reportable segment.