Canadian Solar announced today the commencement of solar module manufacturing in Sorocaba, Brazil. The new manufacturing facility will be Brazil's largest, with 380MW annual capacity of made in Brazil solar modules.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar Inc., commented, "This is a great day for Canadian Solar, the supportive local government, and the people of Brazil. Our new state-of-the-art facility is already having a positive impact on Brazil's economy through the jobs created, investment made in the local economy, and our help in the promotion and further development of the country's renewable energy industry. Our current solar project portfolio in Brazil has reached 390MW, of which EDF EN do Brazil, the local subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, bought 80% of the equity interest of our 191MW Pirapora I project (expected to come online in 3Q17). We now gain a powerful competitive advantage with our new local content facility, which we will leverage in Brazil, one of the world's most attractive and fastest growing solar markets."
The Pirapora I project is in construction and expected to reach commercial operation in 3Q17, with the Pirapora II and Vazante projects expected to reach commercial operation in 2018. Canadian Solar will supply made-in Brazil solar modules for its projects.
