EDF Renewables & Canadian Solar Forge Partnership for 7 GW Solar Modules in US

Manufacturer of solar modules Canadian Solar and EDF Renewables North America-  a provider of wind and solar power solutions in North America have entered into an agreement for multi-year module supply of 7 GW high efficiency N-type TOPCon solar modules.

Canadian Solar’s new factory in Mesquite, Texas will produce the modules. 

Canadian Solar will be responsible for the supply of its latest high efficiency N-Type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar modules. This will facilitate EDF Renewables’ projects under development in the US between the years 2024 and 2030.

High conversion efficiencies of up to 22.5% can be achieved with TOPCon modules along with a low temperature coefficient of -0.30%/degrees C, low LID (Light Induced Degradation). All these factors lead to high energy production.

Canadian Solar said it would invest more than US$250m in a state-of-the-art solar module factory in Mesquite, Texas last month. Once it begins operations, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, it would boast a yearly output of 5 GW. Close to 1,500 skilled jobs will be chalked out in the process. Production is expected to start in Q4 2023.

President and Chief Executive of EDF Renewables North America Tristan Grimbert stated, “The module supply agreement demonstrates our commitment to domestic sourcing and represents a pivotal step for EDF Renewables, enabling us to achieve key milestone dates and execute a schedule for the construction of our robust solar pipeline.” He added, “We are genuinely excited about our capacity to develop and build solar projects utilizing ‘Made-in-USA‘ solar modules aligning with IRA guidelines. This substantial commitment enhances our ability to minimize risks linked to trade uncertainties and supply chain fluctuations, ultimately propelling our projects towards successful realization.”

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive of Canadian Solar concluded, “This agreement is a testament of the strong relationship and long history of cooperation between our two companies at a global level in the US and in Brazil. We are excited to work with EDF Renewables North America as we bring a stable supply of clean and reliable solar energy to the US market, powered by solar modules made locally, under the backdrop of the Inflation Reduction Act.”

Canadian Solar is fast expanding its penetration in the US and UK. Earlier, the firm’s subsidiary, CSI Energy Storage entered into an agreement to deliver 49.5MW/99MWh of turnkey battery energy storage solutions to European solar and storage player Cero Generation and Enso Energy in the United Kingdom.