Three Japanese Solar Projects of 42 MW Capacity Powered up by Canadian Solar

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Manufacturer of solar PV modules which also delves into large scale solar projects, Canadian Solar, has shared that three of its solar power projects based have achieved commercial operation in the first quarter of 2023. The cumulative capacity of these projects is 42 MWp.

The said projects are located in Oita Kitsuki, Gunma Takasaki and Yamaguchi Hofu . The three projects are being powered up by Canadian Solar bifacial BiHiKu modules. Grid operators (of respective areas) are purchasing the energy produced by the projects. This is being done under feed-in-tariff programme by Japan for close to 19 years at the rates of JPY32 (US$0.24), JPY14.49 (US$0.11), and JPY14.25 (US$0.10) per kWh.

Together, the three projects will generate 53,000 MWh of renewable energy. This power, in turn, will supply to nearly 15,000 houses. This translates to avoiding close to 24,000 tonnes of yearly carbon emissions.

Dr Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive of Canadian Solar, remarked, “We are delighted to be part of the green transformation that Japan is going through with these additions to our portfolio. Our teams worked closely with the local communities and governments to bring these projects to fruition. Working closely with local community to cultivate a sustainable long-term relationship is one of our ESG sustainable development goals.” He further said,  “Canadian Solar’s Sustainability Report provides a detailed discussion on our ESG goals, targets and approaches. The Oita Kitsuki project was our first site where we installed a Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), a more challenging power quality requirement that will meaningfully help improve the grid’s reliability given the growing number of interconnected solar farms. On the other hand, the Gunma Takasaki and Yamaguchi Hofu projects were awarded FITs via the solar auction held in 2018.” He shed light on all that the projects have to offer, “Despite market doubts over the feasibility of building developments with JPY14 per kWh at the time of the auction, our team persisted and today has proved the ability to create value and build solar farms that will benefit both local communities as well as investors.”

Recently, Canadian Solar Inc. announced that Canadian Solar EMEA Capital Markets, its wholly-owned subsidiary in Spain, has registered its EUR 100 million medium term note program in the MARF (a Spanish multilateral trading facility).