Canadian Solar Bags 256 MW Contracts For South Africa Largest Solar PPAs

• Canadian Solar Inc. has introduced that its majority-owned subsidiary CSI Solar Co., Ltd. (" CSI Solar") signed a 256 MW solar module contract with SOLA Group, a Cape Town-based independent power producer. The 256 MWs will supply the first two biggest utility-scale solar energy projects in South Africa, which are based on private power purchase agreements (PPAs).

The two solar projects are 126 MWp and also 130 MWp each in size, situated in South Africa's North West Province. Both projects are developed as well as will be operated by SOLA Group and also its partners. Building started in October 2022, as well as industrial procedure is prepared for the first quarter of 2024.

Canadian Solar will certainly provide an overall of 390,073 BiHiKu7 modules. The BiHiKu7 CS7N-MB-AG are bifacial modules based on 210mm wafers, and have a power output of up to 670W and also an efficiency of as much as 21.6%. The BiHiKu7 modules are promoted as a perfect fit for utility-scale projects, with excellent cost savings on the placing structure and also cord at system level as well as decrease BoS (Balance of System) and also LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) costs contrasted to modules with smaller sized wafer size. The BiHiKu7 modules are also suitable with the majority of inverters as well as trackers.

These 2 solar energy projects cover an area of approximately 430ha. When in operation, they are estimated to create around 580 GWh of clean, renewable electricity yearly, equal to powering 40,000 families and also reducing 595 tons CO2 emissions yearly.

Dom Wills, Chief Executive Officer of SOLA Group commented, "These are the initial solar projects of this scale in South Africa that are based upon personal power purchase agreements. It's likewise a great plus for the nation that these projects are 100% South African possessed, funded, constructed, operated and managed. We wish the model of private power through reciprocal agreements becomes even more widely adopted. The advantages to the end customer are competition, choice and also eventually a much more varied payment to the power system."

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman as well as Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar commented, "We delight in to collaborate with SOLA Group on these 2 solar power projects. This is a great achievement as well as a vital action in South Africa's strategy to enable even more flexible electricity trading by opening the grid," Dr. Qu proceeded, "I rejoice our BiHiKu7 modules have been selected for these projects as a result of its high item top quality, integrity and LCOE cost financial savings. We expect adding even more to the development of renewable energy in Africa and also around the world with our high performance/price ratio products."