Canadian Solar Inc (NASDAQ:CSIQ) said last week it has won 94-MWp of subsidy-free solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the latest Alberta province auction.
In all, the company was awarded three solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Alberta’s Ministry of Infrastructure at an average price of CAD 48.05 (USD 36.28/EUR 32.11) per MWh.
Expected to start commercial operation in early 2021, these solar plants — Jenner, Tilley, and Hays — are to be able to generate together enough power for more than 20,000 local homes. The output will cover 55% of the electricity needs of the Alberta provincial government.
Several months ago, Canadian Solar entered into a 50% equity partnership with Conklin Metis Local 193, an indigenous community based in the rural hamlet of Conklin, for the development of these three projects.
The solar parks are expected to use bifacial solar panels, which generate up to 20% more power than standard solar modules, the company noted. These modules are well-suited to snowy climates like Alberta in the winter, as there will be more sunlight reflected thanks to the snow.
(CAD 1 = USD 0.75/EUR 0.67)
