Canadian Solar has sold the Suffield Solar project to BluEarth Renewables. Currently under construction in southeastern Alberta, the project will have a capacity of 23 MWac/32 MWp, and will be one of Alberta’s largest solar PV facilities.
Direct Energy will buy the Suffield facility electricity when it is operational later this year. With nearly one million private, business and wholesale clients in Alberta, Direct Energy is one of the largest energy and energy-related service providers in North America.
The Suffield facility was awarded funding for cutting-edge developments in renewable energy technology through the Emerging Renewable Power Program of Natural Resources Canada.
The Suffield project, in particular, will use the high-efficiency bifacial modules and single-axis trackers from Canadian Solar. Bifacial modules generate electricity from both sides of the solar panel to optimize total production of energy and increase efficiency during winter months.
Single-axis trackers allow the solar arrays during the day to follow the direction of the sun, also growing the output of electricity.
“The Suffield Solar Project proves the notion that private investment coupled with government funding to advance research and new technologies is a win/win for consumers. We have sincerely enjoyed partnering with BluEarth Renewables in the past and are very pleased to have them as the new owner of this landmark project.”
Dr. Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar.
“We’ve had an excellent, long-standing relationship with Canadian Solar having transacted with them on our very first solar project in 2014. With this acquisition, BluEarth is excited to expand its footprint in southern Alberta. The Suffield project, combined with one other solar project currently under construction, brings BluEarth’s total solar capacity to 187 MWac. We also believe more opportunities are on the horizon given the favorable market conditions for renewable energy investment in Alberta.”
Grant Arnold, president and CEO of BluEarth.
“With BluEarth’s proven commitment to the clean energy transition, an offtake agreement with leading energy provider Direct Energy, and the support from Natural Resources Canada, the Suffield Solar Project is set to benefit Albertans for years to come.”
Dr. Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar.
