Canadian Solar, a global leader in solar energy solutions, has unveiled plans to build a 5 GW solar photovoltaic (PV) wafer production facility in Chonburi, Thailand. The company, known for its commitment to sustainable energy, aims to enhance its capabilities and diversify its supply chain to meet the growing demand for solar products.
The solar PV N-type wafer manufacturing plant is scheduled to commence operations in March 2024, with an annual output of 5 GW. Initially, the solar wafers produced at this facility will be utilized at the existing Thailand TOPCon cell manufacturing plant in the same location. Once the 5 GW U.S. cell factory in Jeffersonville, Indiana, becomes fully operational in 2025, these wafers will be directed as inputs to the Indiana facility.
Thomas Koerner, Senior Vice President of Canadian Solar, emphasized the strategic significance of the new facility, stating, “Establishing this solar wafer factory in Thailand is a key milestone that will enable us to better serve our U.S. customers with a more diversified and resilient supply chain, complementing our recently announced investments in the U.S. in solar cell and solar module manufacturing.”
This move aligns with Canadian Solar’s commitment to meeting evolving industry regulations, including the latest and adjusted Antidumping and Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD) rulings by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Canadian Solar has a robust track record, having delivered over 102 GW of solar photovoltaic modules to customers worldwide. The company has also developed, built, and connected over 9 GWp of solar power projects and over 3 GWh of battery storage projects globally.
As of now, Canadian Solar boasts approximately 700 MWp of solar power projects in operation, with 8 GWp of projects under construction or in backlog (late-stage). Furthermore, the company has an extensive pipeline of projects, with an additional 17 GWp in advanced and early-stage development.
The company’s commitment to sustainable energy extends beyond solar power projects, with a total battery storage project development pipeline of 52 GWh. This includes approximately 2 GWh under construction or in backlog, and an additional 50 GWh at advanced and early-stage development.
The establishment of the solar wafer production facility in Thailand marks a significant stride for Canadian Solar, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the renewable energy sector and furthering its mission to provide sustainable energy solutions worldwide.