1 February 2011

First Solar acquires 15MW Amherstburg II project from Helios

First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA, which makes thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe), has completed its acquisition of the Amherstburg II Solar Project (which consists of two separate facilities totaling 15MW) from Helios Energy Inc of Toronto, Ontario (one of Canada's leading independent solar energy companies, founded in 2006 to develop large-scale ground-mounted and rooftop solar energy projects).

Simultaneously, Toronto-based energy distributor Enbridge Inc has agreed to acquire the project from First Solar, which will continue developing the facilities and provide engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services as well as operations and maintenance services under long-term contracts. Construction of the project is expected to begin in March, for completion this summer.

“Amherstburg II will continue to expand Ontario’s supply of clean, affordable, sustainable solar energy,” says Peter Carrie, First Solar’s VP of business development for Canada.

The Amherstburg II Solar Project will create 300–400 construction jobs, generate tax revenues for various levels of government, and create economic benefits for local businesses, First Solar says. The project will sell its power to the Ontario Power Authority pursuant to 20-year power purchase agreements under the terms of the Ontario Government’s Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program.

“This project further demonstrates Ontario’s leadership in renewable energy development,” claims Jarret Stuart, principal, Helios Energy.

Tags: First Solar Thin-film photovoltaic CdTe

Visit: www.firstsolar.com

Visit: www.heliosenergy.ca