Canadian Solar announced the completion of the 1.2 MW (DC) solar PV power plant at Shibushichocho, Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan. Powered by Canadian Solar modules, the plant will generate approximately 1,533MWh of clean, emission-less solar electricity per year. The electricity generated from the project will be purchased by Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. under a 20 year feed-in-tariff contract at the rate of 40.00 yen ($0.37) per kWh.
"We are delighted to complete the construction and grid-connection of our first PV solar power plant in Japan," commented Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar Inc., "This is an important accomplishment for our project development and EPC teams in Japan and represents another step in the successful execution of our total solar energy solutions strategy."
Canadian Solar's late stage utility-scale project pipeline in Japan currently stands at 405MW (DC). In addition to the 1.2MW project that has just been connected to the grid, approximately 42.4MW are expected to start construction in the third and fourth quarters of 2014. Of the total 405MW late stage pipeline, approximately 150MW have full grid connection approval (Keitou Renkei Shoudakusho), and are in the construction permitting stage.