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EthoSolar and TecnoSun to manufacture PV tracking systems in Ontario

EthoSolar and its sister company, TecnoSun Solar Canada Inc. have announced they will establish a 50 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic tracking system manufacturing facility in Ontario, Canada. The move is part of a strategic partnership, developed with Germany-based TecnoSun Solar Systems AG.

EthoSolar will commercialize the tracking system for rooftop applications and TecnoSun to EPCs for both ground mounted and rooftop applications.

EthoSolar

A spokesperson for EthoSolar told pv magazine that a manufacturer in Windsor has been selected to produce the Eco-Champ ST 2000 tracking systems. While initial manufacturing capacity will be 50 MW, they said there is potential for growth. "There is room for expansion for both companies and production of TecnoSun Solar Canada’s product line in the North American market," they said.

While no names were divulged, they did say a local company will supply the production equipment. Overall, TecnoSun is said to have invested around CA$1 million in acquiring license rights and setting up production in the province. Furthermore, the unnamed manufacturer will receive Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters’ SMART production funding.

Initially, continued the spokesperson, the agreement between TecnoSun and the manufacturer has secured a workforce of 100, which is employed at the plant. A further  25 new jobs are expected to be added within the next two to three years.

In terms of sales, EthoSolar will commercialize the tracking system for rooftop applications in Ontario. TecnoSun, meanwhile, will market the product line to EPCs for both ground mounted and rooftop applications.

"The only recognized projects at this time include a 250 kW project to be built in September 2012 in Leamington, Ontario, with another 250 kW also in September 2012 in Toronto, Ontario. EthoSolar Inc. has already received inquiries from interested EPCs for rooftop and ground mounted projects. We anticipate the first year sales to be between 15 and 25 MW," concluded the spokesperson.