GUELPH, Ontario — Canadian Solar Inc. has announced the opening of its Microgrid Testing Centre. The center will focus on microgrid testing as well as system design and smart grid assessment services.

The Canadian Solar Microgrid Testing Centre, partially funded by the Ontario Ministry of Energy, will facilitate the development of both off-grid and grid-tied microgrid projects. The center will work with its collaborators to provide shareable services for utilities, universities and colleges, communities, and companies that engage in the development of microgrid solutions

“We thank the Ontario Ministry of Energy for sharing our vision and our effort in making Ontario the center of renewable energy technology in North America. As of today, Canadian Solar has built up altogether approximately 500 MW of annual module capacity in Ontario, the largest module manufacturer in North America, creating over 700 direct jobs in less than four years. Meanwhile, we have created over thousands of indirect local jobs. The Canadian Solar Microgrid Testing Centre will serve as our newest addition to our Total Solutions strategy, and will help further strengthen our position in the emerging multi-billion dollar microgrid and smart grid sector,” said Dr. Shawn Qu, chairman and chief executive officer of Canadian Solar.

“Building a smarter grid has long been a key part of our government’s plan to modernize our energy infrastructure and provide clean, reliable affordable power to consumers. Projects supported through Ontario’s Smart Grid Fund support the vision that will bring to market the next generation of smart grid solutions,” said Bob Chiarelli, Ontario minister of energy.

Canadian Solar said the center will serve an essential need in the microgrid application process, as Ontario Hydro requires all solutions to be lab tested before being tested in the field and then implemented.

For more information, visit www.canadiansolar.com.

Publication date: 3/31/2014

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