Sep 23 2010
Q-Cells SE, a PV modules, cells, and solar plants offering company, and ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc, a novel, made to order type of production solutions offering company and Photowatt a structured solar systems developing and manufacturing business have formed a partnership venture for setting up of a mammoth solar energy project in Ontario.
The formed partnership will utilize the substantial local exposure of ATS an Ontario based company, the 30 year track record of Photowatt and the experience of Q-Cells Group for making further inroads.
Both Q-Cells and ATS will individually hold 50% stakes in the newly formed Ontario Solar PV Fields Inc. The company has already received Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) agreements from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) during April this year for the installation of a seven ground mounted solar project in Ontario to produce 64 MW clean power. Ontario Power Authority has sanctioned a total of 650 MW ground mounted projects which are expected to start their construction during the year 2011 or after.
Martin Cecchetto, Vice President, Corporate Development of ATS, expressed his happiness about blending the capabilities of two world known solar companies to contribute to the growing solar developments in Ontario. He added that the partnership will provide fully developed solar solutions with a proven track record to enable the developing companies and the financial institutions to increase the solar usage in Ontario, while allowing both the companies to considerably increaser their presence in the province.
Marc van Gerven, Chief Executive Officer of Q-Cells North American operations, predicted that Ontario solar market will lead the North American solar market in 2011. He further said that the partnership synchronously goes well with their global strategy of utilizing their expertise along with the leading local companies such as ATS.