Canada’s already robust solar industry is poised for continued growth thanks to a recent announcement from solar energy equipment giant, Advanced Energy Industries Inc. (AEI). The Colorado-based organization, which produces and distributes technologies such as solar flat panel displays, solar cells, and inverters, will expand its services with a new sales and customer service facility in Ontario. It will also offer field service and technical support to users in the region. This new facility represents a broadening of AEI’s reach in Canada and reflects its commitment to Ontario’s solar industry - one of the fastest growing solar markets in the world.
Partnerships Formed with Two Ontario Solar Manufacturing Companies
AEI’s products, which serve the needs of both residential and commercial customers, will be manufactured by an as-yet-unnamed local collaborator in Ontario. Advanced Energy Industries will also partner with a separate Ontario firm to help manufacture its medium-wattage integrated inverters, thus, bolstering the province’s solar industry as well as helping AEI meet growing consumer demand for locally produced solar technology.
“This expansion into Canada reflects our globalization strategy driven by growing demand for Advanced Energy inverter solutions, and marks our commitment to customers in this area,” says Dr. Hans Betz, AEI’s CEO. “Our chosen supplier’s proven manufacturing excellence and reputation for quality will allow us to provide our customers in Ontario with the industry’s most advanced PV inverter technology and expertise for residential, commercial, and large-scale grid-tie utility applications.”
Expansion into Canadian Solar Market Will Launch by End of 2010
The company plans to begin shipping its products by the last quarter of 2010, just months before the province’s domestic content requirements increase. Starting in 2011, solar projects hoping to benefit from government incentives under the Green Energy Act will have to source at least 60% of parts and labour from within the province. This more localized focus explains why stateside companies like AEI are increasingly expanding their operations to ensure they have a physical, manufacturing presence in Ontario. Jacob Travis, President of Ontario Solar Network, notes, “To thrive in Ontario, one must be in Ontario - the Green Energy Act has essentially created overnight demand for solar technology that is made, distributed, and consumed within the province.”
