Canada’s Awendio Solaris Announces Multi-GW Solar Hub
In a landmark announcement for North America’s renewable energy sector, UK-based manufacturer Awendio Solaris has unveiled plans to invest approximately CAD 1 billion ($726.7 million) in a multi-gigawatt solar manufacturing and research hub. The chosen location for this ambitious project is Montreal, Quebec, positioning it to become one of the continent’s largest and most advanced, fully integrated silicon PV production sites.
This development signals a major boost for Canada’s domestic manufacturing capabilities and its role in the global energy transition. The facility is poised to create a robust North American supply chain, primarily serving markets in the United States and Canada.
Project Scale and Phased Rollout for the Canada solar hub
The scale of the Awendio Solaris project is substantial. The first phase of the plant is designed with an annual production capacity of up to 2,500 MW (2.5 GW) of both solar cells and modules. The facility will utilize advanced n-type TOPCon technology, known for its high efficiency.
Furthermore, the company has already planned for a future expansion that will double the facility’s output to an impressive 5,000 MW (5 GW). This ambitious plan from Awendio Solaris reflects a broader trend of expansion in the sector, similar to the growth outlined for other Solaris renewable energy projects.
A Boost for the North American Supply Chain from the Canada solar hub
A key objective of this initiative is to strengthen the regional supply chain and reduce reliance on imported components. By establishing a vertically integrated facility, Awendio Solaris aims to manage the entire solar panel manufacturing process from silicon to finished modules within North America. This onshoring effort is expected to create nearly 1,000 high-value manufacturing and R&D jobs in the Montreal area.
This new hub will add significant capacity to a market where major players are already making their mark. For context, established companies like Canadian Solar have reached milestones delivering hundreds of gigawatts of modules globally, underscoring the scale and demand that Awendio Solaris aims to meet. The control over solar panel raw materials and production will be a critical advantage.
Timeline and Key Partnerships for the Canada solar hub
The project timeline is ambitious, with financial close targeted for the first quarter of 2026. Construction is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with the goal of reaching volume production in 2028, pending regulatory and environmental approvals.
This privately led initiative is supported by a strong coalition of partners, including Investissement Quebec, Montreal International, and Hydro-Quebec, with the National Bank of Canada serving as the financial adviser. The project aligns perfectly with Quebec’s strategic goals, including Hydro-Québec’s plan to integrate up to 3 GW of solar power by 2035. This kind of large-scale development is becoming more common, as seen with the impressive 4.5 GW milestone reached by other major Canadian players in their project pipelines.
Strategic Significance for Canada’s Solar Industry and the Canada solar hub
The billion-dollar investment by Awendio Solaris is a testament to the growing potential of Canada’s solar industry. By bringing the basics of solar panel manufacturing onshore at such a large scale, the project enhances energy security and fosters local innovation. A thorough understanding of the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown is essential for such a massive undertaking, and this commitment indicates strong confidence in the region’s economic and political stability.
As this facility ramps up production, it will play a pivotal role in meeting the increasing demand for clean, locally sourced solar energy across North America.
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