Montréal-Est Poised to Become North American Solar Hub with $1 Billion Investment

A significant $1 billion CAD investment is set to transform Montréal-Est into a major hub for solar energy manufacturing and research. This ambitious project aims to establish one of North America's largest fully integrated silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facilities, complete with a global research and development center. The initiative is poised to create nearly 1,000 high-quality jobs and bolster both Canadian and U.S. clean energy markets.

Key Takeaways

• A $1 billion CAD investment will establish a solar cell and module manufacturing facility and R&D center in Montréal-Est.

• The project aims to create nearly 1,000 manufacturing and R&D jobs.

• It will feature a fully integrated North American supply chain, utilizing local resources.

• Partnerships with universities and First Nations are central to the project's vision.

• Economic impact assessments project significant contributions to Canada's and Québec's GDP.

A New Era for Solar Manufacturing

The proposed facility is designed for an initial annual production capacity of up to 2,500 MW, with plans to scale to 5,000 MW. It will manufacture solar cells and assemble solar panels using n-TOPCon technology, a proven and efficient method. This private sector-led investment is a cornerstone of Québec and Canada's energy transition strategies, aiming for long-term operational excellence and establishing a global center for solar research and development.

Integrated North American Supply Chain

A distinctive feature of this project is its commitment to a fully integrated North American supply chain. This includes leveraging Québec's natural resources like quartz and metallurgical silicon, and green aluminum. The supply chain will encompass the entire process, from silicon production in North America and polysilicon/wafer conversion in Michigan, to final cell production and module assembly in Québec. The manufacturing will occur in a highly automated environment, powered by Québec's hydroelectricity and supplemented by on-site solar generation.

Strategic Partnerships and Indigenous Collaboration

The project is being developed in partnership with Broccolini, responsible for facility development and construction. Key technical expertise will be provided by German solar manufacturing engineering specialist RCT Solutions and engineering services firm AtkinsRéalis. Notably, three First Nations—the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, Wendat Nation, and Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke—are joining as investor-partners, underscoring a commitment to respectful development and making Indigenous communities integral to advancing solar electricity production across Canada. The facility will be located on Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), traditional Indigenous territory.

Driving Innovation and Economic Growth

Research and innovation are central to the project, with established partnerships with Université de Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, and Université de Sherbrooke. These collaborations aim to advance solar materials discovery, optimize manufacturing processes, and reduce costs. Plans include the creation of the Solar Open-Lab for Applied Research Centre (SOLAR), a non-profit hub for experimental PV production, technical training, and collaborative research. An economic impact assessment by EY estimates that the project could contribute $5.5 billion CAD to Canada's GDP and sustain approximately 2,500 full-time equivalent jobs annually over its first ten years.

Timeline and Future Outlook

The project aims to reach financial close by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with construction commencing in the second quarter of 2026. Volume production is anticipated to begin in 2028, pending regulatory and environmental approvals. This investment arrives amid robust solar growth, with the U.S. alone installing 50,000 MW in 2024. The initiative seeks to enhance the clean energy competitiveness of both the U.S. and Canada, contributing to economic and social development across North America.

Sources

• Major Solar Investment In Montréal-Est To Serve US And Canadian Markets With Fully North American SupplyChain, SolarQuarter.