Solargise studies feasibility for plastic-free solar panel project in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield

Head Office and R&D Facilities Planned in Montreal

MONTREAL, Sept. 13, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Solargise, manufacturer of plastic-free solar panels, is studying the feasibility of carrying out a large part of its $2.3 billion project in the City of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. As part of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties in August, discussions are underway for Solargise to purchase a plot of land that meets all of its selection criteria.

Located in proximity to a railway, Hydro-Quebec substation and the port of Valleyfield, this industrial lot could house Phase 1 of Solargise's $2.3 billion project.

Negotiations are also underway with a private landowner nearby for the development of the project's second phase, which would create 1,050 direct jobs.

In Montréal, Solargise had begun negotiations with the owner of the Anjou golf course, but they were unable to reach an agreement. The British company then analyzed other lots in East Montreal, but each one presented technical constraints that led the company to seek other options.

Mr. Raj Basu, Executive Chairman of Solargise, however, announced that the company's head office and research and development facilities would be located in Montreal, employing 100 people; the company also intends to sign collaboration agreements with Montréal universities.

"Launching the feasibility study for the site in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is essentially a business decision. We sincerely appreciate the City of Montréal's professional support throughout our search for suitable land in its east end. The City of Montréal's proposal to facilitate the acquisition of the desired land on the Anjou golf course quickly allowed us to enter into serious negotiations with its owner, but we could not sign an agreement," said Mr. Basu

The Solargise project, which will transform sand into solar energy, has two phases. The first phase involves the construction of buildings for the manufacture of polysilicon ingots, silicon semiconductor wafers, photovoltaic cells, as well as plastic-free glass photovoltaic modules (solar panels). The second phase consists of the construction of an 11N purity solar-grade semiconductor grade polysilicon plant and MgSi (metallurgical grade silicon) facilities. The construction will require the hiring of 600 workers in Phase 1.

Solargise's high efficiency solar panels stand out for their innovative two-layer glass sealing technology on photovoltaic cells, minimizing efficiency losses. For the first time, solar panels will not contain any plastic.

SOURCE Solargise Canada Inc.

Frédérick Truchon-Gagnon, [email protected], T. 514 843-2349, M. 438 350-1001