Heliene Expanding US Module Fab By 400 MW

• Heliene is adding 400 MW solar module production capacity in Minnesota, US
• It will produce M6, M10 and M12 sized super high efficiency mono solar modules
• Company's total production capacity on completion of this fab in June 2022 will expand to 900 MW

Canada based solar module manufacturer Heliene is expanding its production capacity in Mountain Iron, Minnesota, US—adjacent to its existing facility with the addition of 400 MW. It will take the company's total operational solar module production capacity to 900 MW once the new fab comes online in June 2022.

Currently, Heliene produces solar modules at fabs in Ontario in Canada, Florida, USA and Minnesota. The new fab with $21 million investment will roll out M6 (166mm), M10 (182mm) and M12 (210mm) sized super high efficiency monocrystalline PERC solar modules, it informed.

The new manufacturing facility, adapted to Industry 4.0 era, will expand its Mountain Iron campus to a cumulative of 95,000 sq. ft. Groundbreaking ceremony was held recently.

"The investment in this ultra-efficient new manufacturing line will significantly increase the rate of American Made module delivery while eliminating costly supply chain risks for customers," said Heliene's CEO Martin Pochtaruk.

US Senator Amy Klobuchar said expansion of the plant will make Heliene the 2^nd largest solar panel manufacturing plant in the country. The state of Minnesota has been forthcoming with financial support for the facility that's expected to create 60 high paying clean energy jobs.

Heliene has received a $2.75 million loan each from the Minnesota Department of Employee and Economic Development, and Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation to support the expansion. At the same time, it has also secured a $5.5 million grant from the State of Minnesota's Renewable Development Account, while a $1 million grant has been offered by the St. Louis County where the Mountain Iron plant is located.

Heliene has started work on the 2^nd Mountain Iron fab soon after announcing its 3^rd North American facility in Riviera Beach, Florida with 100 MW capacity in August 2021 which it said is the only US production facility for high efficiency heterojunction solar modules. This one is to start commercial operations in September 2021 (see 100 MW Heterojunction Solar Module Fab In Florida, US).