During a fireside conversation hosted by the Chambre de Commerce de l’Est de Montréal, featuring the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions; Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy; Chantal Rouleau, Minister Responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action, Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region; and Montréal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, a major solar energy project in Montréal-Est was highlighted as part of the economic development vision for the region. The project is recognized as a key component of Québec and Canada’s broader energy transition plans.
The project involves a proposed investment of $1 billion CAD to establish a solar cell and module manufacturing facility, along with a global research and development centre, in Montréal-Est. The facility is planned to become one of North America’s largest fully integrated silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers, creating nearly 1,000 high-quality manufacturing and R&D jobs. It is designed to serve primarily the US market, while also supplying the Canadian market, leveraging a fully North American supply chain.
The proposed facility is expected to deliver up to 2,500 MW of annual production capacity in its first phase, with plans to scale up to 5,000 MW. The plant would manufacture solar cells and assemble solar panels using n-TOPCon technology, a proven and efficient approach already utilized by developers and utilities in the US and Canada. The project represents a significant private sector-led investment in advanced clean manufacturing, with the objective of establishing long-term operations in Québec, including a global centre of excellence for solar research and development.
A distinctive feature of the project is the creation of a fully integrated North American supply chain. Plans include using Québec’s natural resources, such as quartz, metallurgical silicon, and green aluminum. The supply chain would cover the entire process, from silicon production in North America, through conversion to polysilicon and wafers in Michigan, to final cell production and module assembly in Québec. Manufacturing is intended to take place in a clean, highly automated environment with advanced robotic assembly lines and AI systems, powered primarily by Québec’s hydroelectricity and supplemented by on-site solar generation.
The project is being developed in partnership with Broccolini, responsible for facility development and construction, including site acquisition. Industrial sites in Montréal-Est are under review, with the final location to be confirmed as planning progresses. Additional partners include German solar manufacturing engineering specialist RCT Solutions and engineering services firm AtkinsRéalis, providing expertise across the full lifecycle of the project.
Three First Nations—the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, Wendat Nation, and Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke—have joined as investor-partners. Their participation reflects a shared commitment to respectful development and deployment of solar technologies and to making Indigenous communities fundamental partners in advancing solar electricity production across Canada. The facility will be situated on Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), traditional Indigenous territory historically used as a site of exchange and gathering for First Nations.
The project also emphasizes research and innovation, with established partnerships with Université de Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, and Université de Sherbrooke. These collaborations aim to advance solar materials discovery, optimize large-scale manufacturing, and reduce costs across the photovoltaic value chain. Plans include the creation of the Solar Open-Lab for Applied Research Centre (SOLAR), a proposed non-profit innovation hub for experimental PV production lines, technical training, and collaborative research with companies, startups, and universities.
An economic impact assessment by EY estimates that during the first ten years, including construction from 2026 to 2028, the project could contribute $5.5 billion CAD to Canada’s GDP and sustain approximately 2,500 full-time equivalent jobs annually. By the end of construction, the project is expected to contribute approximately $442 million CAD to Québec’s GDP and support over 1,400 full-time equivalent jobs. The project is being developed in close collaboration with the Canadian and Québec governments, as well as Investissement Québec, Montréal International, and Hydro-Québec. National Bank of Canada is serving as financial advisor.
The project aims to reach financial close by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with construction beginning in the second quarter of 2026 and volume production anticipated in 2028. Regulatory and environmental approvals and other conditions must be met before the final investment decision. The investment comes at a time of strong solar growth, with 50,000 MW of solar capacity installed in the US in 2024 alone. The project seeks to strengthen both the US and Canada’s clean energy competitiveness and contribute to economic and social development across North America.
Over the past two years, the project has garnered support from the business community, research institutions, and First Nation partners, highlighting Greater Montréal and Québec’s leadership in the global energy transition. The project team has emphasized ongoing engagement with the community, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring that the initiative supports local economic growth, job creation, and a sustainable energy future for Québec and Canada.
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