Uruguay set for 50MW module factory

A new 50MW solar panel factory is to be set up in Uruguay.

Local developer, Tecnova Renovables and global renewable energy developer, Sky Solar are to build a 50MW factory in Paysandú, western Uruguay.

The factory will manufacture crystalline silicon PV modules to attend national projects, but also to market to demand in other Latin America countries.

The factory will employ 60-100 people and costs US$2.3 million in investment.

Out of that, US$1 million is being invested in machinery and equipment, and US$1.35 million in infrastructure.

The factory is to be commissioned by the end of this year, developed on 1.44 hectares of land. The factory will have a single production line initially, with the possibility of expansion depending on demand.

The average price of the modules will be US$0.60 per watt, depending on demand and market fluctuation.

The modules manufactured are to be used for projects Sky Solar and Tecnova solar projects currently under development and also to meet utility and residential market demand, depending on government policies and stimulus of the national solar industry.

Uruguay’s government has so far invited tenders under two separate bidding rounds to meet a target of 200MW of PV generating capacity, the first 50MW PPA, as part of the scheme, was signed last month.  

The government has earmarked US$400 million of support for the projects.

Sky Solar and Tecnova also announced an 8MW solar power plant being developed, also in the city of Paysandú. The project has a 25 year PPA from national utility, UTE following the 200MW request for proposals (RfP) from UTE in 2013.

It is also hoped the factory will serve as an educational and industrial centre for the promotion of clean sustainable energy.

Uruguay's national target is to produce 90% of all energy consumed from renewable energy sources by 2015.