Canadian Solar is aiming to significantly expand its footprint in South America by 2026, with a strategy centred on the deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and a stronger technical and commercial presence in the region"s leading solar markets.
This was highlighted by Canadian Solar"s General Manager for South America, Samir Moura, during an interview held at the Future Energy Summit Chile (FES Chile).
He explained that the company"s growth in energy storage is being supported by a dedicated organisational structure.
"Our BESS team is expanding not only on the sales side, but also in technical capabilities, because batteries require sophisticated engineering.
It is essential to demonstrate that we are fully committed to this segment," Moura said.
Canadian Solar has 13 years of experience in South America and currently operates with a regional team of around 60 professionals.
Its main hub is in Brazil, complemented by direct operations in Colombia, Peru and Chile.
This structure allows the company to provide local technical and commercial support, while offering a comprehensive "one-stop shop" value proposition.
This integrated approach covers solar modules, inverters, battery solutions for the commercial and industrial (C&I) and residential segments, as well as associated technical services.
Watch the full interview with Samir Moura from Canadian Solar (in Spanish): https://youtu.be/6XUJ7xxYbhs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XUJ7xxYbhs&t=1s
This differentiated strategy is particularly relevant at a time when markets such as Chile and Brazil are showing strong momentum in energy storage deployment.
Chile already has close to 2 GW of BESS capacity in operation, positioning it as a regional leader in grid-scale storage.
Brazil, meanwhile, is preparing for its first-ever energy storage auction, a landmark tender that is expected to require supply start dates from 2028 onwards, with 10-year contracts.
"In these countries, there is a very strong push for BESS solutions, and Canadian Solar is ready to deliver those systems, alongside solar panels and inverters," Moura emphasised.
Technology innovation for challenging geographiesBeyond storage, Canadian Solar"s strategy also includes the continuous evolution of its photovoltaic portfolio.
A key pillar of its regional offering is the upcoming launch of new solar modules of up to 725 Wp, based on TOPCon technology.
These modules are designed to perform in demanding environmental conditions, incorporating features such as bifaciality which can increase energy generation by between 10% and 30% improved temperature coefficients and enhanced resistance to humidity.
This makes them particularly suitable for extreme climates or high-irradiance regions.
On the storage side, flexibility and logistics are central priorities, especially for remote areas or sites with limited access.
In this context, the company is developing SolBank Flex, a compact and modular BESS solution that simplifies the transport of battery kits, helping to reduce costs and accelerate project deployment.
Innovation is also extending to inverters, where Canadian Solar is integrating artificial intelligence capabilities.
These enable real-time responses to changes in frequency, voltage or grid requirements, significantly improving the overall operational efficiency of the system.
"We are ready to support the evolution of the solar and energy storage markets across South America, with solutions that combine technology, engineering expertise and a strong local presence," Moura concluded.