Canadian Solar has announced that it was selected to power South Carolina's first solar farm. The Colleton Solar Farm, located near Walterboro, South Carolina is owned and operated by TIG Energy I, LLC, a member of The InterTech Group, Inc.

The Colleton Solar Farm utilizes 10,010 Canadian Solar CS6X-300P "Max Power" modules producing a 2.5 MW (AC) output capability. The Solar Farm is expected to produce 4,556,000 kWH annually, which would be enough to power 300 residences. Construction began on October 25, 2013 with commercial operation commencing on December 20, 2013.

The Colleton Solar Farm continues a commitment by Santee Cooper and the electric cooperatives to develop renewable electricity sources across South Carolina, a commitment that dates to 2001 when they dedicated the first Green Power Generating Station in Horry County. Today, they work together to deliver more than 681 MWs of electricity generated from renewable resources including hydro, biomass and landfill biogas, solar and wind.

"All parties came together to help make this project a success and a showcase for what we hope will be other projects in South Carolina. Our development team, Santee Cooper and the local electric cooperative executed a very compressed construction schedule on time and on budget. The solar farm was designed to provide extensive data on its performance to aid in future solar designs and allow the utilities to gain operational experience.

"We are pleased to report everything has performed as expected since we brought the Colleton Solar Farm online. Canadian Solar met our expedited schedule while ensuring the high quality and reliability that led us to originally select the company," said Grant Reeves, Senior Vice-President of the Intertech Group.

Canadian Solar, the largest PV Module Manufacturer in North America, is considered a global leader in PV technology. The Company boasts the highest PTC Ratings in the industry. PTC Rating, established by the California Energy Commission (CEC), are the universally accepted indicator of real-word PV module performance.

"We are pleased to be selected to power South Carolina's first solar farm. This was great project from the design, which optimized space, best practices and both fixed-tilt and single axis tracking panels, through the accelerated construction schedule. We fully appreciate the longer-term, strategic importance a project like this can have to serve as a catalyst for growth of the local market.

"Canadian Solar's global leadership, proven track record, and well-known brand name continue to make us a partner of choice in powering key solar installations worldwide," said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar.