Ontario continues to move forward in developing an extensive portfolio of renewable energy projects. Ontario's Green Energy and Economy Act has now been in operation for over a year. As a result it is no longer a question of how popular the scheme and the demand for contracts has been but what is the timeline for projects being developed.

For more information visit www.euromoneyenergy.com/Calendar.aspx

Ontario poised to be the world's next leading solar market

Recent announcement of FIT Contracts issued by the OPA are pointing to a very robust solar market in Ontario. Hundreds of contracts have been awarded and the FIT program is off to a great start.

More information can be found at: http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/

Ontario is poised to introduce new electricity pricing to encourage the development of renewable energy from a diverse range of producers including homeowners, community-based groups and larger scale commercial generators.

Proposed prices and program guidelines announced yesterday will form the basis of an eight-week consultation process with renewable energy stakeholders and several general information sessions for the interested public.

Solar micro-generation, 10 kilowatts and under, will enjoy the highest tariff in order to incent Ontarians to participate. If the proposed FIT program leads to 100,000 residential solar rooftop installations, it will amount to one percent of Ontario's supply mix.

The proposed FIT prices were developed based on experience here in Ontario and in other jurisdictions. Prices differ based on project size and type of renewable energy technology. They cover capital, operating and maintenance costs and allow for a reasonable rate of return on investment over an approximate 20-year period. They also provide special categories for community-based projects.

Solar PV roof top systems below/equal to 10 kilowatts would receive a tariff of Canadian 80c/kWh; 10 - 100kW 71.3c/kWh; 100 - 500kW 63.5c/kWh; > 500 kW 53.9c/kWh. For ground mounted systems below or equal to 10MW, the rate would be Canadian 43c/kWh.

"The proposed feed-in tariff program would help spark new investment in renewable energy generation and create a new generation of green jobs," said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. "It would give communities and homeowners the power and tools they need to participate in the energy business in the new green economy."

"Ontario has made great progress in procuring renewables, becoming Canada's leading province for wind power," added Colin Andersen, CEO of the Ontario Power Authority. "This proposed FIT program would build on our success and ensure that more contracts turn into projects sooner."

The proposed Green Energy Act (GEA), if passed, would establish Ontario as a leader in renewable energy, drive green investment in the province and create 50,000 jobs in the first three years. Additional changes proposed under the GEA would also make it easier and faster for projects to get connected to the grid.

www.solarbuzz.com - March, 2009