Recurrent Energy is the most recent of several firms to win approval for distributed solar power installation throughout Ontario, Canada. Totaling over 150MW of clean power from the sun, these projects qualify for the new feed-in-tariff (FIT) initiative under Ontario’s Green Energy and Green Economy Act. This makes Recurrent the largest developer of distributed solar power projects under the province’s FIT program.
The Ontario Power Authority has agreed to purchase 100% of Recurrent’s solar power, using renewable energy credits in six different counties, including Simcoe, Oxford, and Middlesex. If all goes well, these projects will be fully operational by early 2012.
Solar Energy Job Creation
Recurrent Energy is scheduled to finance, build, and operate the various PV solar systems under the OPA contracts. Although Recurrent’s headquarters are in San Francisco, it qualifies for the FIT program because it satisfies the province’s domestic content requirements. Under this provision, 60% of all labour and parts must be locally sourced. To ensure compliance with this quota, Recurrent will invest US$400 million in Ontario, financing everything from metal fabrication and solar modules to panel installation and project management.
In addition, experts estimate that 2,500 new jobs could emerge from these contracts over the next few years, including positions for engineers, manufacturers, construction workers, solar panel installers, and related support staff. Jacob Travis, Director of the Ontario Solar Academy, offers “Ontario’s solar scene is booming. There are so many opportunities for those becoming properly certified to design and install solar PV panels.”
By all accounts, Recurrent’s good fortune is a blessing for power producers and consumers alike. Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent, explains that, “as a global company with strong financial backing and over 1,000MW of distributed-scale projects in development, we offer economies of scale and expertise that are attractive to our utility customers.” He goes on to add that “Ontario’s renewable energy policy leadership, including the goal of eliminating coal-fired power generation by 2014, makes the province an attractive area for renewable energy economic development and investment.”
Ontario’s Solar Energy Explosion
Recurrent Energy is no stranger to Ontario. David Brochu, Vice President of Development for the Eastern Region of North America at Recurrent, explains, “we have been actively developing solar power projects across Ontario for several years and will continue to work with our partners and communities to ensure that the projects bring economic development to the region.”
However, for Recurrent to actively seek opportunities outside of its native California (a solar hotspot in its own right) is perhaps a testament to Ontario’s commitment to solar leadership on the continent. Travis concludes, “with these recent incentives and the green energy bill, Ontario has suddenly gone from passive spectator to active trailblazer.” He adds, “Solar is booming worldwide, but I’m excited to see Ontario take such a decisive lead in the push for sustainability.”
