With photovoltaic solar energy comprising approximately 80% of feed-in-tariff (FIT)-approved projects thus far, the prospects for Ontario’s solar energy industry are bright indeed. Currently, the Ontario Power Association (OPA) estimates nearly 20,000 green jobs and $9 billion in business investment could arise as a result of FIT-approved projects across a number of different renewable energy technologies. There may also be additional business stimulation at the local level, along the lines of the recent announcement from Toronto-based solar energy developer, OPEL Solar, Inc.

OPEL plans to increase production of its high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar products throughout the North American market. In compliance with Ontario’s Domestic Content requirements in which at least 50% of labour and material must be locally-sourced, OPEL will contract largely through Toronto-area manufacturers and firms.

Ontario Becoming One of the Hottest Names in Solar News

The growth of the solar energy industry continues throughout Canada, but its acceleration is especially pronounced in Ontario due to the guaranteed provincial support of the FIT and microFIT - a sister initiative that allows smaller power producers (10kW and less) to sell energy back into the grid.

FIT-induced price stability, commercial interest, and community support have attracted significant capital investment, but demand for knowledgeable, local solar energy workers is still unmet and growing. According to a 2009 labor force survey of the Canadian solar industry, more than 50% of companies surveyed expect personnel shortages by the end of 2011. Of those, 78% specifically listed “installation” as the most frequently cited skill in short supply.

Interest in Clean Energy Rising Throughout Ontario

A separate OPA initiative, the Power Pledge Community Challenge (PPCC), will award $10,000 in renewable energy funding to those cities with the largest percentage reduction in electricity consumption or highest per capita participation in the campaign. The city of Brighton is just one of dozens of communities to enter the PPCC competition, saying that success in the challenge could help spur a future municipal solar energy project.

From large-scale manufacturing operations in Toronto to clean energy awareness in municipalities of all sizes, Ontario is leading Canada’s solar energy push and shows no signs of fading any time soon. It could very well happen that the province eventually displaces other solar standouts as it vies for North America’s “green energy” title.