This June, the Ontario Power Authority posted a notice on it’s Web site alerting micro-feed-in-tariff (microFIT) program applicants that they may have to wait until September for their approvals.

While potentially frustrating to the thousands of Ontario applicants, the timing could not be better for renewable energy firms that hope to exploit this gap as they fine-tune their products and services. Magnetek Inc, for example, announced last week that it would be ready to supply the growing renewable energy market with its compact and efficient solar and wind products in the next few months. This could set the stage for further interest in the microFIT program, in addition to creating parallel growth demand for other green energy products, services, and courses. This is just one more example of industry supporting the goals of the Green Energy Act to grow a sustainable energy economy.

microFIT Financial Incentives
The Ontario Power Authority’s microFIT program is intended to attract homeowners, farmers, and small businesses interested in establishing a ‘micro’ renewable energy generation project on their own property. Program participants who produce 10 kilowatts or less of green energy become suppliers of the power grid for a contractual period of 20 years. The energy provided from solar panels pay 80.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, and wind turbine energy pays 13.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. Financial incentives like these continue to attract more attention to the program, generate further public interest in solar or wind employment opportunities, and create greater demand for the requisite training and courses to take advantage of those opportunities

microFIT Industry Requirements
Magnetek Inc. is already compliant with the 2011 domestic content terms of the microFIT program since its Canadian operation is based in Mississauga, Ontario. Brad Taylor, Vice President and General Manager of Magnetek’s Energy Systems business, believes that the company will “begin contributing to the growth of utility-scale, grid-tied solar ,and wind power production in Ontario,” by the fall of this year.

Green Energy Act Paving the Way for Continued Success
According to Industry Canada, the country’s renewable energy revenue potential could reach $10 billion and create 13,000 jobs by 2012. Such numbers are undoubtedly very alluring to businesses, homeowners, and politicians alike, since job creation will likely play a pivotal role in reversing the current economic recession. Equally important, however, are the supporting solar courses and other training opportunities that Canada must continue to promote in order to secure a skilled workforce capable of building the requisite infrastructure.