Ever since launching its microFIT program in October 2009, Ontario has received over 16,000 applications for renewable energy projects generating 10kW or less of clean power. This type of consumer buy-in helps inch Ontario towards its goal of eliminating coal-fired power generation before 2014 and creating some 50,000 green collar jobs. However, solar projects like the hydro grid-connected solar tracking system recently announced in Windsor represent even bigger steps in that direction, suggesting that the province’s solar industry is poised for even great growth than previously expected.
Windsor might not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of solar, green, or renewable, but this is likely to change very soon. During the past 18 months, over a dozen renewable energy companies have set up shop in the greater Windsor, ON region, manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines, and mounting systems. This translates into some 400 green jobs — a boon not just for the industry as a whole, but also for Windsor’s economy since local companies supply much of the parts, labour, and equipment needed to launch these renewable energy ventures like the hydro grid-connected solar tracking system.
Local Innovation and Global Cooperation - More Than Just Solar Panels
On April 23, the American division of SCN Energy AG commissioned Windsor’s first grid-connected PV system as part of Ontario’s microFIT program. Green Sun Rising, Inc. (formerly Windsor Tool & Die), together with support from Germany’s SCN Energy AG (who supplied the solar panels for the hydro-grid project) are largely responsible for getting this solar tracking system off the ground. With its dual axis east-west mounting system, which is powered by the internal PV system on top of the solar panels themselves, the tracker automatically follows the path of the sun as it monitors the direction of the strongest solar energy available. Dual axis trackers like the ones used in this project typically increase annual output by roughly 35-40% compared to panels on a fixed mount. Klaus Dohring, President of Green Sun, noted that “In addition to being more efficient, these systems are pole-mounted so that they’re not rendering the surrounding land unfit for other uses.”
Canadian Solar Business Growth
Windsor Tool & Die (originally Windsor Machine) launched in 1923 in response to increased automotive demand following the success of Ford’s Model T. In 2007, after 84 years of business, the company closed down, losing 44 jobs. However, things are looking up as Windsor Tool & Die becomes Green Sun Rising and joins the renewable energy movement. According to Windsor Mayor, Eddie Francis, “It’s entirely fitting that as we develop our expertise in a new energy-based economy, the same facility that once produced parts for the auto sector is now producing and developing technology for the renewable energy sector.”
This is good news not just for the Ontario solar industry, but also for Canadian solar in general.
