Toronto’s Atlantic Wind and Solar, Inc., recently launched a new Wind and Solar Financing Division to help developers, integrators, and installers find professional advice and financing for their projects.

Atlantic Wind and Solar is a Toronto-based renewable energy company that leases commercial rooftops for solar and wind installations. The new Financing Division focuses on helping companies put their affairs in order so that they can secure investment capital. According to Atlantic’s Chief Financial Officer, Martin Baldwin, solar and wind companies are too focused on securing land and real estate for renewable energy projects, usually as quickly as they can. The focus should instead be on the actual projects themselves. “Basically,” says Baldwin, “you have to get all your ducks in a row before you can get your panels in a row.” Baldwin should know - before launching a career in the solar and wind industries, his training was in international banking.

Company Puts Training to Good Use

Before any bank or investment party will commit capital to a solar or wind project, it needs reassurance that the project was carefully planned and designed, that all equipment and operating costs have been meticulously budgeted, and that it can expect a reasonable rate of return on investment. These factors are all crucial to the success of a project, whether or not it requires external funding. Not only does an upcoming renewable energy project need to be lucrative for the owner of the installation, but it must also be financially attractive for any land or building owners from whom space will be leased, in addition to whoever ends up financing the project to begin with.

While Atlantic has made a priority of helping emerging solar and wind companies, it has also made a profit from unsuccessful start-ups. The company has increased its project portfolio by 15% in only a few weeks through consolidating other companies’ projects. Some see Atlantic’s business model as a win-win for the industry, helping others on their way to success, and incorporating those who fall short of their targets.

Since Ontario instituted its feed-in tariff for renewable energy grid-tied projects in 2009, it has helped to create a whole new industry built around green, sustainable growth. The province now boasts solar manufacturing facilities, PV training schools, installation companies, and integrators like Atlantic Wind and Solar, and it is well on its way to becoming one of the top ten hottest solar markets in the world.