US-based OPEL Solar, Inc. (OPEL) announced a new wireless solar tracker control and management system, developed in collaboration with its partner FEiNA of Spain. This system is ideally suited for use solar fields since operators can monitor its key functions remotely unlike with older tracker systems that require continuous on-site supervision.
Commenting on the inherent benefits of this system, Dr. Javier Berrios, OPEL’s Vice President of Engineering said, “As a leader in solar tracker technology, we obviously see the benefits of linking our customers to a network control system via wireless technology, which improves both operational efficiency and maintenance.”
Another recent solar innovation is “Sun Simba,” developed by Morgan Solar, a Toronto start up venture. Sun Simba is a concentrated solar panel that achieves the “highest reported optical concentration in the most compact form.” CEO, Asif Ansari, comments that, “Morgan Solar has done something I wasn’t sure was possible - [it has] cracked the code for CPV (concentrated solar PV) optics, substantially lowering its costs to where it can now deliver a value proposition significantly better than PV (photovoltaics).” He adds, “Morgan was able to see the problem in a whole new way, starting with inventing a new optical concentrator to replace conventional Fresnel lens architectures. The potential of this technology is massive.”
Demand for Solar Certification Courses
Such technological forays coupled with the popular Green Energy Act provide a gamut of opportunities for businesses and green professionals throughout Ontario. According to a Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) labour market survey report, by the end of 2011, solar companies can expect a 101% increase in employment opportunities for full time equivalents. But by then, it is expected that 51% of green companies will experience labour shortages, with solar installers accounting for 78% of unfilled slots.
The cycle of growth and innovation in the green energy sector has augmented demand for personnel holding solar certification, preferably from ISPQ-accredited institutions. Comments Jacob Travis, President of Ontario Solar Network, “The Green Energy Act has helped make materials, technology, and incentives infinitely more available.” He adds, “The last piece of the puzzle is ‘qualified labour.’ Until the province erects the training and certification infrastructure, I fear that Ontario’s solar push will only go so far.”
