In a symbolic move, OPEL International, Inc. (OPEL), has changed its name to OPEL Solar International, Inc., in order to better reflect its growing role in the Ontario economy. OPEL, which has operations in Toronto and Sheldon, Connecticut, is classified as a “Solar Energy Technology” company. The name change accompanies the company’s head office relocation from New Brunswick to Ontario. OPEL officially traded in the province under its new name as of December 1.

OPEL designs, makes, and sells high performance concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) panels and markets solar trackers that maximize the panels’ output. The company’s HCPV systems are capable of producing up to 40% more kilowatt-hours than conventional silicon technologies. OPEL’s Canadian efforts include work with the National Research Council’s (NRC’s) SUNRISE solar research project, which tests nanostructures for their ability to increase output from concentrator PV cells. The cells capture and convert a wider portion of the light spectrum than traditional panels, which could translate to more jobs for graduates of renewable energy installation training courses as the technology begins to permeate the market.

Ontario at Forefront of Renewable Energy Revolution

OPEL filed articles of continuance under Ontario’s Business Corporation Act (BCA) on November 30. The move allows the company to participate more fully in the province’s feed-in tariff (FIT) program. The FIT pays producers of renewable energy to tie their clean power projects to the electrical grid. To participate in the program, projects must include up to 50% made-in-Ontario materials and Ontario workers; that number rises to 60% in 2011. These targets create jobs and inspire investment into manufacturing and educational opportunities in the province. The region’s renewable energy economy includes Ontario Solar Academy - Canada’s only ISPQ-accredited institution, which offers courses in PV installation and design. Courses like these help train Ontario’s workers for the thousands of renewable energy jobs the province expects to create in the next few years.

OPEL’s proximity to the FIT and its groundbreaking renewable energy technology will help it become a key player in Ontario’s solar economy. “With the name change, OPEL Solar will be easily recognized by our customers and investors,” says OPEL’s CEO, Leon Pierhal. “We also welcome the change to operating under Ontario jurisdiction….”