Canada recently made solar news headlines by opening a massive solar energy farm in Sarnia, Ontario, reportedly the largest in the world. Calgary-based energy and pipeline company, Enbridge, will continue to own the farm, while Arizona-based First Solar Inc. will handle operations and maintenance. Once fully developed, the 950-acre farm will create enough clean energy to fuel nearly 13,000 homes a year, pumping over 80 megawatts of solar electricity into Ontario’s grid. The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will then purchase the solar energy produced over the 20-year contract it signed with Enbridge. Factoring in facilities already under construction, Sarnia’s green energy portfolio could reach 850 megawatts as a result of this newest installation.

Enbridge Committed to Solar Energy Development

In Early October, the company restructured its senior management and designated Al Monaco as President of its Green Energy department. A new focus on clean energy at such an influential organization could mark a big step forward for the growth of solar technology in Canada. “Enbridge intends to stabilize our environmental footprint at 2009 levels,” says Monaco, “under a program that includes a commitment to generate a kilowatt of renewable energy for every kilowatt of power our operations consume.”

Solar Energy Market Grows In Ontario

News of Enbridge’s massive solar farm is a positive step forward for Ontario’s clean energy initiative, as well as being a point of pride for Canada as a nation. With the world’s largest photovoltaic farm established on Ontario soil, Canada’s position as a global leader of solar energy seems that much more established. Following Enbridge’s and First Solar’s example, it is likely that more Ontario and international solar developers will flock to the region to reap the benefits of the province’s generous investment climate and lucrative incentives.