According to two recent studies by Queen’s University, solar power production in SE Ontario could potentially yield as much energy as all US nuclear reactors combined. These findings may come as a shock to anyone not directly involved with solar energy, but in fact, the sun is itself an incalculably large nuclear reactor capable of producing vast amounts of continuous energy uninhibited. The solar energy potential that earth receives in just one minute rivals all the world’s nuclear power stations put together. The two Queen’s University studies explored how this …

In years past, Ontario frequently played younger sibling to more established solar markets like California’s or New Jersey’s. Without much solar infrastructure to speak of, the province often imported equipment, standards, and guidelines as if hand-me-downs from older sisters and brothers. However, the winds of change are picking up speed as Ontario continues to establish its own identity as a solar powerhouse on the continent.
Few in the industry have monitored this transition more closely than David Birch of Lakeshore Power Systems - Ontario-based online retailer of renewable energy equipment. Birch …

Ontario Solar Academy (OSA) graduated another batch of students, providing a comprehensive introduction based upon NABCEP’s ten learning objectives, extensive hands-on experience, and a forum for becoming part of a growing solar network. However, the April class included two additions not present in earlier sessions.
The first change was the inclusion of James Fraser as a guest speaker from the Electrical Safety Authority. Using principles outlined in the Inverter-Based Micro-Generating manual, he explained the process his organization undergoes when approving solar PV installations for FIT/microFIT status. Fraser also led …

The move from “thinking green” to “embracing green technology” can either be a difficult changeover or a seamless transition, depending on the mindset and resources at your disposal.
At least this is the general attitude espoused by Ric Jones of RJ’s Specialties. Having just completed the Ontario Solar Academy’s 5-day PV solar installer course, he is eager to take his own green transition to the next level.
I have always been an active steward of the planet, trying to reduce waste while raising awareness. With my recent training from the Ontario Solar …

In its bid to help solarize Ontario, and perhaps, all of North America, Home Energy Solutions has just released new technology designed to make clean energy even cheaper and more efficient. The MicroBlox solar kit aims to reduce many of the concerns stemming from shading, snow and rubbish, limited roof space, and variable, seasonal sunlight. Utilizing the DC-AC Microinverter System designed by Enphase Energy, it produces power from single solar power panels, with efficiency rates 25% higher than conventional systems.
“This new technology shows huge promise for cleaner and renewable energy …

Solar systems pioneer, Enphase Energy, has unveiled its latest microinverter - a product that it hopes will help the firm carve out a deeper niche within Canada’s solar energy market. The development of these microinverters allows Enphase Energy to take advantage of Ontario’s Domestic Content requirement, which in turn, makes it easier for solar panel installers and power producers to use Enphase Energy’s products when qualifying for the Ontario Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) Program.
In the first year of manufacturing, Enphase Energy plans on producing over 500,000 microinverters for Canadian’s solar industry; however …

Ontario is set to benefit from yet another major clean energy victory, as plans for two solar photovoltaic parks are coming into fruition. On March 25, 2010, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Norfolk County to launch two new solar photovoltaic parks that will be able to generate 18 Megawatts of renewable power. The utility-scale PV parks are to be developed through a joint venture between SunEdison and SkyPower Limited. The Ontario Power Authority (OPA), meanwhile, will purchase the clean energy generated from the PV parks through a contract with …

Solar PV design and manufacturer, SolarDock, LLC, recently signed a license and distribution agreement with Ontario-based SunRise Power Corp to produce, market, and distribute a new high-tilt-angle solar racking system that installs without penetrating existing rooftop surfaces. Touting the unique value proposition of the new design, Rob Kenton, Account Manager at SunRise Power expects that “the SolarDock product will quickly become the racking system of choice for most commercial, educational. and government end users. With only foam board touching the mounting surface, it is the most roof-friendly system on the …

Increasing interest in Ontario-based solar energy has led Sentinel Solar Corp. (formerly Sentinel Power Systems, Inc.) to partner with SolGate, Inc., according to a recent media announcement. The business partnership between Sentinel and SolGate leverages on the companies’ respective strengths in the marketing and manufacture of solar power equipment in Ontario.
Since 2003, Sentinel Solar Corp. has been an active player in Ontario’s solar energy industry, making significant inroads in the marketing, distribution, and delivery of solar energy solutions. Because of the province’s domestic content requirements for renewable energy deployment, Sentinel’s …

German Solar Corporation recently announced plans to expand its assembly and distribution operations into London, Ontario in order to take advantage of the province’s rapid solar development. Expecting to employ at least 20 associates once fully operational later this year, the 25,000 sq ft assembly plant will be dedicated to producing environmentally friendly solar arrays for both residential and commercial applications.
The timing of this announcement is no coincidence. Ontario’s FIT program has helped spark a boom in solar energy investment and development, creating new business opportunities throughout Canada’s solar energy …