Generation Solar Renewable Energy Systems

Welcome

Generation Solar designs, supplies, installs, and services a broad range of renewable energy systems for residential and commercial applications, including solar electric and solar water heating technologies. If you have questions: contact us



	10kW residential PV and pool heater (background).

Ontario Feed In Tariff Program

As part of the Green Energy Act, the Ontario Power Authority has implemented a new Feed In Tariff (FIT) program to replace the RESOP. The FIT is more attractive and easier to navigate than the RESOP. In addition, the FIT is specifically targeting small and medium sized rooftop solar installations. The contract price is *very* attractive. This is really exciting. Program rules and complete pricing can be found at the OPA website. See our 2010 Newsletter (PDF, 167k) for some more FIT details and contact us to learn how to make the FIT work for you.

FIT Pricing for PV installations

<=10kW, roof or ground mount	80.2 cents/kWh
> 10kW <= 250kW, roof mount	71.3 cents/kWh
> 250kW <=500kW, roof mount	63.5 cents/kWh

Other FIT facts:

Micro-generation systems (<=10kW) have no application fee
Contracts are transferrable (ie if you sell your house you can sell your contract too)

NRCan Increases ecoENERGY Grants

The federal ecoENERGY Retrofit for Homes program has been fortified with bigger incentives for home energy retrofits, including solar domestic water heating systems. The federal incentive has been bumped from $500 to $1250. With provincial matching, that's $2500 that can be saved on the installation of a residential solar water heating systems. Home owners must work through the ecoENERGY home energy audit process to be eligible for the grant. In the Peterborough area, contact Peterborough Green Up to schedule a home energy audit, then call us for a Quote. NOTE that the program expires in March 2011 and funds are limited. Once used up, they are gone, so don't dally!

Why invest in solar in uncertain economic times?

A good question. The answer is not as elusive as you might think: Stability. A solar energy system will continue to produce clean, zero-cost energy regardless of exchange rates or roller coaster stock markets. This represents a significant price-hedging opportunity, especially for businesses that use a lot of hot water and for anyone interested in becoming a green power producer under the RESOP or the coming FIT. And its good for the environment, too. Win + win!



	Commercial thermal installation in progress.

Fantastic opportunity for businesses

The provincial and federal governments can co-operate! The federal ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program offers a 25% incentive for business applications of solar thermal technology. The province is now matching that, for a total of 50% available capital incentive. This is a tremendous opportunity for businesses that use large quantities of hot water to invest in solar technology. Call us for more information.

Hiring a contractor?

Did you know that all electrical work in Ontario, including solar and wind electric systems, must be done by a contractor licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)? Only Licensed Electrical Contractors can obtain permits for electrical work, and do the work itself. Be sure that your solar energy contractor is licensed by the ESA. Learn more about electrical safety at the ESA.

Support Solar

These businesses are investing in renewable energy. Patronize them and support renewable energy in Canada. There are many ways to do it....

Send your kids to camp!
- Camp Ahmek, Algonquin Park
- Camp Arowhon, Algonquin Park
- Camp Tanamakoon, Algonquin Park
- Glen Bernard Camp, Sundridge (Did you know that Lake Bernard is the world's largest freshwater lake without an island? Go figure.)
- Camp Kawartha, Lakefield
- Kinark Outdoor Centre, Minden
Enjoy Algonquin Park at historic Bartlett Lodge.
Wash your car and do your laundry at Washland, in Campbellford.
Have a capucchino at the Trailer Perk, recently featured in the Toronto Star. Look for Trailer Perk in the Canadian Tire parking lot in Campbellford, or at festivals and events in Eastern Ontario.
Enjoy a meditative retreat at Harmony Dawn.
Listen to Rick Fines' CD: Solar Powered, recorded at Rick's off-grid studio in the backwoods of Ontario.
Tim Holland is a multi-talented performer sure to tickle your funny bone at any family or business event. Learn more at Foolesque.
And don't forget to pick up your solar powered poutine at the Hippie Chippie, at the Beavermead parking lot, Ashburnham Road, in Peterborough, May to October.

Sustainable Systems

Issue #48 of The Last Straw (The International Journal of Straw Bale and Natural Building) contains a great run down of the various considerations when embarking on a natural building project, including materials, waste handling, natural ventilation, and, of course, renewable energy. Without a drop of modesty we're thrilled that the main cover photo shows a Generation Solar installation! TLS has given us permission to publish the editorial of issue #48... you can find it here.



	Solar hot water for a small apartment building.

Renewable Energy Myths Debunked

Homepower Magazine (www.homepower.com) wrote an article in their Issue #100 that debunked a bunch of myths about renewable energy. It should be of interest to anyone interested in renewable energy. For your convenience, we've copied it here (PDF,300k).

Did you know?

Sheikh Ahmad Zaki Yamani, the former Saudi petroleum minister, is credited with asserting that the stone age did not come to an end because the world ran out of stones, and thus the oil age will end long before the world runs out of oil. We think he's got a point.
Solar and wind power is much cheaper than some of the electricity you are already buying!
You can see the current price of electricity in Ontario at the website for the Independent Electricity System Operator, the body that regulates the buying and selling of electricity in Ontario.
Pumping water with a PV panel is often the cheapest and most reliable option for a farmer or person needing independence from the grid.
Pool heating systems offer the best bang for your buck when it comes to renewable energy systems. They can pay for themselves in only a few swimming seasons, and after that the energy is all free!
Domestic solar water heating systems can reduce your water heating expenses by half.
Solar lighting systems are ideal for billboards. They work by charging a battery during the day, which then powers the light at night.
Government incentives are available for renewable energy installations, including (in Canada) the Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative (REDI) for commercial installations. The incentives are particularly attractive for larger installations. Try (in Canada) the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) website for more information.

Printable version (this function opens a new window)