Your daily dose of photovoltaic technology developments and solar news

Although site selection and other details such as costs and actual size of the plant have yet to be decided, Canadian Solar has announced plans to build a ~200MW module factory in Ontario, Canada, which could see ‘Phase 1’ in operational status by the end of 2010. The integrated PV manufacturer noted that Ontario’s attractive FiT (feed-in tariff) had shown considerable customer interest for ‘Made in Ontario’ solar systems. However, the FiT also stipulates that on larger PV installations 50% of the goods and labour need to have been sourced locally. This requirement will rise to 60% in 2011.

Since the recent announcement of Ontario's renewable energy plans, speculation has began to arise about the province's potential to become the next solar leader. The feed-in tariff -- set at an aggressive rate -- is expected to fuel the region's success. 

SunEdison Canada and SkyPower's First Light project -- Canada's first ground-mounted PV solar system -- has now been activated. The 9.1MW, 90-acre project is located in Stone Mills, Ontario.

Satcon has signed a collaborative deal with Canadian Solar that will see the companies market their products to customers as a “best-in-class system solution”. Canadian Solar’s solar PV systems will be marketed with Satcon’s solar inverters, providing a single solution for rooftop solar energy generation. The agreement also complies with the Ontario government’s domestic content requirements in its recently announced feed-in-tariff program.

The Government of Ontario, Canada, announced back in March plans for renewable energy, and in particular a feed-in tariff (FiT) for the region. These plans have now been finalized, as the government announces that it will proceed as planned. The Government of Ontario, Canada, announced back in March plans for renewable energy, and in particular a feed-in tariff (FiT) for the region. These plans have now been finalized, as the government announces that it will proceed as planned. The FiT program is a critical element of the government's Green Energy and Green Economy Act.

Feed-in tariff (FiT) policies are now implemented in more than 40 countries around the world and are cited as the primary reason for the success of the German and Spanish renewable energy markets. As a result of that success, FiT policy proposals are starting to crop up in several other areas around the world including a number of US states.

EDF EN Canada, a company of the EDF Energies Nouvelles family, announced its intention to start construction of a 23.4MW (DC) photovoltaic power plant near Arnprior, Ontario.

In December of 2008, Ontario's Premier Dalton McGuinty and Energy Minister George Smitherman revealed a proposition called the Green Energy Act, in attempt to grant priority to Renewable Energy Sources to Manage Global Climate Change, Protect the Environment and Streamline Project Approvals.  In addition to bringing more renewables to Ontario, this plan would create more energy efficient methods to help conserve energy.  The Public Consultation period extends until March 26, 2009 and can be found here.