Solar PV Projects
Solar power uses the energy from the sun to directly generate electricity. It is an abundant, renewable, sustainable energy source. The benefits of solar power are tremendous:
- Decreases the amount of local air pollution
- Doesn’t interfere with the natural environment
- Emits no carbon dioxide reducing global greenhouse gases
- Provides quiet, clean, low-maintenance generation
- Contributes to local energy self-reliance
- Diversifies our energy supply mix
Ontario is Canada's first province to actively support the development of solar electricity generation projects through the Standard Offer Program, which will enable small, local, renewable energy producers to get into the energy market.
Solar energy is plentiful, essentially free and very environmentally friendly; however its capacity for electricity generation using photovoltaic panels is a virtually untapped market at present.
Currently, smaller PV systems are being used in a variety of applications, such as rural, remote and portable energy systems. However, higher voltage panels and a more sophisticated inverter will be required to connect to the electricity grid.
In August 2006 the Horse Palace at the Canadian National Exhibition’s Exhibition place became home to Canada’s largest solar photovoltaic installation.
The following information covers issues that are specific to Solar PV Projects operating under the Standard Offer Program.