Solar PV

Description

Solar energy is a renewable resource that is free, environmentally friendly and readily available. Solar energy can be used in many ways - to provide heat, lighting, mechanical power and electricity.

The cells are semiconductor devices, usually made of silicon, which contain no liquids, corrosive chemicals or moving parts. The PV panels require little maintenance, do not pollute, and operate silently, making photovoltaic energy a very clean and safe method of power generation.

There are currently three types of eligible Solar PV technologies that can be used in the microFIT Program for the purposes of meeting domestic content requirements.

Project size

• 10 kilowatts or less

Contract price paid per kWh

• 54.9 cents (Rooftop Solar PV)
• 44.5 cents (Non-Rooftop Solar PV)

Inflation index

• 0 percent

Typical lead time

• 1 to 6 months

Possible permits and approvals

• Municipal building permit
• No renewable energy approval required
• Electrical Safety Authority approval

Location / resource

• South-facing, inclining approximately 45 degrees

Other considerations

• Zoning restrictions in residential, commercial, and industrial areas
• Project may affect:
  • income taxes
  • property taxes
  • Contact your municipality and the Canada Revenue Agency

Industry associations

• Canadian Solar Industry Association