As many of you will already know, the Ontario Power Authority allocated 50 megawatts (mW) of grid space for the microFIT program, which aims to put solar on residential roofs. Since the implementation of the program, almost all of that space has been used up by residential projects!

As of today, April 15, 2013, there is only 6.98 mW of remaining space on the grid. That means that there is only enough space to accommodate 6,900 more projects of 10 kilowatts each in Ontario.

If you're interested in setting up a solar system on your roof, or want to know more about solar or the microFIT program, please give us a call! We're happy to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation to make sure that solar is right for you. But move fast - pretty soon the grid will be full up! Be on the right side when that happens - the green side!

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Apparently someone is as big a fan of Renewable Energy World as we are (which I didn't think was possible), because they read Vince Font's article on the outlook of the global solar industry for 2013 and made a video about it. The 5-minute clip by RENVU shortly summarizes Font's take on what solar will look like in the coming year, and might I add, does so in an appealing and eye-catching way.

The video is linked above for your viewing pleasure, but here are some of the major points:

The Market: With solar equipment prices still on the decline, we will likely see huge development in the global market, especially in developing countries who were previously unable to afford solar. This, in turn, will lead to an increase in jobs.

US/China Solar Tariffs: These have been making a stink in the solar news recently, but it's not cause for concern. Because the tariffs only apply to Chinese-manufactured cells, and many Chinese modules use Taiwanese cells, these modules are shipped off to the US with a cost impact of less than 10 cents per watt, ensuring a minimal impact from these headline-making tariffs.

Consolidation: Numerous bankruptcies over the past year have meant many absorptions into larger solar companies, in a trend of consolidation that will likely continue into 2013. If nothing else, this will provide some much-needed stability to the market.

Arabian Sunrise: In a plan for solar dominance, Saudi Arabia plans to procure 54,000 mW of solar capacity by 2030, launching with 600 mW of solar facilities in the 2nd quarter of 2013.

All in all, it's a great video made of a very canny prediction of the months to come. What do you think - is it on the nose, or are they missing some key factors for solar in 2013? Let us know in the comments!

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Traditional energy sources can see the future as well as we can. Industries such as nuclear power in Ontario are beginning to take note of increasing global interest and implementation of renewable energy systems, particularly solar, and they don't like where things are going. And like anyone backed into a corner, they're defending themselves - most recently with spurious claims about the solar industry that are meant to undermine support in green energy and bolster their own position.

The nuclear industry, according to the above article, is spreading misinformation about solar to the effect that nuclear power is just as sustainable, economical, and clean as its green competitors. John Gorman, head of CanSIA, thinks that the issue is not only that these claims are misleading, but that there is an attitude of competition at all. “People realize there is going to be a redistribution of the energy mix, and no one has quite got their head around how everyone is going to work together,” he said, outlining the ways in which renewables like solar can complement traditional energy systems. 

One such benefit of an integrated system is that gas-powered plants can fire up when sunlight isn't available, balancing out energy requirements much more efficiently (and cost-effectively) than installing a huge new nuclear plant.

Despite an unstable political situation, the future of solar in Ontario seems hopeful, as many are looking to broaden renewable energy plans into the rest of Canada. As long as we can match the aggressive and forward-thinking energy plans of our fellow provinces, and be sure to keep our heads straight and float up above nasty words, Ontario solar will remain strong in years to come. 

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In the spirit of the yuletide, when all people come together in celebration of peace, brotherhood, and the act of giving and charity, here are some global non-profit organizations who aim to improve sustainability through renewable energy, as collected by Renewable Energy World. Consider making a donation and helping these companies bring the light of solar (and other renewables) to everyone in the world. 'Tis the season, after all.

SELF: The Solar Electric Light Fund. Their mission? To provide energy-starved areas around the globe with access to clean, green power.

Practical Action: This company puts an emphasis on using green technology to help struggling rural communities improve their ways of life. They aim to "find out what people are doing and help them to do it better".

10:10: Based on a very simple idea - reduce carbon emissions by 10% annually - this UK-born company has a 10-step plan for reaching its reasonable global goals.

WindAid: Focuses on off-grid communities who, instead of connecting to the grid at great expense, can be provided with wind turbines for a cheaper and greener energy solution.

SolarAid: This company's goal is to eradicate kerosene-fuelled light sources from Africa by 2020. By replacing this filthy and wasteful tech with solar, they can improve homes, schools, and the way of life for whole communities.

Follow the link provided above to visit each of the sites for these companies, and consider helping them out! Other countries around the world do not benefit from a cushy tariff program like we do - help them achieve the same green goals that we cherish!

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The world's dependence on antiquated power systems like coal & nuclear is slowly, but surely, being phased out. Many countries on many continents are putting their best renewable foot forward to ensure that their manufacturing plants, factories, and other production facilities are drawing power from green energy, rather than these archaic and harmful sources.

The road ahead is still woefully long, however, especially considering several industries whose pollutive practices will threaten the world's continued efforts toward a cleaner and healthier humanity. In this article, Renewable Energy World outlines 5 such industries:

1. Artisanal Gold Mining (mercury pollution)

2. Industrial Parks (lead pollution)

3. Agriculture Production (pesticide pollution)

4. Lead Smelting (lead pollution)

5. Tannery Operations (chromium pollution)

In each and every example, the key issues involve populations of millions of people who will be directly and negatively affected by this pollution, because of the harmful chemical qualities of each substance being overproduced. We're talking neurological damage, cardiovascular & respiratory system failure, growth impairment, genetic disorder, cancer, seizures, the list goes on and on and even into fatal territory. As a global community, we simply cannot allow this kind of thing to continue.

So what's to be done? Obviously a stronger push towards renewable energy is a start, but before full integration of green technology takes place, there needs to be an attitude adjustment. People (and, by extension, industries) who are "stuck in their ways", who cling to these irresponsible practices, must by needs be yanked free of them. In the words of the article linked above, "through innovative ideas, vision, teamwork and a true commitment to making the world a cleaner one, the global community is joining together to help these and other industries become more sustainable." We can only hope that that's true.

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 Stormy skies ahead for Ontario solar, it seems, in the wake of a refreshed complaint by the World Trade Organization about the province's Green Energy Act. 

The WTO asserts, as it did two years ago in complaints lodged by the European Union and Japan, that the Act's domestic content requirements violate international trade laws. Whether or not foreign manufacturers need be part of the process, when producing domestically is provably better for the program and the future of clean energy, is left out of the conversation. Former Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, however, isn't fazed by these allegations.

McGuinty asserted that the requirements do not prevent other countries from participating in Ontario's Green Energy Act and that he is sitting on over $27 billion worth of secured contracts in places like China, Korea, the U.S., and France. Those opposed anticipate that the 50,000 created jobs target is unrealistic. Neither side seems ready to back down, so this debate could be raging for some time.

In the meantime, however, it's business as usual. The sun is still shining, and for those in the know, solar is still the solution!

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"Made In China" is such a ubiquitous little sequence of words that we tend to glaze right over them. Of course it's made in China - isn't everything these days?

The question as it concerns solar PV modules, however, is: what if that's not a sustainable option?

Renewable Energy World has been following the tarriff crisis in China's solar industry very closely, and we want to weigh in on this complicated issue. In the broad strokes, the problem is that the Chinese government is imposing subsidies on their PV projects and manufacturing, and will continue to do so until North American manufacturers either "give up or go bankrupt". Once it has eliminated the competition - i.e., all of us - they will dominate the global market, and be able to push up prices.

Everyone agrees that this model is simply not sustainable, but pundits and industry experts are divided over whether China's approach is the malicious and greedy business tactic it appears to be, or a legitimate plan with longstanding precedent. It's true that many other countries in the world (such as Japan and Germany) have utilized the same solar subsidy programs to encourage what they saw as a promising emergent industry. Perhaps China's actions are those of a government not looking to ruthlessly eliminate all global competition, but foster job growth and a clean energy future.

What do you think? Is China the terrifying spectre poised to take over the world, or just a big player in a well-established game? Drop us a line or leave a comment and let us know!

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We are loath to wax political here at Clearly Solar, preferring only to comment on how government policy directly affects our noble green energy plans, and what you need to know about it. This week we must admit, it seems, to a slight bias: we're very happy to see Barack Obama re-elected for a second term as President of our neighbours to the south.

Now we're not telling you this just to make polite conversation. We anticipated the outcome of this month's federal election with anxiety, because Republican candidate Mitt Romney made it abundantly clear that he was not in favour of supporting expensive renewable energy programs in the United States. In a country already lagging behind even we humble Canucks in the green department, it was a tense race to that finish line, and the fate of solar hung in the balance.

But, rejoice, solar lovers! Obama's back, and analysts anticipate that this is good news for the future of renewables in the US. Scott Sklar, President of the Stella Group, announced that Obama's win will have "significant and consequential positive impact on growth and development of the US energy efficiency and renewable energy industries." With both state and federal governments hopping on board, he expects double-digit job growth in the renewable sector. Since Obama's first election in 2008, the amount of solar in the States has skyrocketed over 400 percent, from 1,100 megawatts then to more than 5,700 today.

In line with his acceptance speech, in which he claimed "We've still got work to do," Obama's government still has hurdles to overcome in the further implementation of solar, not the least of which is procuring continued financing for renewable projects. The signs are good, however, with coal stocks plummeting and positive growth expected in the time to come.

 Four more years! Four more years of solar!

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Hurricane Sandy, after her recent visit to the United States' eastern seaboard, has left a trail of destruction in her wake. As many of us are aware, much of the infrastructure in the Easternmost states, especially New York City, was shut down or inoperable during her visit, meaning that millions of Americans were without power for weeks at a time. No power means no cooking, no running water, and no storing food, not to mention the consequences of power loss to hospitals and other rescue/recovery operations - so, clearly, something had to be done. Where would the US turn to get their lights back on?

Why, to renewables, of course! The burgeoning green industry was given a tremendous boost in credibility when it ran to the rescue after the hurricane hit, restoring temporary power to thousands of people until more permanent solutions could be implemented. This article from Renewable Energy World outlines how and why solutions like solar could save the day in dire times. One of the most important aspects of renewable energy, especially in times of crisis, is its safety factor: unlike nuclear and fossil fuel-driven energy sources, wind and solar are safe, with no opportunity for meltdown or pollution. Where other energy sources might generate anxiety when everyone's emergency backup power relies on them, solar and other renewables are looked on with gratitude and relief.

As the article points out, renewables are "bio-mimicry based on nature", their design intended to remain as simple and functional as possible. This is why, in large part, renewables are more reliable - as seen when 2011's tsunami hit Japan and wiped out a nuclear plant, while coastal wind turbines remained unharmed.

While Long Island suffered the brunt of Sandy's savagery, which wiped out most of the island's power, the 32mW solar farm stationed there was left in pretty well pristine condition. This was a great source of joy to the nearby residents whose power usage went almost uninterrupted.

This is an encouraging benefit to renewables: that in times of crisis, they can be relied upon not only to carry the burden of our energy use until we can recover, but that they will weather the storm far better than most of us.

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It's a question we've all wondered when considering solar: we live in Ontario, right? So what happens when December hits and we're gifted with a blanket of new-fallen snow? Will our panels still produce energy?

According to a joint study by Queen's University and St. Lawrence College, the answer is yes. It turns out that even in heavy snowfall, power losses in this part of Canada are minimal. Of course, you won't be generating nearly the same amount as you would in July, but snow, it seems, has little to do with it.

In fact, there is a phenomenon known as the albedo effect which some of us may have been unfortunate enough to experience when we get a sunburn on a ski trip - it's the sun's rays reflecting off of snow, and it can produce a significant amount of energy. This may have something to do with the surprising power generation many Ontarians experience during the winter months.

The study, correlating data from several solar PV projects across the province, concluded that while heavy snowfall could temporarily cause solar blackouts (periods of zero energy production), most PV panels don't stay snow-covered for long, even in mid-winter. This means, of course, that solar system owners may want to consider a proactive approach to keeping their panels clean and clear, but even an untended system will still yield unexpected energy levels.

If you'd like more info about what you can do to maximize your winter generation - and still stay safe atop that ladder - give us a ring. We'd be happy to answer any of your questions, and we'd love to hear from you!

Think Clearly!