Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Ontario Solar Network to Convene Town Hall Meeting on the OPA's Proposed microFIT Rate Changes

Event Details

Ontario Solar Network to Convene Town Hall Meeting on the OPA's Proposed microFIT Rate Changes

Time: July 22, 2010 from 7pm to 9:30pm
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
City/Town: Vaughan, ON
Website or Map: http://www.ontariosolarnetwor…
Event Type: town, hall, meeting
Organized By: Ontario Solar Network
Latest Activity: Jul 21, 2010

Export to Outlook or iCal (.ics)

Event Description

Solar Market Confidence Shaken in Light of McGuinty Government Flip Flop
Ontario Solar Network to Convene Town Hall Meeting on the OPA's Proposed microFIT Rate Changes

On July 22, from 7:00 - 9:30 pm, Ontario Solar Network (OSN) will host an open town hall meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Vaughan, ON to discuss the Ontario Power Authority's (OPA) proposed price changes for microFIT projects (under 10kW). Free to the general public, this event will feature leaders in Ontario's solar industry and Ben Chin, VP Communications, Ontario Power Authority (OPA).

At issue is the OPA's plans to reduce microFIT contract rates for ground-mounted solar projects from 80.2c /kWh to 58.8c /kWh. The rationale stems from a perceived higher rate of return that ground-mounted PV systems enjoy over rooftop installations.

Critics of the change point out the crippling effect that reduced incentives could have on an industry very much in its infancy. Of the 16,000 microFIT applications pending approval, nearly 60% are for ground-mounted installations. An online petition to fight these proposed changes, argues, "Fewer ground mount systems will be sold, and public trust in the integrity of the program will be lost if [they] do not act now."

Ontario Solar Network's Chairman, Jacob Travis, comments that, "While the OPA is understandably concerned about keeping the program solvent for as long as possible, opponents of the price changes are rightfully worried about the global effects on Ontario's new solar market." The OPA's promise was stable pricing. The proposed change calls that into question and shakes the market's confidence.

Travis, who also serves as director of Ontario Solar Academy, stresses that, "This open event is not about us versus them. We all want the same thing -- a vibrant solar industry. Our goal is to find solutions that benefit all stakeholders. This forum is a vehicle for open communication between those who set the policies and the business community impacted by the changes."

Click here to register for the Town Hall Meeting
Click here to read more about the OPA's pricing change
Click here to read about or sign up for the petition against the change


About Ontario Solar Network

Ontario Solar Network is a non-profit business association comprised of individual solar energy producers, solar businesses, and other stakeholders committed to the highest standards of professionalism.

Comment Wall

Comment

RSVP for Ontario Solar Network to Convene Town Hall Meeting on the OPA's Proposed microFIT Rate Changes to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Attending (1)

Might attend (1)

Not Attending (1)

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Maizex Seeds is Making a Bold Move into Canola with a 2026 Hybrid Launch

In a move that signals its growing ambitions in Western Canada, Maizex Seeds has announced the launch of its first canola hybrids under the Maizex brand, starting with the 2026 growing season. The Canadian farmer-owned seed brand, already known for its strong presence in seed corn, is aiming to bring that same level of performance and service to hybrid canola. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” says Blake Ashton, general manager for Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton confirms that the company will leverage its existing dealer network to roll out the new hybrids, while also looking to expand into regions not currently served. “We are very excited about th

A New Option for Canola Performance: Maizex Seeds Entering Hybrid Canola Seed Market in Western Canada

Maizex Seeds, a Canadian farmer-owned national seed brand focused on the needs of Canadian farmers, has announced the launch of Maizexbrand canola hybrids for farmers across Western Canada. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” notes Blake Ashton, General Manager with Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton notes that Maizex will be working with their current dealer network to position Maizex canola hybrids and will also be looking to add dealers in areas not serviced by the company today. “We are very excited about the potential our initial hybrid offering provides farmers,”notes Jeremy Visser, Oilseed Product Manager with Maizex Seeds. “They combine outstanding

Canadian Pork Council rejoins Canadian Federation of Agriculture

The Canadian Pork Council rejoined the CFA after more than 10 years

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Woods CRW and Merlo Announce Northeast Strategic Dealer Partnership

Merlo America has announced its newest partnership with Woods CRW, officially welcoming the dealership into its growing U.S. network.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service