Ontario brings more clean solar power online, creates jobs

Jul 31, 2012

Ontario’s newest rooftop solar installation is bringing more clean electricity online while creating good jobs for families.

The rooftop solar project at Jamieson Laboratories’ manufacturing plant in Windsor is one of the largest rooftop solar projects to come online since Ontario’s Feed-In Tariff program was introduced.

The project, to be completed this fall, will have a total of 4,500 solar panels. Once completed, this project will generate 1.3 megawatts of clean electricity — enough to power 120 homes each year. During its peak construction period, this project is expected to create about 70 jobs.

Through the manufacturing, construction and installation of this project, Solar Power Network is partnering with suppliers in Windsor, Mississauga, and Wallaceburg.

Growing the clean energy sector is an important part of the McGuinty government’s plan to create and support jobs for Ontario families while ensuring we have the electricity we need to power our homes, schools, hospitals and the economy.

QUOTES
"Our plan to ensure a sustainable, clean energy system in Ontario is working. The Feed-In Tariff program encourages local participation in Ontario’s clean energy economy and creates new jobs. As we increase the supply of clean, renewable energy, we move closer to completely eliminating dirty coal-fired electricity generation by 2014, creating cleaner air for future generations.”
— Chris Bentley, Minister of Energy

“At Jamieson, we are always looking for efficient, sustainable manufacturing solutions. We are proud to be part of Ontario’s growing clean energy sector—contributing clean energy to the electricity grid and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.”
— John Falls, VP of Global Operations, Jamieson Laboratories

“Solar Power Network believes that the solar industry is the future of Ontario’s electricity generation. With the province’s support, we are transforming unused rooftop space into sources of clean electricity generation and providing value to businesses and communities.”
— Peter Goodman, President and CEO, Solar Power Network

QUICK FACTS
• Ontario is home to the largest solar projects in the country and is the leading solar energy producer in Canada.
• Ontario has about 500 megawatts of solar PV capacity online and has more than 1,600 megawatts of additional solar PV capacity under contract. This is expected to produce enough electricity to power over 250,000 homes.
• Eliminating coal-fired electricity in Ontario is the single largest greenhouse gas reduction measure in North America.

LEARN MORE
Read Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan
Learn more about the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit
Learn more about renewable energy in Ontario

For media inquiries only call:
Jennifer Kett, Minister's Office, 416-327-6747
jennifer.kett@ontario.ca
Georgina Kourakos, Communications Branch, 416-325-0294
georgina.kourakos2@ontario.ca

For public inquiries call:
1-888-668-4636  TTY: 1-800-239-4224 ontario.ca/energy-news

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