Under the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program, established under Ontario’s Green Energy Act, Stone Mills awarded a contract to Strathcona Solar Initiatives in 2010 to apply to the Ontario Power Authority for a FIT contract, and to supply and install 560 rooftop-mounted solar panels on it’s roads department facility in Centreville.

Strathcona Solar Initiatives, a local company based in Stone Mills, is active in the installation of FIT and microFIT projects throughout the province.

Stone Mills Township recognizes the potential for solar photovoltaic projects under the FIT program, and initiated the plan to use the rooftops of the existing sand/salt building and the new roads facility for the 126 kilowatt system, to deliver a new source of revenue to the municipality.

The system began commercial operation in July, and will generate $2.4 million in revenue over the length of the 20-year contract. Stone Mills Township officials believe the addition of solar energy generation to its portfolio will prove to be a strong and consistent revenue source.

For more information, call the Stone Mills Township office at 613-378-2475.

Origin: Napanee Guide

Belleville already has solar grids on such places as the offices across from city hall and the large solar farm on the roof at the Quinte Sports Centre. Mayor Neil Ellis expects this latest project at Meyers Pier to generate about a thousand dollars a month and will be paid for out of capital….or if a loan is required, the payback would soon pay off the loan. City Council has awarded the installation contract to Strathcona Solar Initiatives at a cost of 59-thousand dollars.

The total investment for the project is in excess of $2 million and will create employment and boost the economy in the municipality. “The addition of solar energy to our power generation portfolio is an important step in strengthening and diversifying our local economy,” commented Kapuskasing mayor, Al Spacek. Mayor Spacek continued, “Our investments in renewable energy are creating new jobs and helping build a stronger community.”

A forward thinking municipality, Kapuskasing recognized the potential for solar panel projects under Ontario’s Green Energy Act and has a plan to use vacant properties for solar projects that deliver a new source of revenue to the municipality.

“We are pleased to be partnering in this important microFIT project in Northern Ontario,” said Les Lyster, CEO of Eclipsall. “We see this as another growth opportunity for Eclipsall.”

Eclipsall Energy Group is a vertically integrated solar company. Already established as a manufacturer of high performance 60 and 72 cell PV modules, the company has since added an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) division, Eclipsall Solar, as well as a project development and financing division, Eclipsall Development. The Eclipsall Energy Group has currently in excess of 400 MW of projects under development in North America, South America, Africa, India, and Europe.

Dual axis trackers are more complex in design, using additional motors and sensors to track the sun. Dual axis also use an “eye” sensor which visually follows the sun, while the single axis tracks the sun using a predictable pattern based on the time of year.

On a cloudy day you’ll find dual axis trackers pointing all over the sky, while the single access tracker points directly where it should be – at the sun. This eliminates any unnecessary tracking movements which only result in additional wear and tear, and loss of power.

Strathcona Solar exclusively uses the Lorentz single axis tracker system for various reasons, which we’ll explain below.

First, let’s take a look at each system.

Single Axis Trackers

• Track the sun from east to west using a single pivot point
• Increase solar yield up to 34%
• Simple, effective design
• Low maintenance
• Lower cost compared to dual axis
• Minimal points of failure

Dual Axis Trackers

• Track the sun from east to west, and north to south using two pivot points
• Increases solar yield up to 37%
• Complex design – more motors and sensors
• Higher maintenance
• Higher cost due to additional parts and installation time
• Additional points of failure

Final Result?

Studies have shown dual axis trackers may only provide an additional 3% solar harvest. With the added cost of equipment, higher maintenance costs, and high potential downtime, dual axis trackers may actually be less productive in the long run.

Dr David Lubitz, Assistant Professor, University of Guelph, School of Engineering studied 217 solar tracker sites across North America and wrote a scientific paper based on his findings. He found the difference gained by using a dual axis tracker instead of a single axis was relatively limited, barely 3-4%. A graph with the results of Dr Lubitz’s study is located below.

When you’re looking for a reliable, low maintenance solar tracker, single axis trackers are the best way to go.

The study analyzed nearly 2,000 homes in California that have sold with PV installed. Research found strong evidence that California homes with PV systems have sold for a premium over comparable homes without PV.

Some of their key findings include:

• The average home sales price increases from $3.9 to $6.4 per installed watt (DC) of PV. This translates into $39,000 to $64,000 based on a 10Kw system.
• The averages appear to be comparable to the investment homeowners have made to install PV systems.

“This is a sizable effect,” says co-author and Staff Scientist Ryan Wiser of Berkeley Lab. “This research might influence the decisions of homeowners considering installing a PV system and of home buyers considering buying a home with PV already installed. Even new home builders that are contemplating PV as a component of their homes can benefit from this research.”

The day was filled with golf, steak supper and prizes for everyone.

Strathcona Solar - Schuco Golf Tournament

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