Solutions - Summary of Editions
Welcome to Solutions, a newsletter issued through-out the year covering solar energy production in Ontario, as seen from the eyes of an industry insider.
Anu Day, our news editor, brings you all the latest updates on what's happening in the world of renewable energy. New products, government legislation, innovations, what to look for in (a bunch of things) and of course a little humour. He also looks at a few answers to some hard nosed questions concerning solar installers, solar components, solar aestectics, solar pricing, and anything else solar that is top of mind and needs a platform.
We hope you find his insights useful, and maybe even a bit fun.
Editions to date include:
- The July/August 2010 issue discusses recent OPA decisions, explains in simple terms how energy reaches the grid, and reviews a few interesting new products. Enjoy...
- The October 2010 issue answers some basic questions on qualifying for the MicroFIT program, determining proper system size, and comparing quotes from different suppliers based on a checklist of installation tasks.
- In December 2010 I touch on the recent increase in solar applications to the OPA, talk about easy and attainable methods of saving energy in the home, and look at some of the issues facing the UK with their new Feed-In-Tariff program. Check it out....
- For the February 2011 issue I've taken a look at ideas on how to manage snow on your panels and how solar is growing in Ontario. I've also included a recent TV clip from Global on how to select a good solar installer, and more...
- The May 2011 edition takes a peak in our rear view mirror. We are closing in on 2 years with the Ontario MicroFIT and FIT programs, and it's time to test our knowledge on environmental issues. Yet the real message is that there are people who wish to do away with renewable energy incentives, and if you are getting serious at all I advise you react quickly to optimize your financial returns.
- In the July 2011 issue I discuss some practical ways of judging solar providers, what the election banter is all about in Ontario, and what's happening in other parts of the world, including some new policies and a radical new product. Enjoy.
- Our September 2011 issue talks about the opportunity to grandfather the current Feed-In-Tariff rates as we face the provincial election promises. I also look at the planned pricing review of renewable incentives, I talk about oil prices, questions you may want to ask your solar installer, and touch on a few pretty cool new products. Have fun.
- In January 2012 I talk a little about what the pending new MicroFIT program, solar tax implications (yippee), how to guage the size of your panel versus your inverter, and Denmark's commitment to be carbon neutral by mid-century. I also spill a little ink on a recent Michael Jackson Memorial that includes renewable energy, and a new coffee house you just won't believe. Pull up a fire place and enjoy the read.