The project was developed by CarbonFree Technology Inc., a leading solar project developer active across North America. The system itself is owned and operated by BrightRoof Solar LP, a partnership formed in 2010 by CarbonFree and Connor Clark & Lunn Infrastructure to develop, own and operate at least $100 million of solar power systems across Ontario.
Algoma Orchards was eager to use their roof to host a large solar power system, and we are thrilled to help them achieve their goal, said David Oxtoby, CEO of CarbonFree Technology.
The system will generate approximately 575 megawatt hours of clean electricity per year, enough electricity to power 48 average Ontario homes. This energy will offset an estimated 116 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, and it will be fed into the grid under a 20-year Feed-In Tariff contract with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA).
In addition to generating clean electricity, the project helps Ontarios economy. More than 60 per cent of the content of the system was sourced from Ontario-based suppliers.
The system uses 1,940 polycrystalline silicon modules, manufactured by MEMC in Newmarket, ON. The modules are mounted at a 10-degree angle on ballasted racking made by SunEdison Canada in Scarborough, ON. The system output is converted to AC electricity using three inverters made by PV Powered in Mississauga, ON.
The system was installed over an eight-week period by RESCo Energy Inc., using locally sourced labour. RESCo, which is based in Mississauga, ON, will also provide long-term operations and maintenance.
Sustainability and smart energy management are a way of life at Algoma, said Kirk Kemp, president of Algoma Orchards, at a launch event for the system held today.
Algoma Orchards won an award from the Ontario Ministry of Environment in 2011 for being the first fresh produce facility in North America to install a large-scale water recycling system. The company has also entered into a demand response agreement with the OPA, through which it can temporarily reduce electricity use by up to 400 kW during periods of peak grid demand.
