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OPA microFIT Program

MicroFIT program has been designated for micro level rooftop or ground mounted electricity generation project which enjoys the highest purchase rate. The most common example is solar photovoltaic panel (PV) system installed on roof top.

To be eligible for microFIT program the project capacity must be 10kw or less and will be paid the highest rate of $0.802/Kwh.
Participating in microFIT program is a streamlined process. Anyone can signup by applying online with minimum paperwork and there is no application fee!
For more information,

FIT Program and microFIT program
Under the newly enacted green energy act the Provincial Govt. of Ontario has introduced a very progressive Fed-in-Tariff (FIT) Program for the residents of Ontario Province. This program ensures, by law, that the Govt. of Ontario will buy all the power generated from various renewable energy sources at a very attractive price.

Salient Features of the program

  • Once the contract is signed the rate of purchase is guaranteed and locked for 20 (twenty) yrs in respective of changes of the program or Government
  • The rates fixed under FIT for the electricity you produce and deliver to Provincial Grid is many times higher than the rate you pay for the electricity you consume from the Grid. This ensures you a good rate of return on your investment
  • Any homeowner, small & large business owner, farm owner, institutions like church & school, industries & commercial plazas can participate in the program by setting up power generation projects on their building and ground property
  • By participating in FIT program you are a part of green energy movement, helping in reducing green house gases, protecting the environment, and helping in creating new local business and jobs
  • You can also participate by way of leasing other's roof top, land or by way of forming co-operative
 
Solar Electricity Purchase Price for FIT Program:
Installation type Project size Contract price for 20yrs
Rooftop

 

>10Kw<250Kw

 

$0.713/Kwh

 

Rooftop

 

>250Kw<500Kw

 

$0.635/Kwh

 

Rooftop

 

>500Kw

 

$0.539/Kwh

 

Ground mount

 

<10Mw

 

$0.443/Kwh

 

Participating process is generally streamlined but need more time to complete the application process and getting approval.

If you are looking for a good business opportunity, FIT program is a good option for you having a secured market for your product over 20 (twenty) years, having no payroll, no raw materials input and only a little overhead.

If you own or able to organize large rooftop or land (classification applied), then, contact us for a feasibility study and starting the process. Typically a 100Kw system on a roof area of 10000-12000sft will generate a revenue of around $90000 per year.

 
Pricing and Income Projection:
The pricing of installed systems vary on different factors such as system size, location, type of installation (rooftop or ground mount), size accessibility etc. Some typical costs for microFit are furnished below:
 
System size

 

Installed cost

 

Annual gross revenue
(conservative assessment)

 

ROI%

 

Roof area

 

3.50Kw

 

33250

 

$3509

 

10.55

 

350sft

 

4Kw

 

37600

 

$4010

 

10.66

 

400sft

 

5Kw

 

46000

 

$5012

 

10.92

 

500sft

 

10Kw

 

83000

 

$10025

 

12

 

1000sft

 

 
The above cost and revenue earning projection is indicative only. Actual cost and power production will vary according to site, sun irradiance, shading, panel orientation and periodic maintenance etc. In addition, other incentives may become available in future. Ground mounted system cost is somewhat likely to be less. There are little extra cost for connectivity and meter. Some additional cost will be there if the distance from project to connection point is unusually long. A correct quote of your requirement can only be provided after assessment of your site and designing the system most suitable for your location.
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
 

How much roof area do I need for installing panels?
 Appx. 100sqft of roof area is needed to install 1Kw panels.

How much ground area do I need for installing panels?
Appx. 200sqft of ground area is needed to install 1Kw panels.

What is the life of a solar system?
With proper maintenance a solar panels can produce power for 25 yrs

What is the affect of shade on productivity of panels?
The affect is damaging. A little bit of shade over any part of panels can make your solar system produce a lot less energy. The less shade, the better. Shade on even 5% of your panels can reduce system's power output significantly.

What should be the orientation of the panels?
Orientation and location of panels are most important to harvest maximum power from the system. Since Canada is in the northern hemisphere the panels should ideally face South, the path of sun movement. South East or South West is the secondary options. Again, West is better than East because of late afternoon sun.

What should be the roof condition for installing solar panels?
Check the structural condition of your roof at the time of applying for building permit. If your roof renovation is imminent you can consider roof renovation and installing the system at the same time.

What if I have too renovate the roof during lifetime of the system?
Just dismantle the panels and get it reinstalled along with the roof.

How do I get payment from OPA?
You will be getting payment from your LDC on a regular billing cycle.

What are the financing options available for installing solar systems? House refinance or second mortgage / Line of credit / Leasing companies

What about the tax issues?
Since your property value is increased, it is likely to be a issue with revenue Canada. Please consult your accountant and ask for any rebate available for renewable energy capital cost.

What is the impact of selling the property?
Your resell value will be increased due to the presence of a secured regular earning source installed in the property.
How To Proceed
Contact us for a free on site assessment at 905-450-0292
or
E-mail us at RHCsolar@BellNet.ca
or come and see us at our Showroom
289 Rutherford Rd. South #20
Brampton, Ont L6W 3R9