About CanSIA
Who We Are
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. Since 1992, CanSIA has worked to develop a strong, efficient, ethical and professional Canadian solar energy industry with capacity to provide innovative solar energy solutions and to play a major role in the global transition to a sustainable, clean-energy future.
Our History
The Canadian Solar Industries Association was formed in 1978 to serve the interests of Canada's solar thermal industry, and was known as the CSIA. The Canadian Photovoltaic Industries Association (CPIA) was formed in 1989 to represent the interests of the new PV industry. Due to cutbacks of financial support from the federal government in the early 1990s the two associations, with common goals and utilizing the same energy source as the basis of their technologies, joined together in 1992 to promote the professional and practical use of solar technologies in Canada. CSIA merged with CPIA in 1992, and the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) has existed in this form since then.
Our Mission
CanSIA works on behalf of its members to facilitate and promote the responsible and sustainable growth of solar energy across Canada. CanSIA members are companies involved with the delivery of solar energy products and services in Canada, or with the delivery of other products and services to Canada’s solar energy sector. CanSIA proudly represents manufacturers, installers, project developers, builders, architects, engineers, consultants, and a variety of other companies and organizations who contribute directly to the growing number of solar projects in Canada.
Our Changing Future
On November 28, 2019, the memberships of both CanSIA and the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) voted on the proposed amalgamation of the two organizations into a new multi-technology association. The overwhelming endorsement of the proposal by members of both associations demonstrated clear support to proceed with amalgamation on July 1, 2020 as a priority. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association will deliver a significantly strengthened value proposition to the members of both associations and allow us to bring forward comprehensive solutions and advocate with a stronger voice to increase the deployment of solar energy, wind energy and energy storage technologies across Canada.
