TORONTO, Ontario
 
Today the Ontario government announced the cancellation of 758 renewable energy contracts. The vast majority of the contracts (over ninety per cent) are small, rooftop contracts owned by farmers, schools, municipalities and First Nations. Any savings to Ontarians’ hydro bills attributed to the cancellation would be negligible.
 
“It’s preposterous to tie the cancellation of these community projects to savings on the electricity bills of Ontarians,” said John Gorman, President & CEO of the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). “The folks who are hurt and angry today are the customers who were counting on saving money on their electricity bills by generating their own electricity.”

The move to cancel the small, renewable energy contracts—also known as FIT contracts—further undermines investor confidence in Ontario’s energy market. CanSIA estimates that half a billion dollars of planned investment will leave Ontario as a result and forecasts loses of 6,000 jobs in the province.

“This is not about big business,” says Gorman. “This is about rooftop projects that are owned by community groups. The folks that will be hurt are the installers and contractors and the engineers… the local guys, the little guys who have built up experience in building solar over the last few years.”

About CanSIA:
A national, not-for-profit association, CanSIA works on behalf of its members to facilitate and promote the responsible and sustainable growth of solar energy across Canada. CanSIA provides education and networking opportunities for members, researches and develops renewable energy policy options for different levels of Canada’s government and implements a broad range of communications activities on solar energy.
 
For more information, please contact Isabel Payne at isabel@cansia.ca. 

Toronto, ON    June 29, 2018
 
Today, the Government of Ontario announced the appointment of the Honorable Greg Rickford as Ontario’s new Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) welcomes the opportunity to support Minister Rickford in fulfilling the government’s commitment to lower electricity bills for Ontario families, businesses and its diverse communities.
 
“Solar energy is unique because it provides a hands-on way for individuals, business and communities to produce and manage their own electricity in a more cost-effective way,” said John Gorman, President & CEO of CanSIA. “Indeed, the vast majority of projects our industry has secured in the last couple of years are in partnership with First Nations, Métis, municipalities, cooperatives and the agricultural community.”
 
CanSIA will work closely with Minister Rickford and the Ford government to find efficiencies in the existing electricity system. Future investments in Ontario’s electricity system can be avoided by producing and managing local electricity where and when it is needed. “Modernizing Ontario’s electricity system and saving Ontarians money is about giving the people control over how they produce and manage their needs,” said Gorman. “And when you keep electricity local, you help keep jobs local.”
 
CanSIA welcomes the opportunity to bring forward its recent research and recommendations for streamlining Ontario’s legacy regulatory and policy framework as a means to helping Minister Rickford deliver on this government’s intention to find cost-efficiencies in the electricity sector. “Removing regulatory barriers and recognizing the value of technologies that put control in the hands of the consumer is the best way to save money,” said Gorman.
 
On behalf of the solar industry, CanSIA would like to again welcome Minister Rickford to Ontario’s electricity sector and we look forward to working with this government to unleash its full potential for Ontario consumers.
 
About CanSIA:
 
A national, not-for-profit association, CanSIA works on behalf of its members to facilitate and promote the responsible and sustainable growth of solar energy across Canada. CanSIA provides education and networking opportunities for members, researches and develops renewable energy policy options for different levels of Canada’s government and implements a broad range of communications activities on solar energy.
 
For more information, please contact Isabel Payne at isabel@cansia.ca. 
​

OTTAWA, CAN, May 1, 2018 - The Ontario Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Chris Ballard, has announced a new solar energy and energy storage program which will run through the Green Ontario Fund.
 
This new program allows homeowners and business owners to access funding making solar energy and energy storage systems more affordable, thus empowering them to generate their own electricity and better manage their energy usage. All this, while helping to fight climate change and transition Ontario towards a clean energy and innovation economy.
 
Approximately $90 million has been designated towards this program, which is expected to launch this summer. It will further build upon Ontario’s climate leadership and its solar success story, which not only created over 5,000 local jobs, but also continues to make the province a global leader in solar.
 
“The Ontario government has demonstrated its commitment to both creating jobs and a cleaner environment with the announcement of this new solar energy and energy storage program,” explained Thomas Timmins, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA).
 
“Ontario electricity consumers have clearly signaled they want to save money on their electricity bills. With this new program, Ontarians can affordably access innovative solar and energy storage solutions to achieve lower energy costs,” remarked Wesley Johnston, Vice President of CanSIA.
 
Interested homeowners and business owners are encouraged to register online to receive updates regarding the solar energy and energy storage rebate program, including when qualified contractors have been confirmed. To learn more about the GreenON Solar Energy and Energy Storage Program please visit www.GreenON.ca.
 
To learn more about solar energy and the best way for consumers to go solar, please visit the Canadian Solar Industries Association at www.CanSIA.ca.
 
About CanSIA
 
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. CanSIA’s vision for Canada’s solar energy industry is for solar electricity to be a mainstream energy source and an integral part of Canada’s diversified electricity mix by 2020, operating in a supportive and stable policy and regulatory environment within a similar time frame. Follow CanSIA on Twitter and Facebook.
 
Media contact: Isabel Payne / isabel@cansia.ca

Ottawa, Ontario, February 28, 2018  - The Federal Government continues to build on Canada’s national climate action and clean growth efforts with the proposal to extend the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (ACCA) for energy efficiency and clean energy technology by five years in the Business Income Tax Measures in Federal Budget 2018.  ACCA is an important tax policy previously scheduled to sun-set in 2020 that enables businesses who make investments in technologies such as solar energy to defer taxation to later years thus enabling them to better manage their energy costs and encouraging them to make lower-carbon investments.
 
“The extension of this important provision will provide certainty for the clean energy sector and a clear signal that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting Canada’s transition to a lower-carbon energy future” said John Gorman, President & CEO, Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA).

-30-

​For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
Erin Seegmiller, Communications & Admin Coordinator
Canadian Solar Industries Association
613-736-9077 (ext. 221)
​eseegmiller@cansia.ca

The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) recognized outstanding achievements in the solar industry at the fifth annual Game Changer Awards, hosted at Solar Canada 2017 on December 5. The awards recognize the excellence of the many individuals and organizations that have helped the solar energy industry mature by pursuing the path that will lead us to an even brighter future.

For the first year ever, CanSIA assembled a Game Changer Awards Jury, made up of active leaders of renewable energy industry, to carry out the difficult task of selecting the award winners. After much deliberation and consultation, the Jury selected the following winners (click on the name to see project details):

Remote/Indigenous Solar Project
JAZZ Solar Solutions in partnership with Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation

Solar Developer of the Year
City of Toronto

Smart Energy Innovation
Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada Inc.

Solar PV Project of the Year
Oxford Properties Group

Solar Service Excellence
Apricity Renewables Inc.

Scroll down to see photos!

Partnered with CanSIA, Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) presented the Woman of Distinction Award for Solar to Janice Ashworth, General Manager at the Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative.

“This year marks the third year of the annual Solar Power Woman of Distinction Award,”, said Joanna Osawe, WiRE Co-Founder and Co-Chair. “Janice’s impressive track record was well received by the adjudication panel.”

All nominees are evaluated on their merits of excellence in leadership, advocacy, research and development, community engagement and efforts to increase the adoption of solar power technologies.

​“Janice’s valuable contribution to her community and to the solar sector more broadly is clear,” said Rebecca Black, WiRE Co-Founder. “She represents the  leadership that we need as we transition to a sustainable energy future, driven by strong diverse  perspectives”.

The ambition, energy and creativity of the Canada’s young solar professionals ensures our industry continues to move upward. ELSE’s Emerging Solar Leader award celebrates those new to our industry whom have contributed significantly to solar in 2017 and show promise to continue on as future leaders.

​After receiving many Emerging Solar Leader applications, ELSE awarded Alexander Palkovsky.

Alexander started his career in the solar energy industry in June of 2015 with Solar Flow Through Funds ("SFF") after finishing his undergrad studies at the Ivey School of Business.

Over his two years and half years with SFF, Alexander brought 31 commercial rooftop projects from FIT contract award to COD, financed nearly $50MM of small FIT projects, and led SFF through the development of the company’s first portfolio of ground-mount projects to a construction-ready stage. By the end of 2017, this aggregate portfolio will amount to nearly 15 MW of solar energy capacity added to Ontario’s electrical grid.

Alexander has recently joined Brookfield Renewable.

​Remote/Indigenous Solar Project
Remote/Indigenous solar projects serve as natural showcases for solar energy, benefiting both the local populace and the wider environment.  This award will recognize the commitment and excellence by remote community and Indigenous groups that choose to make a difference with solar.

Nominees include: 

• ​Amp
• Batchewana First Nation
• JAZZ Solar Solutions in partnership with Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation
• KB Racking
• Solar Now
• Vancouver Renewable Energy Co-op

Solar Service Excellence
Recognizes service excellence in the delivery of support services to the solar sector from any of the engineering, construction, legal, accounting, banking and financial service industries, with an emphasis on the biggest or most creative financing deals, ethical practice and/or health and safety excellence.

Nominees include:

• ​Apricity Renewables Inc.
• HES PV Limited
  
• KB Racking
• KB Racking
• Polaron Solartech Corp.
• Zon Engineering Inc.

Solar PV Project of the Year
Awarded to the Institutional, Commercial or Industrial (ICI) or community solar PV project that, either through high visibility, meaningful stakeholder engagement or innovative features, has helped the solar PV industry become mainstream.

Nominees include:

• Amp
• ATCO
• ATCO
• City of Leduc 
• Elemental Energy
• IKEA Canada
• Oxford Properties Group
• Solera Sustainable Energies Company Limited

Solar Developer of the Year
Recognizes excellence in the responsible development of projects through such practices as meaningful stakeholder engagement, strong project management, predicted output and project returns.

Nominees include:

• City of Toronto
• David Sala of EDF EN Canada Inc.
• Elemental Energy
• Grasshopper Solar
• Sycamore Energy Inc

Smart Energy Innovation
Solar energy is playing an increasingly pivotal role in comprehensive approaches to energy management.  This award will recognize successful and innovative efforts to integrate solar into a holistic energy management environment.

Nominees include:

• Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada Inc.
• Sentinel Solar
• Toronto Hydro 

The Game Changer Award Jurors are active members of the Canadian renewable energy industry, who offer valuable insight and perspective in selecting the Game Changer Award winners. 

The CanSIA Board Nominations and Awards Committee are actively involved guiding with the Game Changer Awards and the selection process. 

The application process for the Game Changer Awards is now closed. Thank you all who participated. Winners will be announced on December 5! 

Every year, CanSIA and members of the industry get together to look back on the year's achievements and toast the innovators and inspiring leaders at CanSIA's annual Game Changer Awards. This year, we will be hosting a Game Changer Awards Brunch on December 5, in conjunction with Solar Canada. 

It's time to recognize your and your organization's important work. But first and foremost, it's time to apply for a Game Changer Award! 

Here are the top three reasons to apply for CanSIA's Game Changer Awards: 

Increase awareness 
The solar industry is filled with unsung heroes that are committed to building a greener and economically sustainable future for Canadians. Let your work shine - raise your organization's profile with the new title 'Game Changer Award Winner'. Game Changer Award winners are not only announced at Solar Canada, but also recognized and celebrated throughout the year in CanSIA's digital and print communications. 

Motivate others 
You're proud of what your organization has accomplished and you want to celebrate it with the rest of the industry. Moreover, your colleagues will appreciate being recognized for their hard work and ingenuity. The experience of winning together will be something your team won't soon forget! 

It has never been easier 
No need to wait for a nomination to roll your way, simply fill out an application yourself. Check out the Game Changer Award categories to find one that is a good fit for you and your organization. 

This year, we are introducing a new award: Solar Industry's Choice Award. The recipient will be honoured for leading by example, demonstrating long-term thinking for the industry and a win/win attitude. And for the first time ever, CanSIA Members will have the chance to vote on the winner! Answer two questions and you'll be done applying for this award. 

The application process for the Game Changer Awards is now closed. Thank you all who participated. Winners will be announced on December 5! ​

​Thank you for your interest in nominating or applying for a Game Changer Award. Please review the questions below. 

For the first time ever, CanSIA Members will have the opportunity to vote on a winner based on the candidate's answers to the following questions. 

1. Please provide a brief summary of your accomplishments (educational, volunteer, career, etc.), particularly pertaining to the solar industry.
2. Describe an instance(s) where you looked beyond personal short-term gain to the longer term health and growth of the industry on a whole.  In what way(s) have you acted and inspired others to think and act in the long-term interests of the industry?

1. Summary: Set out a brief synopsis of the initiative (i.e. project, technology, service).  This summary may be used during the event promotion.
2. Description: Please provide as much detail as you can to describe the initiative.  Simply provide a description of the project, technology, service, etc.  being considered.  Do not address here how it was done or what it achieved.
3. Innovative Approach: Please describe which kind of innovation and creative approach that was used to achieve outstanding results.  In what way has the initiative pushed the envelope of current norms, traditional results and standard approaches?  25/100 points
4. Economic Benefit: Highlight the benefits, with a sense of financial benefit, cost savings, emission reductions or other directly attributable benefits of the initiative.  Did this initiative deliver or exceed anticipated value, results and returns?  If you include confidential and commercially sensitive information, it will be treated as such.  Please ensure you note the following - do not publicize. 25/100 points
5. Engagement: In what way(s) did the nominee undergo meaningful stakeholder/customer engagement and how has it been incorporated into the design and execution of the initiative?  Highlight the manner in which the initiative was communicated to promite the importance and benefits of solar energy while achieving business and stakeholder/client objectives. Demonstrate how the proponent listened to its audience and acted on the advice.  25/100 points
6. Corporate and Sustainable Responsibility: Describe the environmentally conscientious approach during the design and execution of the initiative. Give concrete examples of how your initiative has benefited the environment (ex: saved X amount of CO2 emissions, reduced X amount of GHG, etc.) Explain the ways and manners by which this initiative was undertaken with the intent of demonstrating true corporate responsibility. 25/100 points

Protecting and serving consumers by ensuring a fair, safe and informed marketplace is important to CanSIA and to our Member companies. Therefore, in early June of 2016, CanSIA initiated new consumer protection policies to fulfill this responsibility.

CanSIA’s introduction of a new standard

Leveraging the experience of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) (the American equivalent of CanSIA) and in consultation with its members, CanSIA developed a set of standards in 2016 to serve as a blueprint for the future.  The ‘Solar Business Code of Conduct’,  ‘Going Solar: A Guide for Consumers’ and a robust complaint resolution process were introduced to provide potential consumers with the tools to educate themselves, assess their needs and source reputable solar retailers. 

With the swift uptake from Canadian solar companies, it was evident that high quality standards are not only important to the consumer, but important to the companies themselves. Members take pride in ensuring consumers recognize the value and security associated with the ‘Proud CanSIA Member’ logo.

Fact: The high cost of electricity has little to do with energy costs themselves, and are largely embedded in the service charges billed to consumers. In fact, the introduction of renewable energy technologies will ensure that in the long term, energy costs will stabilize.

Fact: Public opinion polls show that Ontarians support the provincial government’s renewable energy shift, and are in favour of increased investment in renewable energy technologies.

Fact: Investment in renewable energy technology has resulted in the creation of jobs, and has a positive economic impact for the province and the municipalities that host renewable energy sites. Since 2008, renewable energy projects have invested over $14 billion in Ontario’s economy.

Fact: As we move toward the implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan, there is a projected increase in energy demand and Ontario will need to meet this increase in a cost effective and carbon neutral way.

Visit renewourfuture.ca and take action. Ask the provincial government to renew their commitment to renewable energy by submitting an email to the Minister of Energy, Glenn Thibeault and your local MPP.