Germany Installs Millionth Solar Power System

Germany has installed its 1 millionth solar photovoltaic (PV) connected to the power grid.  Now that's commitment!  For more:

http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/22606/germany-installs-millionth-solar-power-system

Ontario's solar industry to hold Town Hall Meeting on feed-in-tariff program changes.

The fastest growing solar market in the world is on pause as the Ontario government invites input from stakeholders on its two-year old Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program. Half way through the six-week FIT Program Review initiated by the new Minister of Energy, Chris Bentley, Ontario Solar Network is bringing industry stakeholders together for a special Town Hall Meeting on Monday, November 28, 7:00-9:00 PM at University of Toronto's OISE Auditorium, 252 Bloor Street West. The event is free and advanced registration is recommended. For more:
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/partner/solar-academy-international/news/article/2011/11/ontarios-solar-industry-to-hold-town-hall-meeting-on-feed-in-tariff-program-changes

Ontario regulator gives utility more time to assess solar-power proposals

Ontario’s energy regulator has granted the province’s largest utility more time to deal with a backlog of solar-power proposals despite concerns from the fledgling industry that further delays could threaten green jobs and cripple investments.  For full globe and mail article :
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ontario/ontario-regulator-gives-utility-more-time-to-assess-solar-power-proposals/article2198026/

Journey to the 1,000,000th Microinverter!

Solar UP energy wishes to congratulate Enphase Energy for shipping their 1,000,000th microinverter.  This milestone shows the true impact of Enphase's unique microinverters and what they can do for residential rooftop solar power production & performance.  For more on their journey:
http://enphase.com/eblog/2011/journey-to-the-1000000th-microinverter/

Thank You from the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association

Dear Members, Friends and Supporters!

Last night, Ontarians re-elected Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario Liberals to a third term of government. Congratulations are in order for the Premier, his team as well as the opposition parties for their gain in seats. We at OSEA look forward to getting to work with the new government and the opposition parties building on the foundation of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, as we improve upon and refine the conservation and renewable energy regulations and programs that will ensure a cleaner, greener and more prosperous Ontario.

Thank you for your hard work, your financial contributions and support. Together we ensured that our policy issues, Green Energy and Community Power, were front and centre during the election.

Once again thank you and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Regards,

Kristopher Stevens
Executive Director
Ontario Sustainable Energy Association

The Ottawa Citizen Looks At Ontario's Future

Voters worried about the costs of renewable energy should look at Germany's booming green and solar economy, writes Chris Turner

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/look+Ontario+future/5486271/story.html#ixzz1a0KYN0qnhe

Team Canada and the Solar Decathalon

Team Canada has partnered with the Native communities of Treaty 7 to design a home that meets their needs and interests. Integrating technology and tradition, TRTL is a unique celebration of innovation and cultural diversity.

We hope that you’ll take a tour, and visit us on the National Mall in Washington D.C., September 23rd – October 2nd, 2011.

Solar Laughs!

Here's a great video clip from the Rick Mercer Report set in Oshawa, Ontario.  David Suzuki even makes a cameo!  Despite the laughs, Mike Holmes covers the benefits of solar power.

Solar Short Takes Gold at Film Fest!

This James Bond inspired short was the winning film in this year's Environment Minnesota contest.  Enjoy!

Moving Planet is Happening Today!

Moving Planet is a worldwide day to move beyond fossil fuels, with over 2000 events in more than 175 countries...and it is happening today, Septmeber 24.  This picture is from Jaca, Spain and gatherings like this are happening all over the globe to support renewable energy, like wind and solar power, as viable replacements for fossil fuels.  To see more pictures of other events go to: http://www.moving-planet.org/

The Star talks "The Politics of Power"

The Oct. 6 election is the closest campaign in recent Ontario history — not just in the polls, but also the policies of the three major parties. Their slogans are similar and their deficit targets are identical.  But they differ sharply in one key area — energy: what kind to produce, and how to pay for it.
Surprisingly, nuclear power has never been much of a flashpoint (despite the NDP’s opposition). The real lightning rod is renewable energy — solar and wind.  For more:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/provincialelection/article/1056440--cohn-energy-flashpoints-and-the-politics-of-power

Show Your Solar Support!

Ontario’s election is begining, but the future of our clean energy economy is under threat. Some candidates want to rip-up our world-class Green Energy Act, killing thousands of new clean energy jobs and billions of investments.  Power your Vote by telling your candidates that together we will vote for clean energy, new jobs, and healthy communities. 

To vote go to: http://www.leadnow.ca/power-your-vote-ontario

Ontario Leaders warned against axing Green Energy Act

Since all of Ontario's political parties say they want to create jobs, Environmental Defence executive director Rick Smith doesn't understand why some want to scrap, or amend, the Green Energy Act -- which he says does just that.   Read the Full CTV article: http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110913/ontario-election-green-energy-act-110914/20110914/?hub=TorontoNewHome

Renewable Energy - Wind, Water and Solar

Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) television advertisement.

Mike Holmes and Rick Mercer are Going Solar

Even Mike Holmes and Rick Mercer are listening to David Suzuki and investigating Solar Panels and renewable energy in Ontario. 

For more, see Mike Homes Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/photo.php?fbid=197408106996635&set=pu.106571706080276&type=1&theater

Keep the Green Energy Act Alive!

Here is a very educatioal video on Ontario's pioneering

Green Energy Act and how it uses renewable energy like wind and solar

Stand "UP" for Solar

Stand Up for Solar has a new web site with 5 great reasons to "Stand UP"! Check it out:
http://www.standupforsolar.ca/en/reasons/

Hitting the Airwaves in the Hammer!

Solar UP Energy's Hamilton, Ontario radio campaign launches on 5 major radio stations, including QX104 Country starting Monday,September 12, 2011. 

For an advance listen tothe spots please check out our You Tube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/SolarUpEnergy

Get Ready for Green Energy Feild Day...

Join the entire province of Ontario as we prepare to celebrate a day dedicated to moving beyond fossil fuels and implementing sustainable programs like solar & wind energy - Sept 24 is Green Energy Feild Day.  For more go to: http://www.wattsnext.ca/

Brighton high school gets photo voltaic

East Northumberland Secondary School continues to head towards greener pastures as it launched a rooftop solar power system Sept. 1.  The project should pay for itself in seven to 10 years.  For more:
http://www.northumberlandnews.com/news/article/1076980--brighton-high-school-gets-photo-voltaic

"Everybody Wins!" with Solar microFIT

Check out Solar UP Energy's catchy new video "Everybody Wins!":

Let the Long Weekend Begin...with the Burlington Ribfest!

There will be plenty of smoke on the water this weekend at Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park as Canada’s Largest Ribfest fires up Friday.

The 16th annual farewell to summer will feature 18 ribber teams from across North America serving up more than 150,000 pounds of ribs to more than 100,000 visitors.
Admission is free, but don’t forget to visit your bank first. It’s an all-cash event, however ATMs are on site.

The four day event opens at 11 a.m. Friday, running until 11 p.m. throughout the weekend, closing at 8 p.m. Monday night.  Last year’s event raised $250,000 for local charities distributed by the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore. In the event’s lifetime, $2.3 million has been raised for local charities.

Bring your kids, keep your pets at home, and visit http://canadaslargestribfest.com/

Understanding Solar Performance in the Real World

Solar UP Energy uses Enphase micro-inverters on all of our solar installations.  Results from a field study demonstrate that solar installations using Enphase micro-inverters are outperforming PVWatts estimates by 8 percent on average.

A review of similar  studies indicates that solar installations using central or 'string' inverters actually underperform PVWatts estimates by 8 percent on average.  Read the entire article: http://enphase.com/eblog/2011/understanding-solar-performance-in-the-real-world/

Clean Coal?

The Coen brothers supply some thoughtful satire on the effects of Coal Power in this spoof TV commercial.  Enjoy!

Hamilton to Host Labour Day Classic!

Get your tickets for this weekend's Tiger-Cats game against the Al's http://www.ticats.ca/main/index

Siliken Solar is in Ontario to Stay

Tyler Hamilton from the Star tackles a hot topic in this article about the FIT program, solar energy and Ontario's manufacturing industry.  Solar manufacturer's like Siliken Solar are committed to Ontario, but need some reassurances in return.  For more go  to:
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1045503--how-to-create-and-destroy-a-solar-export-industry

Solar UP Energy - New Video!!

Solar UP Energy Helps Ontario Home Owners with MicroFIT

Taking advantage of the OPA's microFIT program to make money by selling solar power back to the utility company is smart for Ontario home owners...but the approval process can be challenging.  As recently shown in the Globe & Mail, getting the final connection from the utility company takes expertise.  Let Solar UP energy help you! visit http://www.solarupenergy.com/ tofind out how.

"Always Darkest Before the Dawn"

Checkout the great New video from Shine Ontario:

Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant could employ 200

The city of London is on the short-list for a Samsung solar module manufacturing plant that is looking for a base in Ontario.  For full article:
http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2011/08/22/18587371.html

Ontario government gives stranded solar projects a lifeline

The Ontario government is fixing a glitch in its fledgling bid to become a green-energy powerhouse, offering a lifeline to people worried about losing their solar-panel investments because they can’t get a connection to the power grid. For more:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ontario-government-gives-stranded-solar-projects-a-lifeline/article2135455/

University of Calgary 'Solar House' Enters U.S. Competition

A Wednesday evening ceremony at the University of Calgary kicks off the transport of the solar powered house to Washington, DC to take part in the Solar Decathlon.  The house is designed to be safe and durable, and to be a net-zero solar powered home.   Best of luck to the U of C team.  For more:

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110817/CGY_ecohouse_university_110817/20110817/?hub=CalgaryHome

Walmart makes $2 million Investment in Solar & Wind Energy

Walmart Canada announced it has installed a rooftop solar power-generating system as well as a wind turbine at two separate Walmart Supercentre locations in Ontario, together totalling about $2 million in investment.  For more:
http://www.canadiangrocer.com/top-stories/walmart-makes-2-million-investment-in-renewable-energy-8773

Solar power among renewable projects languishing from Hydro One delays

As this article from the Globe and Mail points out, it is very important to contact your Local Distribution Company (LDC) before investing in a Solar microFIT project.  That'swhy it is best to let our experts at Solar UP Energy take care of everything, including securing your connection with the power company.  Solar UP Energy is "Your Complete Solution" for Solar microFIT installations.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/hooking-up-with-ontarios-hydro-one-not-so-easy/article2127342/

IKEA Gets Solar!

IKEA to go 100 percent renewable, starting with $6.5 million in solar panels.  For more go to:
http://www.grist.org/list/2011-08-12-ikea-to-go-100-percent-renewable-starting-with-6.5-billion-in-so

Putting Ontario-made solar panels to the test

Actually testing the performance of Ontario-made solar panels in Ontario's climate makes sense to us!  For more go to:
http://www.thestar.com/business/cleanbreak/article/1038118--putting-ontario-made-solar-panels-to-the-test#.TkRCPKyhprB.facebook

Hydro One microFIT Map for Ontario

As of Feb 2, 2011 Hydro One reported 6,010 microFIT projects in Ontario.  The OPA's microFIT program is very popular and it's success continues to grow because it helps the Ontario "go green" while property owners "earn green".  That's win-win!  For details on how to take advantage of the OPA's microFIT program please visit our web site: http://solarupenergy.com/solarUPenergyAboutMicrofit.html

Shine Ontario!

Check out this exciting new video on Ontario's Solar Industry  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzIk9InfX60

Liberals Entrench OPA Contracts

Ontario’s Liberal government has entrenched the legal rights of 1,800 proposed renewable energy contracts – making it impossible for a new government to cancel them.  For more:
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1033581--ontario-liberals-entrench-1-800-renewable-power-projects

Greenpeace Extols Virtues of Green Energy

Greempeace representatives visited Kitchener to support Ontario's green energy initiatives, including solar power, versus the development of additional nuclear power plants.  For more:
http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/573714--greenpeace-extols-virtues-of-green-energy

Support Ontario's Green Belt

The Ontario Green Belt is the world’s largest greenbelt at 1.8 million acres of working countryside, it spans across the Greater Golden Horseshoe and extends to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula.


Boasting some of the best agricultural land in Canada, valuable natural resources and significant environmental features, the Greenbelt is also home to vibrant rural communities engaged in diverse economic activities. 

For more on this amazing Ontario exclusive: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page187.aspx

Green Energy Is Good for Ontarians and for Ontario

Yesterday, Brad Duguid Ontario Minister of Energy did more than defend the Green Energy Act. Interviewed by Kristopher Stevens, Executive Director Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, Minister Duguid drew a future of Ontario with four healths that matter:
http://ontario-sea.org/Page.asp?PageID=924&ContentID=3179

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

Real Estate Magazine focused their attention on solar:  "As Realtors representing home buyers and sellers, it’s good business form to be well-versed in innovative strategies that will invariably alter how we live and do business. Being knowledgeable about how solar power can benefit your clients gives you a far-reaching upper hand.  Solar energy is a great alternative to conventional and non-renewable sources of energy such as natural gas, coal and oil. The supply is endless and best of all, free"  Full article: http://www.remonline.com/home/?p=9389

Town of Newmarket, Ontario Goes Solar!

Solar is catching on.  July 28th, the Town of Newmarket and SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider, announced an agreement to deploy four municipal rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.  For more, go to:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/town-of-newmarket-and-sunedison-announce-solar-panel-sustainability-program-2011-07-28-105100?reflink=MW_news_stmp

The Global Clean Energy Race: Ontario's Opportunity

Ontario's feed-in tariff “has put Ontario on the map not just as a leader in Canada but as a model for the world as well,” according to John Podesta, President and CEO, Center for American Progress and former Chief of Staff to US President Bill Clinton in a speech yesterday.  For more: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/07/podesta_canada_speech.html

Experts Agree, Solar Panels "Pay Off"

You could buy a new car for about the same price as installing a solar panel system.
But more homeowners are realizing, investing in the sun’s energy is a worthwhile gambit.  Read the whole article at:
http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1042793--solar-panels-pay-off-expert

Queen's University Developing Ontario Solar Panel Testing Facility

Sustainable energy experts from Queen’s University are leading a multi-partner project aimed at finding out how different weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, impact the effectiveness of solar panels.  For more:
http://www.queensu.ca/news/articles/queens-leads-development-cutting-edge-solar-panel-testing-facility

The Best Investment Under the Sun!

Isn’t it time the roof of your house started making you money? 

Isn’t it time you looked into Solar UP Energy?  

The way smart  Ontario roof-owners can earn UP to twelve thousand dollars a year…putting the sun to work for you with a garanteed microFIT contract from the Ontario Power Authority. 

Ribbon Cut On GTA’s Largest Rooftop Solar Project

July 6th marked the ribbon-cutting of the largest solar installation project in the Greater Toronto Area - and it’s community-owned! The SolarShare WaterView Project features a 438 kW system covering 2.5 acres of the rooftop of the Daimler Buses North America Ltd. manufacturing facility near Lake Ontario in Mississauga.  For more:
http://www.ontario-sea.org/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=3166&SiteNodeID=208&BL_ExpandID=

Watch Out For Shading?

The more time your solar panels spend in the Sun, the more

power your property generates and the more you will earn from your microFIT contract.  Watch out for shading from trees, buildings and other objects.  Remember the sun is lower in the winter than in the summer so a tree that might not be an issue in July may cause a major shading event in December.  Solar UP Energy's site survey will help you make sense of it all.

Help doctors shut down Ontario's coal plants now!

Here is a recent letter to the public from Gideon Forman, Executive Director Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE):

"Dear Friend,

Ontario opposition leader, Tim Hudak, says if elected he will close coal plants by 2014. However, we don't need dirty coal to keep our lights on -- we can shut down coal right now and still meet our energy demands.

Please click here now to email Mr. Hudak and ask him to commit to closing the coal plants this year. Coal smoke doesn't stop at the Ontario border, so no matter where you live, Mr. Hudak needs to hear from you!

Thank you!"

Renewable Energy Races ahead of Nuclear!

A recent report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration reveals that America now receives more of its energy from renewable sources than it does from nuclear generation plants.  Read more: http://inhabitat.com/report-reveals-america-now-receives-more-power-from-renewable-sources-than-nuclear/

NEW: Siliken Solar Panels

Solar UP Energy is proud to announce the addition of Siliken Solar Panels to our line up.  Siliken was recently recognized as the highest performing solar panel by Photon magazine and they are made in Windsor, Ontario so they are microFIT compliant.  For more on Siliken's commitment to Ontario Energy go to:
http://www.silikenusa.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?articleID=30

Do Solar 'Trackers' Make Financial Sense?

Solar trackers create more power no question about it. At the same time they do increase installation and maintenance costs due to all the moving parts.  Different sources refer to added energy output in the range of 25% to 41% for a dual-axis tracker vs. a regular fixed 'roof' mounted system.  So, even when you net the additional install & maintenance costs against the extra power you can produce, your ROI should be stronger with a dual-axis tracker.  Contact Solar UP Energy for more details

http://solarupenergy.com/solarUPenergyAboutProducts.html

Ontario Green Energy Act and Electricity Prices

New study from Julia Kilpatrick of the Pembina Institue finds cancelling the Green Energy Act would have little effect on electricity prices in Ontario http://www.pembina.org/media-release/2237

Is Your Property Right for Solar microFIT?

"The Solar Window" represents how much of the sun's rays actual get to your roof.  In Hamilton & southern Ontario the sun travels lower in the winter causing trees on your property to cast longer shadows, in effect, closing your solar window.  Solar UP's trained solar technicians will conduct a detailed analysis of your property during step 2 of our easy 5 step process.  For more go to http://solarupenergy.com/solarUPenergy5stepprogram.html

Will Solar Work on Your Roof?

Three main factors that affect your property’s ability to generate solar power for a microFIT contract:

 

1) Roof Tilt – the slope of your roof determines the angle of the panels which in turn affects their harvest.  In Hamilton and Southern Ontario the optimal slope is 25-45 degrees.

 

2) Roof Orientation – in the northern hemisphere the optimal orientation is south facing as this maximizes the harvest.

 

3) Shading - are there obstacles shading your roof such as trees or other buildings?

 

Our easy 5-Step process will help you make sense of it all.  Visit our web site for more http://solarupenergy.com/solarUPenergy5stepprogram.html

 

Solar Energy and "Distributed Capitalism"

In his latest book, the Empathic Civilization, Jeremy Rifkin reveals how solar & other renewable energy sources will play a key role in the economy of the future.  Click the link for more:
http://www.techthefuture.com/energy/distributed-systems-how-ict-can-inspire-the-energy-revolution/

Electron Man to the Rescue!

Canadian solar panel manufacturer Day 4 Energy recently released the first issue of Electron Man; a super hero dedicated to the cause of renewable energy.  Here is a link to the complete comic http://www.day4energy.com/media/electronman1/

Learn More About Ontario Power Prices

Electricity prices are all about supply and demand.  For more details check out the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO): http://www.ieso.ca/default.asp

Canada Day is Coming...

Wondering what to do in Hamilton, Ontario on the upcoming Canada Day?  Why not check out the CFL hall of fame? http://www.cfhof.ca/page/contacthall

Check Out Our New Solar Installations Page!

We've added a new page showing some of the solar panel microFIT installations we have completed in Hamilton, Ontario and the surrounding area: http://solarupenergy.com/solarUPenergyInstallation.html

Waterdown Business Looking Up for Clean Energy

Riverin Kitchens in downtown Waterdown, Onatario is benefitting from their Solar UP Energy installation and 20 year microFIT contract.
http://www.flamboroughreview.com/news/article/297132

Solar Installations Increase Home Value

Although this is an U.S. article we still thought Hamilton and other Ontario home owners considering 20 year OPA solar FIT and microFIT contracts might find it interesting:  http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2011%2F04%2F21%2FBUJ61J4J4K.DTL

The Biggest Challenge to Solar in Ontario...is the Grid

The Windsor Star reports: "The biggest problem facing the fledgling industry is the lack of capacity in the power system that's paralyzing solar businesses in Southwestern Ontario." Read the whole article: http://www.windsorstar.com/technology/Grid+capacity+stymies+solar+sector/4998176/story.html

Solar Industry Contiues to drive Ontario Economy

Yesterday, new research announced that 8,000 people are employed due to Ontario's Solar PV industry and this figure could rise to 11,000 by 2011.  Here is a link to a video about Denise and her 'green' job:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwXQSpAEob8&feature=youtu.be

How Does microFIT Work?

If you have questions about solar microFIT, Solar UP Energy has the answers.  Visit the microFIT FAQ page on ourweb site for more  http://solarupenergy.com/solarUPenergyFAQ.html

Solar Industry Caught in the Middle of Ontario Politics?

Given the importance of renewable energy to our future we hope that all parties can look past political posturing and get to the facts.
http://www.thestar.com/business/cleanbreak/article/1010519--samsung-hasn-t-received-one-cent-from-ontario

Can the Utility and Consumer Collaborate To Solve the Peak Problem? | Renewable Energy News Article

Can the Utility and Consumer Collaborate To Solve the Peak Problem? Renewable Energy News Article

Solar Panels are Getting Better & Cheaper...and Fast!

The cost of solar modules (commonly called solar panels) continues to decline while their efficiency improves.  These two factors combine to drive down the cost to generate a Watt of power dramatically. 

http://www.grist.org/solar-power/2011-06-09-solar-getting-cheaper-fast

 

Feed-In-Tariff Programs Create "Green" Jobs

Germany's Solar Industry now employs more than US steel. Who says FITs and domestic content don't work? http://cleantechnica.com/2011/06/10/germanys-solar-pv-industry-now-employs-more-than-us-steel-industry-over-100000/

Ontario Minister of Energy Explains microFIT

The Ontario Green Energy Act which created the Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) and microFIT programs is still misunderstood.  The Minister of Energy, Brad Duguid attempts to clarify in this letter to the editor:

http://ckdp.ca/2011/02/17/letter-to-the-editor-ontario%E2%80%99s-microfit-program/

OPA Domestic Content Requirement Clarification....

Applicants who submitted eligible solar PV microFIT applications to the OPA on or before October 8, 2010, have to meet a minimum domestic content requirement of 40 per cent. Applicants have the option of choosing to meet a higher domestic content threshold. 

Conditional offers may also be extended by up to 12 months due to the delays that have been experienced.

Follow this link to lean more and please do not hesitate to contact Solar UP Energy for assistance:http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/domestic-content-requirements-microfit-projects

Solar Power Monitoring....Now On Your Mobile!

ENPHASE Energy's exclusive monitoring software can now be accessed on your mobile.  To find out more, call 888-518-4458 or visit http://www.solarupenergy.com/