The number of people applying for small solar power systems is quickly rising in Ontario.
That from Don Hilborn, who’s with the Ministry of Agriculture and food.
He tells Bayshore Broadcasting News that the mirco-fit systems, that are 10 kilowatt’s or less, are getting all the attention.
The Ontario Power Authority pays-out; 80 cents per kilowatt, over a 20-year contract period.
At last count, Hilborn says the OPA has received 73 hundred applications for those systems, and they’re only six months into the program.
He says most rural Ontarian’s are going for the max 10 kilowatt system, at a cost of 70 to 110 thousand dollars, and a return of about 11 per cent – with about a 9-year payback.
Hilborn says it’s critical that people understand the systems need to keep running for the 20-year period – to make any money.
So, he cautions you to seek out good quality equipment and highly skilled installer’s.
As far as Hilborn understands, there’s no limit to the amount of contracts the OPA are handing out this year.
At every community in Huron, Bruce and Grey that Hilborn has spoke to the public about solar power, he says each has been a full house.
The meeting at the REACH Centre in Clinton was no different.