Let the sun shineDear Editor:After reading and rereading let the sun shine, TDSS unveils powerful project (The Speaker article in the May 13 issue), I say it’s no wonder our electrical costs have gone through the roof. To start with, the government gave 1.1 million
Dear Editor:Have you noticed as you drive around Northern Ontario that solar panels are beginning to be a common sight? There are operating sites in Englehart on the arena roof, in Ramore, Kapuskasing, Harley Township and more are planned for Chamberlain Township, the Earlton arena and
Darlene Wroe Speaker Reporter COBALT — Limitations on grid availability have resulted in some downsizing of two of the solar projects in Cobalt.But at Cobalt’s regular council meeting Tuesday, February 3, Mayor Tina Sartoretto expressed confidence that the town will be seeing revenue from the projects by 2016.
Darlene Wroe Speaker Reporter EARLTON — The Green Timiskaming Development Cooperative launched its Green Timiskaming Community-Owned Solar Power project Friday, December 5.The official launch took place at the Earlton arena where Green Timiskaming plans to install solar panels on the roof for a 250-kilowatt project. Nine other ground-mounted
EARLTON (Staff) — Green Timiskaming is holding a launch of a new proposed community solar project on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6.
Green Timiskaming chair Ambrose Raftis explains that Green Timiskamng is a not-for-profit community venture modelled on similar developments that have been practiced in Finland, Sweden and Holland.
Green Timiskaming is developing community-owned solar energy projects as part of a community development strategy, and has applied for, and received, preliminary approval from the Ontario Power Authority to proceed.
Green Timiskaming Community Solar Launch will take place Friday, December 5 at 2 p.m. at the Earlton arena, followed by a reception.
An open house will be held on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Temiskaming Shores.
The first of the solar projects is a 250-kilowatt installation on the Earlton arena. An additional nine 500-kilowatt projects are planned in Chamberlain Township, north of Englehart.
Mr. Raftis told The Speaker agreements from the landowners have been reached, and the land on which the nine 500-kilowatt projects are being placed is land that is not being used, or is being under-utilized.
Each of the nine 500-kilowatt installations will be five acres in size, and they are on nine different pieces of property, said Mr. Raftis.
Green Timiskaming is also applying to do more projects in Evanturel Township.
BONDS
Green Timiskaming is offering Northern Solar Bonds which potential investors can purchase.
“Each project will be tied to a 20-year contract with Hydro One to purchase the power,” according to a press release from Green Timiskaming. “The proceeds generated by the contracts will be used to cover all operating and finance costs including the returns on Northern Solar Bonds. Surplus funds are earmarked for future community development projects. Community Owned Solar Projects offer local investors the opportunity to gain financially through the purchasing of Northern Solar Bonds. The bonds will provide strong long-term financial benefits associated with the production of renewable energy.”
Green Timiskaming has 240 members from Temagami to Kirkland Lake, said Mr. Raftis, and is continuing to build its members.
To learn more, visit www.greentimiskaming.ca.
Darlene Wroe Speaker Reporter COBALT — Strathcona Solar Initiatives chief executive officer Karl Hollett was present with Cobalt town staff and council members recently to announce the official beginning of construction of three solar power sites.Two of the sites are being built on the town’s decommissioned landfill sites,
Darlene Wroe Speaker Reporter COBALT — The Town of Cobalt is planning the installation of four solar power projects.Two will be on the town’s decommissioned landfill sites in Coleman Township. One will be on the town’s sewage lagoon site in Cobalt. And one will be at Sharpe Lake in
Diane Johnston Speaker Reporter TEMISKAMING SHORES – Temiskaming is the northern outpost of a farmer-owned co-op that’s developing small-scale solar projects in Ontario.AGRIS Solar Co-operative is leasing three rural properties on Golf Course Road and Laforest Road in Temiskaming Shores for collections of ground-mounted solar panels.Each development will produce no more than
