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Renewable Technologies

- What type of equipment can I install?
- I currently have solar panels/wind turbine on my property. Can I use this existing equipment to obtain a FIT or microFIT Program contract?
- Does the OPA have a list of contractors who are certified or are acceptable to the OPA for installation of these systems?
- Should I worry about damage to my property (home, business, large business) with the installation of this renewable energy generation equipment? Who pays if it happens?
- What is biomass?
- Why is biomass considered a green, sustainable energy source?
- I've got some properties that would be ideal for wind generation. Can I speak to someone at the OPA about purchasing/leasing the property to the OPA for wind development?
- Will energy generated from energy-from-waste facilities qualify for the FIT Program?
- Are geothermal projects part of the FIT Program?
- Do I have to install a system that has been approved by the OPA to qualify for a FIT or microFIT Program payment? If so, how do I determine which systems qualify?
 
What type of equipment can I install?

Eligible renewable fuels are:

  • biogas
  • biomass
  • landfill gas
  • solar photovoltaic (PV)
  • waterpower
  • wind

Information about each of the renewable energy supply technologies is available on the OPA's FIT and microFIT websites. The industry associations for the eligible technologies can provide additional information. Click here for a list of renewable energy industry associations.

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I currently have solar panels/wind turbine on my property. Can I use this existing equipment to obtain a FIT or microFIT Program contract?

Facilities that are 10 kW or less and meet the requirements of the microFIT Program Rules can apply to the microFIT Program.

Facilities that are greater than 10 kW and were installed after March 14, 2009 are eligible to apply for the FIT. Projects that reached commercial operation before March 14, 2009 are not eligible to apply for FIT.

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Does the OPA have a list of contractors who are certified or are acceptable to the OPA for installation of these systems?

The OPA does not have a list of approved installers. We encourage proponents to contact the relevant renewable energy industry association for each of the eligible technologies. You can find a list of these, along with their website addresses, by clicking here.

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Should I worry about damage to my property (home, business, large business) with the installation of this renewable energy generation equipment? Who pays if it happens?

As with any other project or renovation, the renewable energy technology you propose using should be properly assessed to ensure that it can be safely installed on your property. In addition, as with other projects on your property, you - as the property owner - assume all risks. To ensure proper installation, we strongly recommend that you hire a professional installer for your renewable energy project and that you discuss the installation with your insurance advisor.

All installations will require an inspection from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) before they can be connected to the grid. You can contact the ESA at 1-877-372-7233 or learn more by visiting their website at www.esainspection.net.

The OPA is not responsible for any damage that occurs to your building, property or person as a result of your renewable energy installation.

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What is biomass?

Renewable biomass is organic matter derived from a plant and available on a renewable basis (e.g., dedicated energy crops, dedicated trees, agricultural food, manure, etc.). Renewable biomass does not include municipal solid waste, peat, treated by-products of manufacturing processes, hazardous or liquid waste.

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Why is biomass considered a green, sustainable energy source?

Biomass fuel-fired generation is sustainable because it is carbon neutral over its life cycle.

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I've got some properties that would be ideal for wind generation. Can I speak to someone at the OPA about purchasing/leasing the property to the OPA for wind development?

The OPA does not purchase or lease properties for wind developments or any other form of generation. Please contact the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CANWEA) for more details on how you can make your land available to developers at www.canwea.ca.

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Will energy generated from energy-from-waste facilities qualify for the FIT Program?

Energy-from-waste is not considered a renewable resource and does not qualify for the FIT Program. Technologies eligible for the FIT Program include biogas, biomass, landfill gas, solar, waterpower and wind.

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Are geothermal projects part of the FIT Program?

Geothermal is not included in the definition of renewable fuel in the FIT Rules and therefore is not included in the FIT Program. Experience with geothermal projects for electricity production is limited in the province. Options for encouraging geothermal may be explored in the future.

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Do I have to install a system that has been approved by the OPA to qualify for a FIT or microFIT Program payment? If so, how do I determine which systems qualify?

The OPA does not "approve" systems. However, all generating facilities must receive approval by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and the relevant local electricity distribution company (LDC) before they are connected to the grid. You can contact the ESA by calling 1-877-372-7233 or learn more by visiting its website at www.esainspection.net.

In addition, the system may be required to meet specific LDC or IESO operating requirements. You can learn more about these specific requirements by contacting your LDC (for a list of LDCs please visit www.eda-on.ca) or the IESO. The IESO has a new web page which details the connection requirements under FIT at http://www.ieso.ca/imoweb/fit/fit.asp.

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