Ethosolar Cautions on Impact of Green Energy Act on Solar Panels

Solar PV panel producers in Ontario anticipate escalation in costs of their Micro Fit and Fit Solar projects from the New Year. The Green Energy Act introduced by Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has made it mandatory to use 60% of locally produced components in the solar products from 1st January 2011 instead of the current range of 40%.

Ken Rounds, owner of a family run business Ethosolar, has initiated an awareness movement to educate his clients as well as the general public on the possible effects of the new rule and its consequences. According to him, those who have applied for solar projects before 2nd July 2010 must have their projects completed and get connected to the grid before 31st May 2011 if they wish to avail the 40% of domestic content stipulation. Those who have applied later will have to maintain a 60% domestic product usage as of on 1st January 2011.

He anticipates that the prices of domestic solar products will witness around 10% to 20% increase during the first quarter of 2011 and suggests to his clients and others to lock on the products at the currently prevailing prices. He cautions the buyers about the problems associated with warranty and availability of replacement of parts on buying foreign manufactured solar products at a discounted price. Ethosolar as a chosen partner of Canadian Solar declared that it will continue to hold the 2010 price level even in the period of content rule change.