Dec 10 2009
The leading solar association in Canada, CanSIA presented the “Solar PV Project of the Year for Ground Mount” award to SunEdison and SkyPower. SunEdison, a subsidiary unit of MEMC Electronic materials, shares a partnership with SkyPower. This award was given for the establishment of the largest solar energy park in Ontario known as the First Solar Energy Park in Stone Mills, which is capable of generating 9.1-megawatt of electricity. The award was presented by the Honorable George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of Ontario.
Minister Smithetman remarked that the opening of the First Light Solar Energy Park has benefited many individuals in the industry both in Ontario and all over the country.
Hydro One Networks, the largest company that is involved in transmitting and distributing electricity in Ontario, started to receive energy transmitted by the system on, September 30. This system covers almost 90 acres of land that is very much similar to the size of 50 Canadian football fields.
In its first year of operation, the system is expected to produce electricity that is sufficient to meet the demands of about 1,000 homes. More than 10 million kilowatts hours of electricity is expected to be generated by First Light.
SunEdison and SkyPower, during the construction of First Light worked with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources in order to preserve the habitat for the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike, an endangered species. First Light was constructed on bedrock with the intention of protecting agricultural lands.
Carlos Domenech, Executive VP of MEMC and President of SunEdison, remarked that the award received is indeed a prestigious one that reflects the number of opportunities available for renewable energy in Ontario. SunEdison aims in increasing its development of ground and rooftop motor solar systems all over Canada and the Province.
Minister Smithetman remarked that the opening of the First Light Solar Energy Park has made solar dreams a reality for many individuals in the industry both in Ontario and all over the country.