A Bird’s Eye View – 2020 FIT Program Solar Construction
In 2020, during the pandemic, Compass helped to manage the construction of 4 separate 600 kW projects under Ontario’s Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) program. For these projects, we utilized bi-facial modules (that can absorb sun from both sides of the panel) and Single Axis Trackers (trackers that rotate to follow the sun across a single axis) to maximize production and profit.
Economics of Solar Power in Canada
The Canada Energy Regulator (formerly the National Energy Board), published a report on the Economics of Solar Power in Canada (ESPC)[1] studying the financial viability of typical solar power projects in over 20,000 Canadian communities. While we’ve spoken quite a bit about the rapid drop in solar costs of the past 10 years, this report helps to give context not only to how far solar has come, but what we can expect in the near future. In many provinces across Canada, it is now cheaper to use solar compared to power from the grid.
Heading Into 2021: Technological Advancements in Solar
As we approach the end of 2020, solar remains in a state of constant innovation. Technological advances continue to improve as we find new ways to increase the conversion of light to electricity. Today, you can build a system with less panels, less labour, less wiring, and in a smaller footprint than you could a few years ago, opening the doors for a multitude of new users and utility-scale projects.
Domestic Content Requirements: Are you prepared for an Audit?
The IESO’s annual audit cycle is happening right now and we have just finished another round of audit support. Since audits never come with fair warning, now would be a good time to ensure your DC documents are in order.
Bifacial Solar Panels Offer Lowest Levelized Cost of Energy for Solar
Bifacial PV is currently a hot trend in solar. While bifacial panels are still more expensive than traditional monofacial panels, they offer a significant increase to energy production in the right circumstances. This means a quicker payback and a lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for the solar project. In fact, a recent study conducted by Joule shows that bifacial-1T installations (meaning a bifacial solar array mounted on a single-axis tracker) increase energy yield by 35% and reach the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for the majority of the world (93.1% of the land area).[1] These numbers are likely to improve as production costs continue trending downward and new efficiencies in the technology are discovered.
Solar PV Today: Increased Lifetime & Decreased Operating Expenses
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recently published a paper on Solar PV project life and Operating Expense trends (you can read the paper here) drawing on the findings from a 2019 survey of U.S. solar project developers, sponsors, financiers, and consultants. There were two major takeaways of the study: over the last decade the average Solar PV assumed useful life has increased to 30+ years, and operating expenses have decreased by 50%.
This will obviously have a significant positive impact on the economics of solar going forward. This new landmark will bring down the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for Solar and is exciting for those who have already, or are looking to adopt solar into their energy plan. Read More
How To Size a Solar Net Metering System For Your Business
You have made the decision to go solar. You want to reduce your costs, become more energy independent and reduce your carbon footprint. You have an available roof space, field, or parking area (i.e. solar canopy) that can be used to host your solar net metering system. Now you need to determine what is the right size for your solar system. This blog will walk you through the most important considerations when determining how to design a correctly-sized solar system that will optimize your investment.
Everything you wanted to know about Solar in Commercial Real Estate… But were too afraid to ask!
In February 2020, Compass Energy Consulting’s President, Jonathan Cheszes, delivered a presentation to Triovest Realty Advisors Inc. entitled “Everything You Wanted to Know About Solar PV in Commercial Real Estate… But were too afraid to ask!”
Top 3 Technical Considerations While Installing Solar for Agriculture
So you’ve heard of the many benefits of generating your own energy on the farm and are considering building a solar system. That’s great news!
Agriculture operations are well-suited for solar generation. And with Net Metering, not only is solar good for your bottom line today, it will continue to improve as the cost of electricity increases over time. Not to mention, there are many loan options available to farmers looking to fund renewable energy projects.
However, there are many things to consider before taking the plunge and building a solar system on your property. The purpose of this blog is to answer some of the key questions about when you can and cannot install solar on your farm, and help you determine if a solar system is right for you.