As technologies advance solar energy is becoming an increasingly viable source of clean, reliable and relatively maintenance-free power. As noted on David Suzuki’s website, “Ontario, which receives more sunlight than leading solar installers like Germany and Japan, has emerged as a North American leader in solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.” But Canada’s investments in this domain are still low. A 2011 survey revealed that Canada produced a tiny fraction of the solar energy produced by Germany,  even though Canada has far greater potential.

CLICK to enlarge. Source: http://www.cansia.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/solar_vision_2025.pdf

The above map of solar capacity was produced by the Canadian Solar Industry Association (CanSIA), which has excellent resources on Canada-wide energy initiatives on its website.

The website for the 1000 Solar Rooftops Campaign—”a collaboration of citizens, businesses, and non-profits in the Ottawa area”—is a good place to start learning about local solar power initiatives. It includes a page of case studies of regional installations, in addition to a page of Resources & Links.

For a local listing of Solar Energy Systems & Equipment at yellowpages.ca go here.

For an overview of wind power facilities in Ontario go here.

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