Energy

A Renfrew farm family’s solar nightmare

Mel and Lynne Langton borrowed nearly $40,000 and signed a contract for a 10-kW solar system on their property in 2010. Thus began more than 18 months of wrangling, rule changes and bureaucratic confusion with the supplier, the Ontario Power Authority and Hydro One

by DON STONEMAN

In June, Renfrew County farmers Mel and Lynne Langton finally found a way out of a maze of bureaucracy and obfuscation as they tried to recoup nearly $40,000 they had borrowed for a solar project that went off the rails. But the end was far from satisfactory for the couple. The Langtons figure they are nearly $20,000 out of pocket.

Finally, some clarity on the terms of the microFIT program


The Ontario Power Authority’s Aug. 13 announcement has resolved the uncertainties about microFIT pricing and its decision to strike a committee of stakeholders bodes well for the future of the program


by RON MACDONALD

For the thousands of farmers who invested hours, effort and money into the microFIT program offered by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), the past several months have been nerve-wracking.

Solar Energy: How PV panels work – and how to install them

Photovoltaic panels require little maintenance and last a long time, making them an excellent choice for a farmer

by RON MACDONALD

Photovoltaic panels or modules convert radiation energy from the sun into direct current electricity through the use of silicon semiconductors. These PV panels have no moving parts and require very little maintenance throughout their lifespan, which makes them an excellent choice for a farmer.