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For the econometrics software package, see Microfit (software).

MicroFIT[1] is a renewable energy microgeneration program (less than 10 kW) in the Province of Ontario, launched in October 2009 following the Green Energy Act 2009, alongside feed-in tariff (FIT) to provide incentives for landowners to generate wind, solar, hydroelectric or other clean energy to sell to the electrical grid. Most applications for microFIT generation have been for solar energy.

By December 16, 2009, microFIT issued its first 700 contracts.[2]

Benefits

Many solar photovoltaic companies have become involved in microFIT installations; the solar panels are also suitable for schools and places of worship.[3] The projects benefit home, farm or business owners by revenue generation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and approved applicants are guaranteed to receive revenue for twenty years.[4] The Green Energy Act aims to create 50,000 new green-collar jobs by 2012.

According to the Ontario Power Authority, homeowners generating electricity receive a following share of contract price per kilowatt-hour:[1]

Renewable Fuel Price ($/kWh)
Inception 5 April 2012[5] 26 August 2013[5] 30 September 2014[6]
Solar (PV) (rooftop) $0.802 $0.549 $0.396 $0.384
Solar (PV) (non-rooftop) $0.642 $0.445 $0.291 $0.289
On-shore wind $0.135 $0.115 $0.128
Waterpower $0.131 $0.148 $0.246
Renewable biomass $0.138 $0.156 $0.175
Biogas $0.160 $0.164 $0.168
Landfill gas $0.111 $0.077 $0.171

Problems and challenges

Installation costs often exceed $50,000 CAN, and only about 9,000[4] projects have connected to the grid by late 2011 out of over 42,000 applicants. Concerns over islanding, lack of capacity and other problems have resulted in delays for many homeowners in installation, as connection points in some places have not been implemented.[7] Cuts to pay rates generated further controversy.[8][9]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b OPA, Canada. "Welcome to microFIT". Ontario Power Authority. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  2. ^ ENS, Toronto (July 7, 2010). "Solar industry warns against two price system". Environment News Service. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  3. ^ MoE, Ontario. "FIT and microFIT Program". Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  4. ^ a b White, Shelley (November 30, 2011). "Is this solar-power program a money-saver?". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  5. ^ a b "FIT/microFIT Price Schedule Changes" (PDF). Ontario Power Authority. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  6. ^ "FIT/microFIT Price Schedule Changes" (PDF). Ontario Power Authority. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  7. ^ McCabe, Don (February 11, 2011). "Hydro grid unfit for microFIT". Better Farming. AgMedia Incorporated. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  8. ^ Ferguson, Rob (July 21, 2010). "Solar issue flares on eve of protest meeting". The Toronto Star. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  9. ^ O'Flanagan, Rob (July 7, 2010). "Solar industry warns against two price system". Guelph Mercury. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
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