The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) recently initiated a Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program which offers Ontario residents a twenty-year contract to buy back energy created from alternative energy source systems in their businesses and homes (smaller projects fit under the microFIT program). The SolarBeam Concentrator will produce solar power in 2011 and is the latest and most cost effective solar technology for Ontario residents looking to take part in the FIT and microFIT programs. The payback period on the SolarBeam is only 6 years, compared to other technologies that have payback periods of anywhere between 8 and 20 years, making it one of the most cost-effective methods to produce solar power. Additionally, the built-in sun tracking system makes the SolarBeam 262% more efficient than typical solar flat plate panels. With the FIT program, Ontario residents can earn between 44.3 and 80.2¢/kWh from creating solar power. This means that using the SolarBeam, residents could easily earn over $100,000 under the microFIT program and could earn millions under FIT.
Capital Solar Power (CSP) has formed a partnership with the Nova Scotia-based company, SolarTron Energy System, to be the supplier of the SolarBeam in Western Ontario and Quebec. Under FIT regulations, for a technology to qualify for contracts with the OPA it needs to be at least 50% Ontario content. CSP will begin distributing this product in early November and expects production capacity to be approximately 5000 units per year.
The initial SolarBeam’s being sold will provide free solar hot water at a rate of 44,000 BTU’s/hour (or 10kW/hour) These systems track the sun and will produce constant thermal heat throughout the day. The SolarBeam thermal system can be used to provide free hot water for hotels, beverage companies, schools, municipalities, stores, wineries etc. Any facility that uses hot water, or uses radiant or in-floor heating can benefit from the SolarBeam. Since the SolarBeam tracks the sun, it is more efficient than flat panels that can only rotate side to side, but do not have 280 degree turning capabilities. In addition, the area where the heat is collected is 10” x 10”, this is a very small area and therefore heat loss in winter time is minimal. In 2011, the photovoltaic module which will produce up to 4kW of electricity per hour will be available for purchase. This module can be added to existing SolarBeams that currently only produce thermal energy. Once the photovoltaic modules are installed, the customer can start benefiting from the feed-in tariff.
“The SolarBeam is the future of solar technologies. This product is revolutionary because it not only produces electricity, but can also be used to produce heat in the winter and cool your home during the summer months,” Daniel Gauthier, Project Manager for CSP, states.
SolarTron Energy Systems is the manufacturer and designer of the SolarBeam Concentrator. Their manufacturing facilities are located in United States and Spain. SolarTron is currently looking for distributors around the world to market the SolarBeam, please email sales@solartronenergy.com and find out how to become a supplier for the SolarBeam.
Capital Solar Power is an Ottawa-based company dedicated to the development and implementation of renewable energy technologies to minimize global warming. They are committed to delivering clean, renewable electricity using the latest technologies for solar power systems and generation.
Courtesy of SolarTron Energy Systems and Capital Solar Power.
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