TORONTO & EUGENE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eugene, Ore.-based Grape Solar, Inc. (www.grapesolar.com), a leading solar photovoltaic (PV) module solutions provider, announced it is selling one to 10 kW microFIT solar energy kits directly to Ontario, Canada residents to enable them to quickly and easily benefit from the Ontario Power Authority microFIT program. The program is believed to provide the highest payment per kilowatt (kW) of electricity generated from solar energy by any government in the world.
A streamlined initiative under the umbrella of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program, the microFIT program pays Ontario residents 80.2 cents per kWh generated by solar panels, guaranteed for 25 years. This rate applies to systems that are 10 kW or less.
Grape Solar sold its first microFIT system to Karl Chittka, a farmer in Dundalk, Ontario. Located 100 miles northwest of Toronto, Chittka’s farm now boasts the first 10 kW microFIT solar energy system in the region.
“I farm hay and grain,” Chittka stated. “But now, I’ve begun farming the sun instead of the land.”
Consumers can purchase the panels and inverters directly from Grape Solar or its dealer network. Buyers can fabricate (or purchase) and construct the racks themselves, and hire an electrician to connect the system to the grid. Or, they can request a complete installation by an approved Grape Solar installer in Ontario.
Chittka said his research revealed that other systems available in Ontario sell for $70K-$75K, and as high as $102K, if you include a tracking system. Many of these companies require consumers to purchase the entire system, including the racks, and require that they, the companies, perform the installation.
Chittka’s total cost was considerably less, including the cost of materials for the racks he built.
“Ontario residents have a terrific, green and relatively safe investment opportunity,” said Ocean Yuan, president of Grape Solar. “We have packaged these one to 10 kW kits at highly competitive prices. We have also made it easy for people to install the kits themselves with our online training and support, or by utilizing one of our approved installers. Our standard-sized panels come as high as 280 watts and are warranted for 25 years.”
During the first six weeks Chittka’s system operated, it generated $1,600 in revenue. He expects his investment to be fully paid back within five to six years.
A 10 kW system is projected to provide income during the 20-year contract with the OPA of between $230,000 and $250,000 (or more depending on sun conditions).
The minimum domestic content required for any system to be approved by the Ontario Power Authority through the end of 2010 is 40 percent, and 60 percent in 2011 and later. Full details can be found on the Ontario Power Authority’s website.
“I was the first in my area to do this,” Chittka stated. “Many of my neighbors are skeptics, but now they’re asking me how I did it, and who Grape Solar is. I strongly believe in green energy. I would like to encourage that everyone look at this. You do not have to be rich to make it happen if put your mind to it.
“I found Grape Solar to be very efficient in its delivery. The product and the pricing is great,” Chittka concluded. “I plan on installing another system later this year on another property I own.”
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