Minto moves forward with solar units through FIT program
The town is proceeding with a plan to install Feed-In-Tarrif (FIT) solar panels at eight locations on municipal property.
In July, the town was advised it would receive contract offers under the province’s Fit 4.0 for solar installations at: the municipal office property; arenas in Clifford, Harriston and Palmerston; Clifford sewage treatment plant; Greenbush Park; and Palmerston Industrial Park stormwater pond.
On Sept. 13, council authorized the mayor and CAO to sign contracts and related documentation to proceed with the installations and to return an equipment lease agreement with Arntjen Solar (SunSaver) to council for final approval.
After the contract offers are signed with the IESO, the town and Arntjen (SunSaver) will negotiate an agreement to specify technical and financial obligations of the parties, explained CAO Bill White in a report to council.
Under the terms of the program, rooftop units are to be installed within 18 months and ground mounts within three years. Four of the units (the three arenas and the maintenance building at the municipal office) will be roof mounted while the others will be ground mounted.
The town anticipates annual returns for hosting the sites in the range of $100,000 annually.
