Ontario’s Feed –in-Tariff Program
In late 2009, the Ontario Power Authority launched the Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) program as a part of the Green Energy Act in Ontario.
The program is divided into separate streams, small projects under 10kW (typically residential) are classed as 'microFIT', larger systems over 10kW are classed as FIT projects.
The FIT program allows owners of PV systems to sell the electricity their solar project generates to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) at a standardized rate of 80.2¢ per kilowatt hour (kWh) for systems < 10kW in size.
The average Ontarian currently pays 5.0¢-12.0¢ per kWh for the electricity they use. These costs are expected to rise continuously over the next decade. Through the FIT program the owners of solar PV installations will secure a contract that guarantees that the OPA will purchase power generated by the system for a minimum of 20 years at the standardized rate of 80.2¢ per kWh.
A faster return on your investment
While the environmental benefits of Solar PV is increasingly understood, the FIT program introduces a lucrative economic benefit for individuals and organizations who choose to install a Solar PV system. The new power purchase rate offered through Ontario’s FIT program brings the return on investment (ROI) of a residential solar electricity system down to between 7 - 10 years. This means that a solar installation becomes a source of revenue for the remaining 10-13 years.
*The actual values and revenue produced by your solar PV system may vary from the estimate shown here.
How to Take Part
Participation in this program requires your PV system be connected to your local distribution company (this is your local utility such as Toronto Hydro, PowerStream, Hydro One, etc). This is how your solar generated electricity will be supplied to the power grid.
An OPA micro-FIT application and Connection Request to your utility must be completed and approved prior to connection being made. Once connected, you will receive payments from your utility on behalf of the OPA. These payments will typically be paid on schedule with the billing cycle of your utility.
We work closely with our customers to complete paperwork and administrative details to ensure their solar power systems are in compliance with all rules, regulations and requirements. We have successfully completed microFIT projects across Ontario that are generating revenue for our customers.
Learn more about FIT and microFIT
