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Renewable energy projects focus of upcoming meeting
Lisa Gervais, Lindsay Post

KAWARTHA LAKES - The first of six proposed renewable energy projects for the city will be presented during a public meeting on Wednesday, June 30 in Cambray.

SkyPower Ltd. is behind the Glenarm Solar Power Project, a 10 MV capacity facility in the Glenarm area. This project is not anticipated to create any of the controversy swirling about proposed wind turbines in the Pontypool and Bethany areas.

However, anyone interested in learning more about it can attend the meeting, between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Fenelon Township Community Centre, 2255 Elm Tree Rd., Cambray. According to the on-line description for the recent FIT-awarded project, the proposed site is 169 hectares on part of Lot 11&12, Concession 6 on private land. Construction could begin in August 2011 and take six to nine months to complete. The project has an expected life span of more than 25 years.

"Solar power derived from the sun will be used to generate electricity at the renewable energy generation facility," the company's website states. "The purpose is to supply solar energy to help meet Ontario's existing and growing electricity needs, and to address the consumer demand for cleaner energy sources."

It is expected that approximately 50,000 to 200,000 PV panels - ranging from 60 to 200 watts each - will be installed. They will be mounted to a ground racking system using galvanized steel support structures. Panels will be aligned in rows approximately 20 feet apart.

The company said there would be "minimal impact on the natural environment."
City residents are still awaiting word on five other projects: Simcoe Solar Energy Centre I and III in Woodville, Settlers Landing Wind Park in Pontypool, Snowy Ridge Wind Park in Bethany and Ballyduff Wind Farm in Pontypool.

How it works
- Photovoltaic panels will be the technology used to convert solar radiation into electricity.
- Direct Current (DC) electricity generated from the panels will be collected and converted into Alternating Current (AC) electricity by inverters. Solar panels create DC electricity which is then converted to AC electricity which is suitable for distribution.
- From the inverters, the electricity will be metered and transferred into the grid.
-lgervais@thepost.ca