Carmanah (CMH-T) Tech to build solar photovoltaic plant in Toronto

from SolarBuzz.com

Victoria, BC, Canada: Canada's Largest Photovoltaic Installation Set to Proceed

Carmanah Technologies has received a letter of intent confirming a forth-coming contract in the amount of $1,000,196 from the City of Toronto for a 100 kW solar power system to be installed on the roof of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place.

Located ten minutes from downtown Toronto, along the shores of Lake Ontario, Exhibition Place holds grand-scale world-class events on its 192 acres of parkland including the annual Canadian National Exhibition, the Molson INDY, the Caribana Parade, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and World Youth Day. Annually, Exhibition Place welcomes 5.2 million visitors to the site.

"Carmanah is pleased to be selected as the technology partner for this solar power project at Exhibition Place," states Art Aylesworth, Carmanah's CEO. "This project represents the first RFP response by the merged forces of Carmanah and Soltek Powersource Ltd., and is indicative of the synergies created through the Soltek acquisition."

Carmanah will install a state-of-the-art 100 kW solar power system on Exhibition Place that is tied to the conventional electricity grid. The system uses high efficiency solar modules and a unique penetrationless racking system. An educational display in the lobby will show the public how much power is being produced, environmental conditions as well as historical system performance data. It is estimated this system will reduce the annual carbon dioxide emissions of this facility by approximately 94.7 tonnes per year.

This initial system is part of Exhibition Place's larger plans to improve Toronto's sustainable energy future while immediately reducing greenhouse gas production. The ultimate goal for Exhibition Place is to become a net exporter of clean emission-free electricity.

"Carmanah will provide Exhibition Place with a complete turnkey package as a model of sustainable energy for the City of Toronto," states Aylesworth. "With the successful implementation of this project, we will also set an example to other cities striving to reach their renewable energy goals."

Carmanah's solar power systems take advantage of otherwise unused existing rooftops on buildings, gathering solar energy as a source of clean electricity to offset traditional grid power requirements. The systems improve air quality, and show the commitment of forward-thinking cities, such as Toronto, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Stated Rob McMonagle, Executive Director of the Canadian Solar Industries Association ("CANSIA"), "Solar energy will play an important role as part of Ontario's future power generation. Toronto has a mandate for cleaner air and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. The demonstration at Exhibition Place will show how rooftops across Canada can be efficiently utilized for sustainable electrical generation. CANSIA applauds the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and the City of Toronto for launching this forward thinking project, and we expect many municipalities to follow their example."

More info at www.Carmanah.com