Installation begins

In July 2010, Solar Logix was installing the first rooftop solar panels in Thunder Bay. Since then, the local company has installed more than 35 solar mounts – on rooftops and on the ground – and has another 35 projects underway.

"We’ve grown a lot," said general manager Jason Ritchat of the company’s first year in business. "We’re a brand new company. We’ve created an excess of 30 jobs now for Thunder Bay."

On Friday, the company began installation of a solar tracking unit at a residence on Intola Road. With a radius of about 50 feet, Ritchat said the tracker will hold 52 solar panels and looks like a large sail; it comes with a motor and technology that allows it to follow the sun rather than a stationary ground installation.

"This allows it to get optimal production at all points of the day," he said.

Through the Ontario Power Authority’s microFIT program home and business owners can install rooftop solar panels for 80.2 cents per kilowatt or a ground mount for 64.2 cents per kilowatt. The program is part of the province’s Green Energy Act.

"This allows the average Ontarian the opportunity to install up to 10 kilowatts of solar power and sell power back to the grid for a contractually guaranteed rate for a 20-year period," Ritchat said. "The panels will continue to perform for another 20 to 30 years."

Solar Logix is able to install panels 12 months of the year and Ritchat said the best months for producing solar energy are from March to October.

He added in the city most residents opt for a roof mount because of lack of space.

Return on investment in a solar array is usually 10 to 12 per cent, said Ritchat.