The largest solar power station in North America will be built in Sarnia-Lambton by a California-based company called OptiSolar Inc. The 40-megawatt facility is estimated to cost $300 million to construct and will be completed by the year 2010.
Stretching across 365 hectares (almost 420 Canadian football fields), the solar station will provide electricity to the Ontario Power Authority under a 20-year contract that will see the clean power go into the provincial grid.
According to a solar energy expert, “Solar power is carbon-free, it’s pollution-free, it doesn’t need water, doesn’t make noise. Solar also produces power during peak business hours, so it can partially replace traditional energy sources.”
Representatives from OptiSolar Inc. said they chose Sarnia-Lambton due to its southern location in Ontario which receives the best “sun hours”, the land is flat which simplifies the installation of the solar panels and good access to the electrical distribution network.
Sarnia-Lambton officials are very excited because it sends out the message that the region is not solely focused on traditional energy and is welcoming to alternative energy opportunities. The Mayor of Sarnia, Mike Bradley stated, “We aren’t just talking about a new Sarnia. It’s actually happening.”
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Media contact:
George Mallay
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
Tel: (519) 332-1820