KACO's blueplanet Lounge

Solsmart Energy Solutions, a valued KACO new energy partner, was awarded the contract to design, supply and install a 250 kW solar PV rooftop system for the London Transit Commission facility in London, Ontario. The LTC is responsible for the operation of the public transit system on behalf of the City of London, Ontario, Canada. In 2010, annual ridership totaled 21.45 million. The LTC has 37 regular bus routes, plus 3 community bus routes.

Based in Toronto, Solsmart Energy Solutions Inc. is a full service EPC provider of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems for the residential, commercial and industrial rooftop markets.  In business since 2004, Solsmart in-house team of designers, installers and electricians offer proven experience, quality workmanship and professional services to all of its clients.

LTC’s energy project is powered by three KACO XP83U-H6 inverters

The 250 kW PV project qualified for a Feed-In Tariff (FIT) contract and the electricity generated will feed into London Hydro’s distribution grid for use by local energy consumers. The solar system will generate approximately 265,000 kilo-watt-hours per year, which is enough to power over 25-35 homes in the area and reduce LTC’s carbon footprint by 42 tons of CO2 per year. Solsmart’s in-house team of installers and electricians completed the rooftop installation on time and on budget in just 6 weeks.

The LTC facility is expected to generate 185,700 kilowatts of power per year, which will be transferred to the Ontario Hydro grid. Under the terms of the agreement, LTC is expected to receive between $130,000 and $150,000 in revenue per year or between $2.6 million and $3.0 million over the 20-year term of the contract.  The revenue generated will be used to offset the facility operating cost (e.g. utilities, municipal taxes, building upkeep, security, cleaning, etc.), which on an annual basis is estimated at $5 per square foot or $700,000 per year, prior to the revenue recovery offset.

The installation of the system is completed and fully operational. If you are attending the “Solar Ontario 2012 Conference & Trade Show”, May 14-15, 2012 you can tour this PV system. Click to sign up!

Please visit KACO new energy in booth #401 to meet Randy Fascinato and see our newest inverters!

We are very proud to announce that the fantastic “Solar Energy International” training institute has picked the KACO new energy facility in Grass Valley, California to host one of their popular “Solar Electric Design and Installation” classes. It is a true honor for us and we can’t wait to see you all in April.

“Since 1991, Solar Energy International has been dedicated to hands-on labs, online solar training, and renewable energy education. SEI also works with grassroots and development organizations to promote sustainability and improve quality of life worldwide through viable outreach programs. With 20 ISPQ Certified Trainers and 24 NABCEP Certified Solar Installers — more than any other solar trainer — SEI is the leader in renewable energy education.” source: www.solarenergy.org

Click on the image below to get more info and to register. If you’re on Twitter, please make sure to follow SEI @solarenergyintl

Most of our dear readers know that KACO new energy is a manufacturer of high quality PV inverters on a global scale – a true world leader of solar equipment operating on three continents, in ten different countries with a total production capacity of 10 GW. As a dynamic company KACO has a presence in growing markets worldwide. In sunny Israel, for example, we see a lot of potential for PV systems. In order to tap into that potential, we have taken over the majority of Altitude Energy, our long-standing partner, which will now be a part of the KACO new energy group. This move will provide us with a local presence and a unified appearance. The head of the subsidiary is Mr. Tal Neumann.

“Where there is a move in the direction of renewable energy generation, there certainly is KACO new energy as well – from the USA to Germany, from Canada to Australia, from Spain to Israel.”

Randy Fascinato is the Sales Manager for KACO new energy in Canada. He is a highly accomplished technology sales and post sales/service leader with proven success in identifying new business opportunities, strategy and customer relationship management in both domestic and global markets.

KACO: Randy, what is your take on the development of the Ontario PV market in 2012?
RF: Despite some political and regulatory uncertainty in the market, we fully expect continued growth in 2012. This is an exciting place to be, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. With the stability and deep knowledge of a company like KACO new energy, we are set to do some amazing things in Canada. We are very proud to be the only inverter assembly facility in Ontario.

KACO: What are the opportunities you see for KACO new energy this year?
RF: With the blueplanet 02xi series we are providing a reliable, lightweight and high efficiency world-class product for the MICRO FIT single-phase customer. With the factory in London Ontario, KACO is fully equipped and scalable to increase production and introduce new products. We are a vibrant, healthy company and have a solid worldwide warranty. KACO brings “bankability” and performance to your projects. Our XP100, XP90 and XP83 central inverters are also assembled and tested in the London facility. KACO’s competitive pricing, leading design and ease of installation will prove us to be a strong player in the FIT market. Relationships are vital in this ever changing and young market. We strive to give all of our customers a positive and prosperous experience with KACO new energy Canada.

In our last post here in the blueplanet Lounge, we’ve introduced our partner GreenFuel Technologies from Phoenix Arizona to you. Not only are they a highly qualified, NABCEP certified solar installation company who has won the “Sungevity #1 Arizona Installer Award” as well as the “Home Depot & BP Solar Outstanding Performance Award” – they also are incredibly active when it comes to much needed energy education.

GreenFuel proudly powers the “Race to Energy Independence (R2EI)” program, which is an energy sustainable platform introducing race fans to technologies that reduce energy costs while minimizing their environmental impact on the planet. With the partnership of IndyCar, R2EI has become a brand attribute that reports to fans the true energy efforts of IndyCar, its sponsors, teams, and track partnerships, as well as educate fans on energy sustainability. IndyCar and R2Ei are committed to building a prosperous and ecologically sound future by providing optimal, renewable energy solutions, and educational programs.

We think this is a great and fun way to go out and educate and we’ll certainly follow GreenFuel and R2EI on their (green) mission…

Follow R2EI on Twitter & visit their YouTube channel