Chippewa lets the sun shine in

By Greg Plain

CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION – At the end of last fiscal, 10kW solar sites that are operational throughout Chippewa of the Thames produced 25 Megawatts of energy and have earned more than $13,000.

The four solar sites – roads department garage, administration office, culture and heritage centre and the health centre – produce energy that is then sold back to the power grid at a premium rate.

In addition to the community sites, Chippewas of the Thames Development Corporation owns 51% of a portfolio that consists of 138 Small Fit individual applications (solar projects) that are less than 500 kilowatts each in size each. Total wattage of the book is 3.8 Megawatts. All of these projects are off-reserve and located throughout southern Ontario.

The corporation has 17 of 21 project applications approved, based on their transmission and distribution availability.

According to Ed Gilbert, Chippewas of the Thames Renewable Energy Advisor, this is a good return since some applicants don’t get a single contract approved.

“We have been in the business here at Chippewa for the past year or so,” says Gilbert.  “And we can see the energy business will bring good returns over the short and long term.”

This year, there were five COTT citizens that were sent to the Canadian Solar Academy to learn about the installation, maintenance and operation of photovoltaic energy systems.

The corporation is building capacity within the First Nation by supporting five citizens who are completing a North American Certification in solar installation.  This certification is the standard that is recognized and preferred by all major solar companies, proponents and educational facilities.  Successfully completing this certification will allow the students to work on and maintain solar projects throughout North America.