Developing a Model for Promoting Solar Photovoltaics in Ontario, Canada

Through the enactment of Ontario's Green Energy and Green Economy Act of 2009, Ontario has set targets to increase the share of renewable energy. However, widespread renewable energy development still faces several barriers. Some of the key barriers to adoption, especially for solar photovoltaic technologies, are the high up-front installation costs, the lack of attractive financing options and the dominant share of nuclear energy in Ontario's energy mix. This paper examines some of the key adoption issues in Ontario and looks at how other jurisdictions have sought alternative models for financing renewable energy projects. Using this information, a model is proposed for Ontario that will reduce the burden of high up-front financing costs for Ontarians with more accessible financing options and a plan for addressing the nuclear energy issue.