A Hub for Green Careers

Siliken S. A., a leading Spanish solar module manufacturing company, announced plans to establish a $5 to $7 billionsolar facility in Windsor, Ontario.  This domestic compliant manufacturing plant will be operative by mid-2011 and generate enough clean energy (50 megawatts) to power the equivalent of 19,000 households.

Expected to be among the largest in North America, this venture will create 175 direct jobs, positively impacting Ontario's green career market.  Commenting on the significance of this investment, Brad Duguid, Ontario's Minister of Energy said, "Attracting investment like Siliken's manufacturing plant is precisely what the McGuinty government set out to do through the Green Energy Act and Feed-in-Tariff program."  He adds, "Working together with companies like Siliken, we are promoting renewable energy and made-in-Ontario technology, creating new jobs for Ontarians, and making our air cleaner for our kids and grandkids."

Solar Installations Produce Green Careers

Substantial investments in solar panel installations have made Ontario a hub for clean energy and fertile ground for furthering green careers.  According to Ron Gaudet, CEO of the Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC), "Siliken's position as a global leader in solar technology is a recognition of our region's goal of becoming the site of choice for renewable energy investments in North America."  Guadet continued, "We are positioned to become the hub for renewable energy technology and manufacturing in North America."

Besides Siliken, more than a dozen green companies have initiated commercial ventures over the last two years.  Polar Racking, OYA Solar, and Harrow's Atlas Tuberecently proposed North America's biggest rooftop solar installation.

Solar Growth Creates Demand for PV (Photovoltaic) Installation Classes

Ontario is clearly in the midst of a solar revolution, but according to a report by Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA), the entire country is experiencing "solar" labour shortages a problem that is only expected to worsen in the coming year.  To counteract this trend, CanSIA, among other measures, suggested a nationwide certification program for PV and solar thermal installers.  Currently, Canada has only one ISPQ-accredited PV training school Ontario Solar Academy, but for the province and country to meet their long-term sustainability goals, they both must redouble their efforts to train a green workforce capable of leading North America into a clean energy future.