Overview
Erie Ridge is a 9.4 MW solar PV facility in Ontario, Canada, owned by SunEdison / SkyPower Ltd. The plant contributes to Canada's renewable energy capacity under provincial renewable energy targets.
Erie Ridge is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Ontario, Canada, with an installed capacity of 9.4 megawatts (MW). The facility is owned by SunEdison and SkyPower Ltd, two prominent developers in the renewable energy sector. As a medium-scale solar installation, Erie Ridge supports Ontario's transition to cleaner energy sources. The plant operates under Ontario's regulatory framework, which includes the Green Energy Act and the province's Long-Term Energy Plan, aiming to increase renewable energy generation. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and this facility contributes to the grid with zero-emission power. The 9.4 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium range for utility-scale solar projects in Canada. Erie Ridge plays a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying Ontario's energy mix. Solar farms like this one help meet provincial renewable portfolio standards and support local grid stability. The facility's output is fed into the provincial grid, serving residential and commercial customers in the region.
Environmental context
Solar PV installations like Erie Ridge have a low environmental footprint during operation, producing no direct emissions. However, land use for solar farms can affect local ecosystems and agricultural land. In Ontario, solar projects are typically sited on marginal or previously disturbed land to minimize impact. The region's climate offers moderate solar insolation, making solar a viable but seasonal contributor to the grid.
Frequently asked questions
Erie Ridge is located in Ontario, Canada, near the shore of Lake Erie. The facility is situated in a rural area with access to the provincial power grid.
Erie Ridge has a capacity of 9.4 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility. It generates enough electricity to power approximately 1,500 homes annually.
Erie Ridge is owned by SunEdison and SkyPower Ltd, two companies with extensive experience in developing renewable energy projects across North America.
Ontario's renewable energy sector is supported by the Green Energy Act and the Long-Term Energy Plan, which include feed-in tariffs and renewable portfolio standards to encourage solar and wind development.
Solar PV generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It also has low water usage and minimal operational pollution, contributing to cleaner air and water.