Overview
Simcoe Solar Energy Centre III is a 10 MW operational solar PV facility in Ontario, Canada, owned by Terraform Ontario Solar LP. It contributes to the province's renewable energy capacity under the Green Energy Act framework.
Simcoe Solar Energy Centre III is a 10 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Ontario, Canada. The plant is owned by Terraform Ontario Solar LP and is currently operational, adding to the province's growing portfolio of renewable energy installations. As a medium-scale solar farm, it supports Ontario's transition toward cleaner electricity generation. The facility operates under Ontario's regulatory framework, which includes the Green Energy and Green Economy Act and the province's Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program. These policies have driven significant solar deployment in the region. The plant uses standard solar PV technology, converting sunlight directly into electricity, and is connected to the provincial grid. Environmentally, the Simcoe Solar Energy Centre III helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based power. Solar PV has minimal water usage and no air emissions during operation. The facility's location in a rural area of Ontario minimizes land-use conflicts, though solar farms require careful siting to avoid habitat disruption. Overall, the plant supports Canada's national target of achieving 90% non-emitting electricity by 2030.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in a rural area of Ontario, where land use is primarily agricultural. Solar PV installations like this one have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no emissions or water consumption. However, construction may involve temporary soil disturbance and habitat alteration. The region's moderate solar insolation supports efficient energy generation, and the plant contributes to Ontario's goal of phasing out coal-fired power.
Frequently asked questions
Simcoe Solar Energy Centre III is located in Ontario, Canada, near the town of Simcoe. The facility's coordinates are approximately 44.4166 N, -78.8859 W.
The facility has a capacity of 10 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV installation. It generates enough electricity to power several thousand homes annually.
The facility is owned by Terraform Ontario Solar LP, a company specializing in renewable energy projects in Canada.
Ontario's solar energy sector is supported by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act and the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program, which provide feed-in tariffs and streamlined permitting for renewable projects.
Solar PV helps Canada achieve its goal of 90% non-emitting electricity by 2030. Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and diversifies the energy mix.