Overview
Smiths Falls 3 is a 6.5 MW solar PV facility in Ontario, Canada, owned by Aurora Smiths Falls 3 LP. It contributes to the province's renewable energy capacity under the Green Energy Act framework.
Smiths Falls 3 is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Ontario, Canada, near the town of Smiths Falls. With a capacity of 6.5 megawatts (MW), it is a small-to-medium scale solar installation that feeds clean electricity into the provincial grid. The facility is owned by Aurora Smiths Falls 3 LP and has been operational, supporting Ontario's transition to renewable energy sources. Ontario's renewable energy sector has been shaped by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, which introduced feed-in tariffs (FIT) to encourage solar and wind development. Although the FIT program has evolved, existing facilities like Smiths Falls 3 operate under long-term contracts that ensure grid access and stable revenue. The province also has a Renewable Energy Standard that requires utilities to source a portion of their electricity from renewables, further supporting solar PV deployment. Environmentally, Smiths Falls 3 displaces greenhouse gas emissions by generating electricity from sunlight rather than fossil fuels. Solar PV systems have minimal water usage and low operational emissions once installed. The facility's location in a rural area of Ontario minimizes land-use conflicts, and its modest scale reduces visual impact compared to larger solar farms. By contributing to Ontario's renewable energy mix, the plant helps the province meet its climate goals and reduce reliance on natural gas-fired power.
Environmental context
Smiths Falls 3 operates in a region with a temperate climate and moderate solar insolation, typical for southern Ontario. Solar PV installations in this area help reduce air pollution and carbon emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. The facility's land footprint is relatively small, and it does not interfere with sensitive habitats or water resources. Ontario's grid integration challenges for solar are manageable at this scale, as the province has invested in smart grid technologies and energy storage to accommodate variable renewable output.
Frequently asked questions
Smiths Falls 3 is located in Ontario, Canada, near the town of Smiths Falls. Its coordinates are approximately 44.93° N, -76.12° W.
Smiths Falls 3 has a capacity of 6.5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Smiths Falls 3 is owned by Aurora Smiths Falls 3 LP, a company involved in renewable energy development in Canada.
Ontario's renewable energy sector has been supported by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, which established feed-in tariffs (FIT) for solar and wind. The province also has a Renewable Energy Standard requiring utilities to source a portion of electricity from renewables.
Smiths Falls 3 generates clean electricity from solar energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting Canada's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It also helps Ontario diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.