Overview
Smiths Falls 5 is a 10 MW solar PV facility in Ontario, Canada, owned by Aurora Smiths Falls 5 LP. It contributes to the province's renewable energy capacity under the Green Energy Act framework.
Smiths Falls 5 is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located near Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada. With a capacity of 10 megawatts (MW), it is a small-to-medium scale solar installation typical of Ontario's distributed renewable energy projects. The facility is owned by Aurora Smiths Falls 5 LP and is currently operational, feeding clean electricity into the provincial grid. The plant uses standard solar PV technology, converting sunlight directly into electricity. Ontario's renewable energy sector has been shaped by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, which introduced feed-in tariffs and renewable energy standards. Smiths Falls 5 operates under these regulations, benefiting from long-term contracts that support solar development in the region. Environmentally, the facility displaces fossil fuel-based generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar PV has minimal operational emissions, though land use and visual impact are considerations. The plant supports Ontario's goal to increase renewable energy share and provides local clean energy to the community.
Environmental context
The Smiths Falls area in eastern Ontario has a temperate climate with moderate solar insolation, suitable for solar PV generation. Solar farms like Smiths Falls 5 require land conversion, which can affect local ecosystems, but they produce no air or water pollution during operation. The facility helps reduce reliance on natural gas and nuclear power, contributing to Ontario's climate targets.
Frequently asked questions
Smiths Falls 5 is located near Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada, at coordinates 44.9207 N, -76.1348 W.
Smiths Falls 5 has a capacity of 10 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar PV facility.
Smiths Falls 5 is owned by Aurora Smiths Falls 5 LP, a renewable energy developer in Canada.
Ontario's solar PV sector is supported by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, which introduced feed-in tariffs and renewable energy standards to promote clean energy development.
Smiths Falls 5 generates clean electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting Canada's target of achieving 90% non-emitting electricity by 2030.