Overview
SSM 1 (Carpin Rd.) is a 12 MW solar PV facility in Ontario, Canada, owned by Starwood Energy. It contributes to Canada's renewable energy capacity under provincial and federal clean energy targets.
SSM 1 (Carpin Rd.) is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. With a capacity of 12 megawatts (MW), it is a medium-scale solar installation that feeds clean electricity into the provincial grid. The facility is owned by Starwood Energy, a private investment firm focused on energy infrastructure. The plant operates under Ontario's regulatory framework, which includes the Green Energy Act and the province's Long-Term Energy Plan. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels, and this facility benefits from Ontario's net metering and feed-in tariff programs that support renewable energy deployment. The 12 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium range for utility-scale solar in Canada. Environmentally, SSM 1 (Carpin Rd.) displaces greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise come from fossil fuel generation. Solar PV has minimal water use and low operational emissions, though land use and visual impact are considerations. The facility supports Ontario's goal to phase out coal and increase renewable energy share, contributing to Canada's target of 90% clean electricity by 2030.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a region with a mix of forest and urban areas near Sault Ste. Marie. Solar PV installations like this one require land clearing and can affect local ecosystems, but they produce no air or water pollution during operation. The site's latitude and climate provide moderate solar irradiance, typical for Ontario. Grid integration of solar power requires careful management due to variability, but Ontario's grid has experience with renewable sources.
Frequently asked questions
SSM 1 (Carpin Rd.) is located near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, at latitude 46.5236 and longitude -84.4456.
The facility has a capacity of 12 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic installation.
The facility is owned by Starwood Energy, a private investment firm specializing in energy infrastructure.
Ontario's solar PV sector is supported by the Green Energy Act, feed-in tariffs, and the Long-Term Energy Plan, which aim to increase renewable energy and reduce emissions.
The facility adds 12 MW of clean solar capacity, helping Canada achieve its goal of 90% clean electricity by 2030 and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.