Overview
SSM 1 (Leigh's Bay Rd.) is a 12 MW solar PV facility in Ontario, Canada, owned by Starwood Energy. The plant contributes to Canada's renewable energy capacity under provincial renewable energy targets.
SSM 1 (Leigh's Bay 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 small- to medium-scale solar installation that feeds clean electricity into the provincial grid. The facility is owned by Starwood Energy, a US-based energy infrastructure investor, and has been operational since its commissioning. The plant uses standard solar PV technology, converting sunlight directly into electricity. Ontario's renewable energy landscape is shaped by the province's Long-Term Energy Plan and the federal Clean Fuel Regulations, which support solar and other renewables. While specific grid connection details are not disclosed, the facility likely operates under a power purchase agreement or participates in Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) market. Environmentally, the facility displaces fossil-fuel generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar PV installations have minimal operational emissions but require land use; this site is located in a region with mixed industrial and natural land cover. The plant supports local energy independence and contributes to Canada's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in a region with a mix of boreal forest and industrial areas near Sault Ste. Marie. Solar PV installations like this one have low water usage and no air emissions during operation, but land use can affect local ecosystems. The site's location on previously disturbed land minimizes additional habitat impact. Grid integration of solar power in Ontario is supported by smart grid technologies and energy storage to manage intermittency.
Frequently asked questions
SSM 1 (Leigh's Bay Rd.) is a solar PV power plant located near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, at coordinates 46.5171 N, -84.4261 W.
The facility has a capacity of 12 megawatts (MW), making it a small- to medium-scale solar installation.
The plant is owned by Starwood Energy, a US-based energy infrastructure investment firm.
Ontario's renewable energy is guided by the province's Long-Term Energy Plan and the federal Clean Fuel Regulations, which include targets for solar and other renewables. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) manages grid integration and procurement.
Solar PV generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions during operation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It also has low water consumption and can be sited on degraded land to minimize ecological impact.