Stratford Solar Farm

To reach its target of 10 per cent of energy needs generated locally within 10 years, the City of Stratford and Festival Hydro, its fully owned electric utility company, planned to construct a solar energy demonstration project either on vacant land obtained for that purpose or on rooftops (or both). Previously, Stratford had imported almost all its electricity, with less than one per cent generated by two small private solar installations. Solar energy — which produces almost no carbon emissions or greenhouse gases and eliminates the possibility of an environmentally devastating accident — ranks among the cleanest forms of energy. This project was expected to demonstrate that solar energy was a profitable, viable venture. It also aimed to stimulate training and learning about solar power, and to promote next-generation industrial development and “green-collar” job creation in the city through local sourcing of equipment and labour. A successful outcome would significantly reduce imported energy use, help open dialogue about solar energy in the city, and identify barriers to finding sites for renewable energy generation. The project’s results could be shared and replicated not only within Stratford, but also in other municipalities, which could benefit from new knowledge on price negotiations, consultant fees, feasibility study findings, and estimated timelines.

(Project description from original funding application)