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Ontario’s feed-in-tariff program – which offers stable prices under long-term contracts for energy generated from renewable sources – represents an opportunity that commercial building owners should not pass up. That’s the message Graham Smith, whose company sells solar photovoltaic systems, delivered to his audience during a Construct Canada seminar last month “Depending on what business model you go with, there really is a heck of a good return to be made,” said Smith, executive vice-president of AGT Energy Management, which provides financial, technical and construction solutions for solar photovoltaic systems. “The reality is, there is a 15 to 20 per cent return – it’s a pseudo government bond ... If you can manage the risk, you’ve got a window of opportunity to climb in now. I would be all over it.” It’s important that those looking to cash in carry out due diligence and manage their expectations, he noted. “If you do it right, and you follow the process ... this is a flippin’ good investment. If you do it wrong, it can go off the rails pretty darn quickly.” “Experience is paramount ... it’s not for the startup company,” he added. “Everybody’s got their place in this exercise, but on commercial rooftops it really is a black-tie party.” |
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‘Heck of a good return’ to be made from solar photovoltaic systems
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