The Government of Ontario's Green Energy Act supports a Feed-in-Tariff which is one of the most progressive in the world and offers homeowners an opportunity to be paid for being green. Still in its early years, the programme is designed to promote the early adoption of solar until it becomes commonplace and price competitive with energy from hydrocarbons and nuclear. Homeowners are paid for the number of kilowatt hours produced by their systems, at high rates relative to the cost of energy sold by the utilities but it is accepted that the rates paid for new contracts will be gradually reduced over time. (Contracts are for 20 years and once granted the rates are guaranteed for 20 years)

Solar for homeowners is called the microFIT programme, is in its second version, FIT 2.0, which was announced on July 12, 2012. Having learned from mistakes of FIT 1, there are more restrictions than ever, and more information required before an application can be submitted. For homeowners, however, it's a fairly straightforward process which Down-To-Earth Solar is happy to stick-handle on your behalf. One very important consideration is that the rates paid for solar electricity will be reviewed annually in November, with a revised rate applicable on January 1. There are also timelines and no extensions will be allowed so it's important if you are interested to “get on with it”. The way the new rules are crafted, only serious candidates need apply!