According to Natural Resources Canada, over 20% of the energy consumed in Ontario is used to run homes. Of that 20% chunk, 80% is used for space and water heating alone. That means that making the right energy choices for your home has a significant effect on not only your personal finances but also our environment.

为你的家选择一种能源可能是一个困难的决定。最便宜的选择往往是对环境最有害的，而最环保的选择往往有最高的短期安装成本，尽管它们具有潜在的长期吸引力。

In today's economy, Canadians are increasingly concerned with personal finances and reluctant to make long-term investments. This makes the decision to implement renewable energy options all the more difficult.

In the last several years, the Ontario government has made it one of their priorities to encourage the green tech industry in Ontario and the development of renewable energy projects across the province.

As part of this initiative, they have developed a program which allows citizens to connect their renewable energy projects to the provincial energy grid and receive premium prices for any excess energy produced above the needs of the property.

2009年，随着《安大略省绿色能源绿色经济法案》(GEGEA)的出台，安大略省成为北美第一个提供上网电价保障体系(FIT)以促进可持续能源的国家。

GEGEA产生的最重要的项目是省级FIT和微型FIT项目。规模较大的FIT项目针对的是安大略省萨尼亚的大型太阳能农场等大型商业能源生产商，而微型FIT项目则旨在鼓励小型企业、个人家庭、农场或社区建筑开展可再生能源项目。

该计划为在该省建造发电量低于10千瓦的新可再生能源项目的成功申请者提供有保障的价格。

Once applications have been processed and accepted by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), contracts are valid and guaranteed for a fixed term of 20-40 years depending on the energy type. This program offers a unique opportunity for those interested in investing in small-scale renewable energy projects for their homes or businesses.

The fixed-rate paid of each energy source varies according to the production costs associated with each technology to ensure a reasonable return on the investment.

Eligibility

Prices and Project types for the microFIT program:

Renewable Technology

Price (c/kWh)

Contract Term (years)

Solar PV Rooftop

80.2

20

Solar PV Ground-mounted

64.2

20

Wind

13.5

20

Water Power

13.1

40

Biomass

13.8

20

Biogas

16

20

Landfill gas

11

20

If you are interested in applying, it is very important to pay attention to the eligibility requirements for each energy type and ensure you apply for the right one. Some of the more notable restrictions and requirements include:

  • 非屋顶太阳能和风能项目不能建在住宅地产上，但可以建在商业地产和不被视为住宅的农田上。
  • 60% of the manufacturing and/or production process for solar projects must be done in Ontario.
  • For a solar project to be considered “rooftop solar” it must be built on an existing permanent building, complete with four walls, a roof and a permanent foundation.
  • Individuals may only submit one application per energy source, at any particular time.
  • No two projects can operate on adjacent land if owned by the same person.
  • For those who already have an existing renewable energy project, you can still benefit from the program by applying for the “incremental microFIT program” to expand your current project as long as it does not exceed 10KW when it is complete and as long as the energy type is the same.

虽然microFIT计划不能像联邦翻新fit计划那样帮助抵消这些项目的初始开发成本，但它确实显著提高了这些项目的长期可行性。通过保证20-40年的合同，microFIT能够通过确保这些项目的长期盈利能力来增加参与这些项目的吸引力。

microFIT项目的目的是鼓励我们的能源供应多样化，减少我们对化石燃料的依赖，采用更可持续的选择。由于一般FIT项目已经涵盖了这些项目，因此不打算用于大规模的能源分配。

Regrettably, the microFIT program is not so lucrative that you can become an energy mogul, spending the rest of your days sipping margaritas on a beach in the Caribbean. However, you can certainly reduce your living expenses and help Ontario become a leader in clean, renewable energy - the benefits of which are incalculable.

For those interested in exploring the possibility of installing small renewable energy projects in their home, business or community, builders should consult the Ontario Power Authority website (links found below) for more detailed information on eligibility requirements and information regarding the process of connection. I strongly encourage you to do so.

如果您有初始投资资金，参加这个项目不仅可以减少我省高比例能源消耗对环境的影响，还可以减少您长期的生活费用。如果你没有足够的资金，可以考虑租赁计划。

Useful links for more specific information:

MicroFIT homepage

http://www.ieso.ca/get-involved/microfit/news-overview

PDF of microFIT program overview

http://www.ieso.ca/get-involved/microfit/news-overview

MicroFIT rules

http://www.ieso.ca/get-involved/microfit/news-overview

List of eligible Participants

http://www.ieso.ca/get-involved/microfit/news-overview

Registration instructions

http://www.ieso.ca/get-involved/microfit/news-overview

Application instructions

http://www.ieso.ca/get-involved/microfit/news-overview

Justin Fortin毕业于卡尔顿大学，获得政治学荣誉学位。他主要关注环境政策和可持续发展。他曾与芬兰埃斯波市的环境中心合作，研究如何让市民更多地参与减缓气候变化。