Sun Edison and Sky Power receive solar award


CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training – Electrical Safety Compliance Course

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$249
Coupon Price:
$199
Reserve Your Seat Today
SunEdison, a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic materials along with project partner, SkyPower, have been awarded the "Solar PV Project of the Year for Ground Mount" by CanSIA, the leading solar association in Canada.

The award was presented for the 9.1-megawatt (MW) First Light Solar Energy Park in Stone Mills, Ontario, the largest solar energy park built to date in Canada. Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy & Infrastructure, Honourable George Smitherman presented the award.

In presenting the award Minister Smitherman said, "The First Light Solar Energy Park's grand opening made solar dreams real for a lot of people in the industry - not just in Ontario - but across the country. For being the spark that is without question the very first big bright light of solar in Canada - but certainly not the last, we offer our congratulations."

The system, covering 90 acres of land, approximately the size of 50 Canadian football fields, began transmitting energy to Hydro One Networks, the largest electricity transmission and distribution company in Ontario, on September 30. SunEdison and SkyPower expect First Light to generate more than 10 million kilowatt hours (kWhs), enough electricity to power approximately 1,000 homes in its first year of operation, the equivalent of taking almost 1,800 cars off the road and removing 8,000 metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere.

Commenting on the award, SunEdison President and Executive VP of MEMC Carlos Domenech said, "We are honored that we have been recognized along with our partner, SkyPower, with such a prestigious award from CanSIA. It is a reflection of SunEdison's commitment to Canada, and underscores the opportunities for renewable energy made possible in Ontario. SunEdison looks forward to continued development of rooftop and ground mount solar systems throughout the Province, and throughout Canada."

During construction of First Light, SunEdison and SkyPower worked closely with Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources to successfully preserve habitat for the endangered Eastern Loggerhead Shrike. First Light was built on bedrock that would have had limited use for other development, meeting the priority for protecting agricultural lands.

Related News

Canadian Scientists say power utilities need to adapt to climate change

Canada Power Grid Climate Resilience integrates extreme weather planning, microgrids, battery storage, renewable energy, vegetation…
View more

Saudis set to 'boost wind by over 6GW'

Saudi Arabia Wind Power Market set to lead the Middle East, driven by Vision 2030…
View more

Site C dam could still be cancelled at '11th hour' if First Nations successful in court

Site C Dam Court Ruling could halt hydroelectric project near Fort St. John, as First…
View more

Renewables Surpass Coal in India's Energy Capacity Shift

India Renewable Energy Surge 2024 signals coal's decline as solar and wind capacity soar, aided…
View more

Rising Solar and Wind Curtailments in California

California Renewable Energy Curtailment highlights grid congestion, midday solar peaks, limited battery storage, and market…
View more

Tunisia invests in major wind farm as part of longterm renewable energy plan

Sidi Mansour Wind Farm Tunisia will deliver 30 MW as an IPP, backed by UPC…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified