Brockton council has an opportunity that will help the municipality down the road – joining the province’s Green Energy movement with solar power.
With the push by the province for microfit units – those that produce a maximum of 10 kilowatts of power – there exists an opportunity to get in on the ground floor and expand as we move forward.
And the contact made by the Historic Saugeen Metis just might be the connection Brockton needs to take it to the next step. Each panel doesn’t come cheap with estimates averaging about $100,000 for one unit fully installed, so with help from HSM, the financial impact could be lessened – even more if the municipality decides to venture into some sort of co-op program and invite residents to invest as well.
With an expected return of 14 per cent annually, Brockton could start realizing a profit in just over seven years, and with the province guaranteeing the price of 80 cents a kilowatt for the next 20 years, that would mean Brockton’s coffers could see roughly $14,000 a year added per unit for over 12 years (under the current contract) plus more once a new price/contract is done  when the current one expires.
Other municipalities and companies, and even some farmers, are recognizing this opportunity and getting plugged in.
While council is right to take things slow, I caution that this administration has a track record of often moving too slowly and then messing things up by trying to rush a project forward in the eleventh hour.
Due diligence is a must, but moving ahead is also important. Foresight and vision will be required in order to see the benefits.
It’s not too often when the province creates a program that will make a municipality money. It’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be squandered.