Welcome to SapphireLight Solar

The SapphireLight Solar project, located in Kingston Municipality, is a proposal competing under Ontario’s newly created Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) program. This page is updated to provide information to individuals interested in following the development process as it unfolds. The process is ongoing and will be completed over a period of 3 years after the contract is awarded.


Below we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions regarding solar energy, and we will provide links to specific documentation and approvals for the project as they become available. Our effort is to ensure that all information is provided to ensure a clear, transparent and beneficial process to development.

About Solar Power

What is solar energy?

Solar energy utilizes the sun’s rays to generate electricity in a clean and reliable manner.

 

How does solar energy work?

Energy from the sun is harnessed by photovoltaic cells, otherwise known as solar cells. The sun’s rays shine down onto panels of photovoltaic (PV) cells, otherwise known as solar panels, which begins the energy harnessing process:

  • Particles of sunlight known as photons hit PV panels and are absorbed by the silicon found within the panels
  • Photons knock electrons loose from their atoms causing an electrical potential difference
  • Current flows through the panels to cancel the potential charge difference, which in turn is captured as direct current (DC) electricity. The semi-conductive properties of the silicon allow the current to flow in one direction only
  • The electricity is harnessed as DC electricity and converted by an inverter into alternating current (AC) electricity to be fed onto the grid for local consumption
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    What are the benefits of solar energy?

    Solar powered energy is clean, renewable, reliable and non-invasive. Photovoltaic panels are mounted in flat, unobstructed locations with a low profile. They are reliable, long lasting and require very little maintenance. Since solar energy is located and distributed on the existing grid, it does not require the import of costly materials or complex infrastructure in order to function. The sun’s rays are free and, unlike most traditional fossil fuel resources, do not require mining. Solar energy projects create many jobs and bring benefit to local economies.

    Why Solar Power and Not Wind or Other Renewable Energy Resources?

    Solar is the most environmentally friendly renewable resource. Compared to that of wind or hydroelectricity, solar has minimal impact on wildlife and the environment.

    Project Overview

    The SapphireLight Solar project is located at: E 1/2 Lt 8 Con 6 Western Addition Kingston Except Pt 16 Exprop PL RP1562; Kingston

    SapphireLight - Community Engagement Plan.pdf

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    About SkyPower

    SkyPower is the largest and one of the most successful developers and owners of solar energy projects in the world. SkyPower develops, finances, owns and operates solar energy projects from the initial stages through to commercial operation. SkyPower's international team of experienced professionals, power project specialists and partners, who possess over 800 years of combined relevant experience, has built, assembled and acquired an extensive pipeline of over 25,000 MW worldwide. 

     

    In addition to securing 24 utility-scale solar power purchase agreements (PPA) in the past five years, SkyPower recently announced a bilateral agreement for 3,000 MW of solar PV projects to be built on the continent of Africa over the next five years. The SkyPower team has built strategic global partnerships with local developers, international leaders, financiers, suppliers, local communities and indigenous peoples to produce hundreds of millions of kilowatt hours of clean electricity. 

    www.skypower.com
    To learn more about the SapphireLight Solar proposal, public meetings or to communicate questions or concerns, please contact: 
    Charmaine Thompson, Vice President – Ontario Projects SkyPower Global First Canadian Place
    100 King Street West | 30th Floor | Suite 3050 | Toronto, Ontario | M5X 1C9 | Canada Telephone: +1 416 979 4625 Mobile: + 1 416 895 9667 Fax: +1 416 981 8686
    Email: communityengagement@skypower.com www.skypower.com