440 UNIT 26 Alternative Energy Systems Homes that produce electricity either for their own consumption or to add power to the electrical grid without emitting greenhouse gases are said to have alternative energy sources installed. These homes have an alternative to getting electricity from the grid of wires that connect all the homes and businesses in Canada to supply electrical power. When equipment is installed in an off-grid residence, it is said to be for a remote power application. Remote power systems either must produce more power than is consumed or must have a battery system to store surplus power when it is available to be used when cyclic loads like refrigerators, freezers, wells, or sump pumps switch on. The maintenance and life cycle of batteries must be factored into any installation that requires them. When on-site equipment feeds power back into the electrical grid, this is considered to be a distributed generation system and can be used as a source of revenue for a homeowner. Feed-In Tariff (MicroFIT) and Net Metering across Canada In regions where grid-tied distributed generation is permitted, the electricity produced locally can aid the utility during periods of peak demand. Table 26-1 shows the payout rates for Ontario’s microfit program in 2017. In Ontario, where a feedin tariff (FIT) program exists, all electricity generated must go to the utility. Ontario’s microFIT program is designed for systems 10 kilowatts or less in size and guarantees a rate of pay for a 20-year term for solar- and wind-based electrical systems; a 40-year guaranteed term exists for water-based systems. The electricity contributed by these distributed generation systems is subtracted from the consumer’s utility bill, and in the event that it exceeds the electricity consumed, a refund will be sent to the home or business owner. Table 26-1 FIT/microFIT price schedule (January 1, 2017). Renewable Fuel Project Size Tranche* Price (¢/kWh) Percentage Escalated** Solar (PV) (Rooftop) < 6 kW 31.1 0% . 6 kW < 10 kW 28.8 0% . 10 kW < 100 kW 22.3 0% . 100 kW < 500 kW 20.7 0% < 10 kW 21.0 0% . 10 kW < 500 kW 19.2 0% On-Shore Wind < 500 kW 12.5 20% Water Power < 500 kW 24.1 20% Renewable Biomass < 500 kW 17.2 50% On-Farm Biogas < 100 kW 25.8 50% < 10 kW < 250 kW 20.0 50% Biogas < 500 kW 16.5 50% Landfill Gas < 500 kW 16.8 50% Solar (PV) (Non-Rooftop) * The FIT Program is available to Projects generally ≤ 500 kW. ** The Percentage Escalated is the percentage of the Contract Price (indicated in this chart and to be reflected, as applicable, on the FIT Contract Cover Page). - Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), FIT/microFIT PRICE SCHEDULE (January 1, 2017). http://www.ieso.ca/en/sector participants/ieso-news/2016/09/fit-microfit-priceschedule-for-2017-now-available. Program is closed to new applications and prices are historic.