TORONTO, ON–(Marketwired – May 05, 2015) – Today, Ontario Solar Provider (OSP), together with Metro Label Company, celebrates the opening ceremony of a 350 kW solar project at Metro Label Company’s Toronto location. The solar project is one of Ontario Solar Provider’s largest installations to date in the Greater Toronto Area.
“Projects like this solar installation at Metro Label are a fantastic example of how commercial and industrial property owners are partnering with Ontario Solar Provider to leverage their rooftops, generating additional revenue for their businesses and supporting the development of clean, emissions-free renewable energy projects across Ontario,” said Sebastian Seyfarth, President, Ontario Solar Provider. “As a vertically-integrated solar PV company, OSP excels at managing every aspect of its solar projects seamlessly, from start to finish. Having completed over 100 commercial-scale solar projects under Ontario’s Feed-In-Tariff program, OSP’s team has earned the trust of property owners across the province.”
The solar project would not have been possible without the support of Metro Label, which, in partnership with OSP, agreed to host the solar project by leasing the rooftop of its 999 Progress Avenue facility in Toronto. Through its rooftop lease model, OSP builds, owns and operates the solar system on the client’s rooftop at no capital cost to the property owner. The property owner benefits from having solar onsite and monetizing what is otherwise unused roof space.
Over the past few months, OSP has worked around the clock getting the 350 kW project to the construction phase. “We are very pleased with how the project unfolded. Installation of the system was completed by OSP seamlessly and on schedule, with no interruptions to our regular business,” said Pramod Gupta, CFO, Metro Label. “Protecting the integrity of our roof was another important consideration for us. OSP’s use of a ballasted racking system meant that roof penetrations were not required, which kept our roof warranty intact and gave us the peace of mind we needed.”
The solar plant is fitted with Silfab solar panels, Advanced Energy inverters and KB Racking’s EkonoRack mounting system. The 350 kW system will generate over 406,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, reducing the emissions footprint of Ontario’s electricity system by approximately 75 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions — equivalent to powering an estimated 90 homes per year. Apart from its environmental benefits, the project has generated a number of construction, engineering and project management jobs, boosting local economic growth. “Solar projects like this are keeping local energy dollars in Toronto while supporting local job creation in the growing green economy and making local companies like Metro Label more competitive internationally,” said Rob McMonagle, Senior Advisor for Green Economic Development, City of Toronto.
The solar project is the crowning jewel of Metro Label’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified facility, and one of many initiatives that Metro label is undertaking with respect to environmental responsibility. Other initiatives include rainwater harvesting, recycling waste heat from its printing presses to heat the premises, and recycling construction materials.
About Ontario Solar Provider
Ontario Solar Provider specializes in the development, financing, engineering and construction of large-scale rooftop solar installations and portfolios under Ontario’s Feed-in-Tariff program. Having completed over 100 commercial scale solar projects in Ontario representing more than 50 MW of installed capacity, Ontario Solar Provider is one of the leading, fully integrated solar PV companies in Ontario. OSP offers turnkey solar rooftop lease solutions that enable commercial and industrial property owners to support the development of renewable energy, earn additional revenue, and help create cleaner, healthier and more prosperous communities. Property owners can learn more and request a preliminary solar assessment at www.ontariosp.com
About Metro Label
Founded in 1974, Metro Label is of North America’s top players in printing labels. Metro Label produce pressure sensitive labels for a wide range of consumer goods, including internationally known cosmetic and liquor brands and the private labels of big Canadian grocery chains. Metro Label is committed to sustainability and its LEED Green facility and the solar rooftop project is a testament.
