Building Canadian Solar: Cell by Cell by Cell
by Treehugger Interns 
on 09. 3.06
Canada is not perhaps known for its sunshine. However, an interesting development in rural Ontario is looking to change that – and they are calling on all Canadians to help. Sunpark Corp is hoping to build Canada’s first solar park. Because the park will take many years to become financially self-sustaining, they are asking members of the public and like-minded corporations to sponsor single solar cells at CAN$25.00 each. Combined with thousands of others, these cells will collectively generate electricity for the Ontario province:
“On its own, [each] cell makes just a couple of Watts of power when exposed to the sun. Combined with literally thousands of other cells in the solar park, it will make a significant contribution to the environment - generating electricity without any noise or pollution for at least 20 years.”
Those interested in sponsoring a cell can do so online via a simple credit card payment.
[Written by: Sami Grover]
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Way to go Canada! We make us proud!
:P
I think it's a great idea - like wind power coops - and should be taken up around the world.
Solar panels can operate for decades, up to 50+ years. So once the capital investment is made, it should be very low maintenance.
I'm interested and wary -- interested because it seems like a great concept but wary because so far I could find little about the company behind the concept.
I want to believe they are sincere .... ( and give them some money for a few solar cells )
If anyone has more information I would like to hear more about the company.
Thanks
Comment from Sunpark Energy Corp:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the article, and to provide more information about Sunpark Energy Corp. and The Sunpark Challenge. One comment posted raises a question about the sincerity and background of the company involved, and I would be happy to answer any questions regarding the project.
Sunpark Energy Corp. was incorporated in July 2006 with the express purpose of raising funds to build Canada’s first solar park. “The Sunpark Challenge” was a concept created as a way of stimulating interest and development of solar power in Canada. Sunpark Energy was incorporated to ensure the money raised by the project was kept in a separate, auditable manner. It was felt a corporation status would be necessary to attract the corporate sponsors needed to make the project happen.
As you will see from the web site, in only 8 weeks of existence we have attracted a number of reputable corporate sponsors, including FireFly Energy, RLB System Solutions and Solera Sustainable Energies Company. In the next few days you will see confirmation of new sponsors, including the world’s largest private software company and one of the leading insurance brokers in Ontario… rest assured that these companies do not part with funds unless they have done their homework on the company involved, and are confident that the project is stable and trustworthy!
All the money raised by corporate or personal sponsorships will be used to purchase solar generating equipment, such as solar panels, inverters, trackers and control systems. All the operating costs of the project (land lease, insurance, maintenance, security, advertising, etc) will be covered by selling the electricity produced by the solar park to the Province of Ontario.
Until the project starts generating power, the company will continue to be staffed by unpaid volunteers who are committed to “creating a better planet for future generations” by building the solar park. Our sponsoring companies are also contributing time and resources to ensure The Sunpark Challenge is a success.
Please take the time to review the project details at www.sunpark.ca . If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your support!
Best wishes,
Richard Mash
Sunpark Energy Corp.
www.sunpark.ca
rmash@sunpark.ca
I see no mention about a payback. I assume this is a donation and not an investment?