Flipping the Switch to Solar Energy in Woodstock

Tuesday, 21 November 2017 16:10

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held in celebration of Woodstock's first of four community owned solar projects.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock is ready to Flip the Switch to green energy at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the first community owned solar project.

This project is the first of four owned by the Oxford Community Solar One LP to be constructed within the next year and a half. In partnership by the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative, Prowind Inc. and Arntjen Solar North-America Inc. The first project was a 250 kW rooftop solar panel, all of the projects combined will have a total of 1.2 MW providing 300 homes with renewable energy.

Outgoing President of OCEC, Rob Thompson explains the importance the community has on big projects like these.

"It is important to develop these projects within partnerships, one of the largest partners being the community themselves, It is partnerships with experienced and eager organizations that will bring Oxford County closer to achieving their goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. We will continue to develop these projects and bring opportunities to the communities to continue making a better energy future for tomorrow."

The project is being invested by the residents of Oxford County who hold ownership in the project though shares and bonds. Oxford Community Energy Cooperative owns 51% of the projects.

Director of Project Planning at Prowind, Rochelle Rumney on the projects success.

"Reaching commercial operation on the first of the Oxford Community Solar One LP projects is a true achievement for all of the partners involved in these projects. Oxford County is becoming a leader in the implementation of renewable energy technologies and we at Prowind are proud to contribute to this exciting movement of adopting community-owned clean energy."

Executive Director, Oxford Community Energy Cooperative, Miranda Fuller, on why projects like these are beneficial to the community.

"Its a celebration event, its a milestone achievement for the cooperative as well as our partners. We'll have our partners out their promoting the project and we will be able to answer any questions on investments or anything about the solar projects and we're very happy to bring these type of projects to the community of Oxford, it allows people to invest in renewable generation."

The Ceremony will be this Saturday at 12PM- 1PM at 35 Longworth Lane Woodstock ON.