Innovation

The innovation is the promotion and installation of solar panels on residential buildings as a way to promote alternate energy resources. Now that solar panel technology has evolved to a point where it actually makes money instead of costing money, it should become far more viable as a mainstream energy option in the coming years. Guelph Solar has also been involved in many commercial projects in the local area, including buildings on the University of Guelph campus.

MicroFit, as a government incentive, makes sense environmentally but also economically. This program allows Guelph Solar to install solar panels on a resident's rooftop that provide a 20-year contract with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). This contract offers a return on investment of approximately 10% a year for 20 years. While helping the environment by using clean sustainable energy, the resident is also making a sound investment and a source of income for 20 years.

In the world today we are far too reliant on non-renewable energy sources. One of the biggest questions we face in the coming generations is where we are going to get clean, reliable energy. Guelph Solar will help solve this problem by offering high-quality solar panel systems to the local Guelph area.

Inspiration

In recent years many people have become a lot more interested in creating a more sustainable world for us all to live in, and the founder of Guelph Solar, Steve Dyck, is no different. Steve has always enjoyed giving back to the community in any way he can, being involved in multiple charity organizations and co-operative efforts. It was only after 11 years in the solar industry that Mr. Dyck decided to start his own business and bring solar energy to Guelph. While many people might view their job as just that, Steve and the rest of the people at Guelph Solar are all interested in creating a better community. Their work achieves this because they are passionate about reducing energy consumption and making a more sustainable environment for us all.

Overall impact

Guelph Solar has prospered in recent years and only continues to grow. The Microfit program, along with advances in solar technology in recent years, has made the use of solar energy more accessible and economically viable every year. This allows the company to help change our society one step at a time. It is because of how easy and inexpensive (in the long run) these panels are to install that we can hope, as long as business continues to boom, for a drop in our community's total energy consumption.

Business benefit

Due to Guelph Solar’s efforts in the community, they were recognized for Excellence in Business by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce in 2016, something which not many businesses have the honor of receiving.

Social and environmental benefit

Guelph Solar has been working towards a cleaner environment and more stable community by involving themselves with multiple charities and organizations throughout the city. The company is working towards making sure that future generations are well off in both the environment and community they will be living in.

Interview

Julianna van Adrichem, Marketing and Administration Manager