Chatham-Kent is endorsing the installation of solar panels throughout the municipality.
But the projects still need approval from the province.
Chief Building Official Paul Lacina says the endorsement from council is merely to show their support for the projects. The final decision and funding will come from the province as part of the Ontario Green Energy Act (GEA) and the Feed In Tarriff (FIT).
"These panel locations are being submitted by the developer and [will] hopefully get awarded a contract through the province," says Lacina.
Due to an abundance of interest in the program, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has implemented a system to help decide which locations are awarded contract.
"When the developers put their bid into the province, it's a point system and they get more points if they have resolution from the local municipality," says Lacina.
He says should the contracts be awarded, most panels would be installed on flat-roofed buildings in industrial and highway commercial zones.
Lacina adds the installation of solar panels is something the municipality is hopeful for.
"We're all for green energy and protecting the environment, so Chatham-Kent is on board," says Lacina.
