Spara Portfolio Company, Spark Solar “Lights Up” 2012 

There has been serious excitement at Spara with respect to our interest in Spark Solar, the renewables business we founded some three years ago with our partner, Andrew Clark.  Despite significant challenges, both political and technical in the rollout of Ontario’s Green Energy Act, Spark has established solid relationships with government and energy stakeholders alike as we continue to build this business.  The following is a sampling of what we have been up to at Spark:

Constructing and Managing Solar Units for AGRIS Solar Co-operative

As manager of AGRIS Solar Co-operative, Spark has been active in constructing and managing MicroFIT solar projects on farms and rural property in Southwestern Ontario on behalf of the members of AGRIS Solar.  We will continue to install ground mounted solar units for the Agris Solar under the Ontario Green Energy microFit program throughout Ontario in 2013 including the construction of the pending “Solar Gardens” on behalf of the majority of capacity constrained contract holders.

Sale of a 10MW FIT Project

Spark Solar also has a development arm.  In the fall of 2012, Spark Solar sold a 10MW FIT project it owned to a Southern Ontario utility.   As part of the transaction Spark will develop and oversee the construction of  the project on behalf of the buyer.

Acquisition of 50% Interest in Northwind Solutions

Spark recently took a 50% interest in Northwind Solutions.  Northwind is an experienced operations and maintenance (“O&M”) and systems monitoring business focused on the renewable energy sector. This acquisition is part of the strategic advancement of the business, as we look to expand our capabilities to a full-stop asset management model in the renewables industry.

Formation of the Green Energy Co-operative of Ontario

In the summer/fall of 2012 Spark formed the Green Energy Co-operative of Ontario (“GECO”).  Leveraging Spark’s expertise and relationships in the Ontario renewables sector, GECO’s mandate is to create a means for community participation in green energy projects, a key priority for the Ontario government.

For further information on Spark Solar and opportunities in the renewable energy sector, do not hesitate to contact us or visit www.sparksolar.ca.