PowerStream Solar's First Power Generation Facility Now Operational

BARRIE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 10, 2011) - PowerStream Solar's first solar photovoltaic (PV) generating facility is now in operation on the roof of the electric utility's Patterson Road operations centre in Barrie, connected to the provincial grid under Ontario's Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program.

This 243 kilowatt (kW) generating facility is a unique working laboratory whose purpose is two-fold – learning about and testing the efficiencies of various solar technologies. It is enabling PowerStream Solar to acquire first-hand knowledge and expertise of the engineering and construction process through the use of nine solar PV systems, consisting of 1,048 solar panels, from a number of manufacturers and mounted on different styles of racking systems.

The lab is also enabling PowerStream Solar to monitor and confirm manufacturers' data regarding each system's performance levels, their reaction to different environments and evaluate the performance of the components to ultimately select quality suppliers for future clients' projects as well as facilitate the company's ability to make improvements on the installation of future solar PV systems.

"The nine solar PV systems we have installed on the roof of our Barrie office is just one example of the concerted effort we are making to be a leader in the renewable generation business while at the same time championing initiatives that provide value to our shareholders and the communities we serve," said Frank Scarpitti, PowerStream's Board Chair and Mayor of the Town of Markham. "The business model we have in place for our involvement in renewable generation is consistent with our corporate vision of being a socially responsible company, committed to the environment and sustainable growth."

PowerStream Solar currently offers commercial, industrial and institutional building owners the opportunity to lease their under-utilized rooftops for large-scale solar PV installations that will be connected to the electricity grid. Participating building owners earn incremental revenue from having an annual guaranteed income through these lease arrangements and are also able to demonstrate to their customers, communities and other key stakeholders that they are committed to being leaders in environmental sustainability as well.

About PowerStream Solar

PowerStream Solar is a division of PowerStream Inc., the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to more than 330,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. The communities served include Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. PowerStream is an incorporated entity, jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.