Cambridge University CleanTech spin-out, Enecysys, is involved in a landmark project to build next generation solar energy conversion technology. It will be used across Canada for an innovative solar energy programme.

SMTC's Ontario facility will produce Enecsys micro inverters for all of Canada as part of the Ontario FIT Program.

SMTC says the Enecsys micro inverters will meet the Ontario Power Authority Feed-in Tariff domestic content requirement for renewable energy projects.

“Enecsys' smart solar micro inverter solutions have been installed on roofs of homes and businesses in Europe, the US and now in Ontario, Canada,” said Enecsys executive chairman, Mossadiq Umedaly.

“We are very pleased to partner with SMTC to produce our micro inverters in Ontario for the Canadian market and to become part of the Ontario renewable energy community.”

Enecsys' wide range of micro inverter products reliably convert and control the DC power generated by each solar module within a photovoltaic array installed on the roofs of residences and businesses into clean AC power for the electricity grid.

Presently, solar systems using string inverters connect solar modules in series.This configuration does not maximize the energy harvest from the PV array as the system's performance will be limited to the lowest performing solar module, whose performance will be limited by common real world conditions such as partial shading caused by a chimney, vent, transient clouds, or debris.

Enecsys micro inverter systems that are connected in parallel maximize the energy harvest from each module, increasing the system's total energy harvest from five to 20 per cent – depending on site-specific situations.

The partnership with SMTC qualifies Enecsys for Ontario's FIT program by meeting the ‘local content’ requirement, which encourages business development, production and job creation in Ontario. The program offers stable prices under long-term contracts for energy generated from renewable sources.

Claude Germain, president and co-CEO for SMTC said: “The clean energy market is a major focus for SMTC's Markham, Ontario facility, and we're pleased that Enecsys has chosen us as their Canadian manufacturing partner.

“We're committed to supporting the growth of the clean technology industry here in Markham by partnering with industry leaders like Enecsys, and we have made significant investments in capital equipment to complement our engineering expertise and dedication to FIT compliance.”

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Enecsys executive chairman, Mossadiq Umedaly