Unity Telecom first business to generate electricity under new provincial program

Solar panels power up in Newmarket

Unity Telecom first business in Newmarket to generate electricity under new provincial program.

Newmarket, Ontario Newmarket’s first solar generator to qualify under Ontario’s new microFIT program for renewable electricity generation has just powered up at a local business. Unity Telecom has installed panels for its three-kilowatt solar array at its Canadian headquarters on Harry Walker Parkway South in Newmarket.Newmarket Hydro assessed and approved the project and worked with Unity Telecom’s project managers, Sentinel Power Systems, to complete the connection to the local distribution system.

Developed by the Ontario Power Authority in consultation with local electricity utilities, the microFIT program is one of the cornerstones of the Ontario government’s Green Energy Act. It encourages the development of small renewable energy generation projects (10 kilowatts of electricity or less) for residential and business installation. The power generated locally from renewable sources, such as solar, eases the burden on the provincial electricity grid. Residential and commercial consumers who wish to contribute to a healthier environment by participating in microFIT are paid for the electricity they
generate.

The installation at Unity Telecom has fifteen panels on the roof with three more on the ground in front of the building. This project is just the latest in “green” initiatives for the Newmarket-based company. When Unity Telecom took up residence in its new Canadian headquarters in September 2009, it moved into a brand-new building that was specifically designed to meet the requirements of its environmentally conscious tenant. For example, the building is topped by a “cool” roof covered by a white membrane to deflect the sun’s rays reducing the heat absorption common with typical tar and gravel roofs.

“Given our commitment to environmental issues, it was important for us to work with Newmarket Hydro and build solar electricity generation into our new headquarters,” says Dave Sherry, president of Unity Telecom. “Whatever power we generate from our solar panels is a step towards a healthier environment.”

The provincial microFIT program offers those who want to help reduce the atmospheric emissions contributing to climate change a real way to participate in Ontario’s growing renewable energy movement.

“The moment you produce one kilowatt of power from renewable sources, such as solar, you’re reducing our dependence on fossil forms of generation, such as coal or natural gas, that produce greenhouse gases,” says Paul Ferguson, president of Newmarket Hydro. “I want to commend Unity Telecom for helping to lead the way in Newmarket in creating a cleaner and safer environment for all of us.”

For further information about Newmarket Hydro         For further information about Unity Telecom
Rick Butts 905 853-7395 (cell: 905 717-2878)               Patrick Lance 905 952-2475, ext. 4460

About Unity Telecom
Unity Telecom is a full-service communications company offering consulting, design, implementation and support for IP based business communication solutions. It provides sales and support on products such as Avaya, AVST, Captaris, Cisco, Motorola and Panasonic. With headquarters in Newmarket, Ontario, it has offices in Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver and Phoenix.