April 21, 2014 – Canadian Solar says it has completed the first diesel hybrid photovoltaic (PV) system in the remote microgrids in northern Ontario serving the First Nation community.

The 152kW rooftop solar array on the Deer Lake First Nation Elementary School, completed by Canadian Solar with its supplier partners, claims to be the first project under the strategic partnership with NCC Development, a First Nation renewable energy management company. According to the partners, the project exemplifies the commitment to use renewable energy microgrid solutions to assist the energy needs of off-grid First Nations and remote communities.

Deer Lake First Nation aims to eventually replace 50% of its diesel consumption with the renewable energy microgrid retrofit solution, said Chief Royale Meekis, the leader of Deer Lake First Nation, adding that the project is part of a three-part plan to reduce peak electricity load.

“NCC is optimistic in moving forward with our partner Canadian Solar, as we continue to build strategic collaborative efforts with leaders in the solar and renewable energy industry to foster sustainable development of Canada’s indigenous communities,” said Geordi Kakepetum, CEO of NCC.

Serving the communities of Deer Lake, Fort Severn, Keewaywin, North Spirit Lake, Poplar Hill and McDowell Lake, NCC has identified more than 80 First Nations and remote communities for potential renewable energy microgrid solution deployment.