The Ontario Solar Network (OSN)—a new non-profit association “dedicated to advancing business development for its members in Ontario’s solar PV market”—kicks off its membership campaign on October 28 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, Vaughan, Ont. The event will unveil a program that aims to fortify the province’s solar industry and advance business development for network members.

Jacob Travis, OSN founder and president, consulted with the industry’s business leaders, government agencies and other NGOs (including CanSIA) to establish a membership program based on five core pillars: convening industry leadership, centralizing market intelligence, delivering professional development, organizing networking events and strengthening public relations.

“OSN’s goal is straightforward,” said Travis, “To help members grow their solar businesses and careers.” The network helps businesses access “what they need to know, and who they need to know” to succeed and expand.

OSN began as the professional alumni network for Ontario Solar Academy’s ISPQ-accredited solar panel installation training classes, says the association. Now 190-strong and growing, OSN aims to serve the needs of stakeholders in the province’s solar industry, including manufacturers, distributors, developers, installers, financial institutions, tax advisors, law firms, insurance companies and consultants.

At the event, Ontario Power Authority (OPA) vice-president of communications, Ben Chin, will present an update on Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) and microFIT developments, including how they will impact the solar business in the year ahead.

Membership is being offered for $300 from now until October 28 (a 75% discount off the standard $1200 annual fee). While originally open to anyone, OSN’s many networking events, summits, webinars and professional development seminars will now be largely exclusive to members.

OSN will facilitate the self regulation of Ontario’s solar industry in cooperation with OPA and the Minister of Energy. With inevitable policy adjustments in the coming year, OSN wants to ensure a transparent process of all changes to the microFIT and FIT Programs. “We’ll regularly convene OSN’s Leadership Council, in collaboration with government decision-makers, to ensure a stable and sustainable marketplace,” said  Travis.

CLICK HERE or PHOTO ABOVE for photos from the event.

CLICK HERE for Ontario Solar Network.