May 3, 2012 – Some 700 delegates from across the country will gather in London, Ont., May 14-15, for CanSIA’s Solar Ontario 2012 Conference & Tradeshow, and EBMag will be there! Industry experts can connect with government officials and decision-makers to understand the implications of the new Ontario FIT Program and explore opportunities for Canada’s growing solar industry in Ontario.

Last year’s keynote luncheon speaker—then Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade—Sandra Pupatello, now director of business development and export markets with PriceWaterHouse Coopers, returns with her views on the sector in 2012. (May 15, noon to 1 pm).

The welcome reception features Chris Bentley, Ontario’s minister of energy (May 14, 5:30 to 7 pm). Meantime, opening remarks will be delivered by London mayor Joe Fontana (May 15, 8:30 to 9 am).

“This will be a great opportunity to meet and discuss the changes underway in Ontario,” said John A. Gorman, CanSIA’s president. “We have the industry’s leading experts discussing the implications of microFIT and FIT 2.0, and everyone will come away with the knowledge they need to make the best of the revised program.” He added, “Corporate support for the conference continues to be outstanding, and we would particularly like to thank Hanwha Solar Canada for showing their support for the industry as this year’s Diamond Sponsor.”

Plenaries
(May 15, 9 to 10 am)
“Ontario’s Solar Industry Now and Going Forward: microFIT 2.0 and FIT 2.0”. The revamped microFIT and FIT 2.0 Program will impact the Ontario electricity market, offering new opportunities to the solar industry. A look at what outcomes and implications businesses need to understand to survive and prosper in this new environment.

Moderated by Mike Crawley, CEO, International Power Canada Inc.

Panelists:
• Chris Benedetti, principal, Sussex Strategy Group
• Jonathan Cheszes, managing consultant, Energy Practice, Navigant Consulting
• Valerie Helbronner, partner, Infrastructure and Energy, Torys LLP
• Brian Hewson, senior manager, Networks & Smart Grid, Regulatory Policy & Compliance, Ontario Energy Board
• Doug Urban, senior director of Canada, Hanwha Solar Canada
• Christian Wray, president and CEO, JCM Capital

(May 15, 1:15 to 2:15 pm)
“Lessons Learned from Projects Implemented to Date”. The microFIT and FIT Program 1.0 was one of the most comprehensive solar programs in North America. Learn from industry and project development experts operating in the trenches about how they were able to ensure solar projects reached completion.

Moderated by Doug Urban, Hanwha Solar Canada

Panelists:
• Michael Dilworth, director of Project Management & Corporate Development, SunEdison Canada
• Carlo Di Gioacchino, president and CEO, NorthGrid Solar
• David Brochu, vice president, development, East Region, managing director, Recurrent Energy
• Milfred Hammerbacher, president and CEO, Canadian Solar Inc.
• Jacob Sadikman, associate, corporate, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
• Azeem Qureshi, CEO, Grasshopper Solar Corp.

A series of breakout and focus sessions take an in-depth look at issues including: contract management; the regulatory environment; and connecting, selling, constructing and operating solar.

An exposition space will feature over 75 exhibitors highlighting the latest in solar offerings; a great opportunity to learn about the latest technology and the people behind it.

CanSIA (Canadian Solar Industries Association) is a national trade association that represents about 650 solar energy companies throughout Canada.

CLICK HERE for more information.