As if MicroFit and FIT isn't messed up enough already ...

[Michel de Breyne]

Doesn't surprise me very much but it looks like WTO is going to rule against the MicroFIT / FIT provincial content requirements saying the violate international trading rules. (http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/wto-rule-ontarios-policies-violate-international-rules-report-195529985.html;_ylt=ArDt6ljkE50GnH2ew_BaYShyzJpG;_ ylu=X3oDMTRrdGpuZG5kBG1pdANBTFQgRlAgNyBCdWxrIFRhYm JlZCBMaXN0IFNob3J0ZXIgMiBpbWFnZXMEcGtnA2NmN2E0Zjgw LTNkNjctMzUyMi05N2ZiLTA3ODQ1M2ZmNmI5OQRwb3MDNgRzZW MDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgM0NjVhMTUyMC0xN2UzLTExZTItYWJh Zi1hNzNlNzhmZmY4ZTE-;_ylg=X3oDMTFpaWd1MzUyBGludGwDY2EEbGFuZwNlbi1jYQRw c3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3). If it's just forcing them to remove the domestic content requirement, it might not be so bad but if they charge any fines or penalties, I imagine the program could suffer a lot. Also obviously this could greatly affect any manufacturers that started operations in Ontario.

[Rob Beckers]

Thanks for the info Michael!
I'd hard about the case but didn't now where things were at.

The question is which is faster: FIT and MicroFIT aren't going to be with us for very long no matter what. The era of feed-in-tariffs for solar PV is rapidly coming to an end, with installed prices being at or below grid parity (over a 25-year time-period). My own thoughts are that at best we'll have two more years. The WTO works slowly, and even after a ruling there's probably a whole process of appeals, motions and other legalities that can stall things.

The other threat is a possible change in Ontario government. The opposition has indicated not to view the feed-in-tariff favorably.

Life in renewable energy never gets boring! :nuts:

-RoB-