This section includes specific details on Ontario's microFIT Program. Due to the size and scope of the microFIT Program, CanSIA has elected to include a dedicated section within this document for Ontarians who are thinking about applying to the program.

The microFIT Program is a standard offer program managed by the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). This means that the rules and contract for the program are standardized and do not differ from project to project. Some important aspects of the microFIT Program include:

• Individuals interested in applying for a microFIT Contract must do so via an on-line tool. The contracting process and ongoing management of the contract is also all done on-line. There are, however, certain prescribed forms which must be printed out in hardcopy, signed, and then scanned for upload through the on-line tool.
• The microFIT Contract is a 20 year agreement to purchase all of the electricity generated by your system at a fixed rate. The fixed rate you receive is based on a price schedule that is set by the IESO. This price schedule is generally updated once a year, however, once you have your project built and connected, your price will not change for the life of the contract.
• Even if you are entering into a solar leasing arrangement with your solar provider (i.e. a deal where you pay little or no money upfront for the solar system and pay it off over time), you will still be the applicant to the program and the holder of the contract. This means that you will have the legal obligation to the IESO and any associated liabilities. A third-party solar provider can support you in applying to and navigating the process through to receiving a contract, but the contract will be in your name.
• Only certain types of entities are permitted to apply to the program (ex. Individuals and farmers) and each person may only have one project.
• There are specific timelines for all stages of the application process. If you do not meet these timelines, your application will be rejected and you will need to start the process over again.
• Under a microFIT Contract, you must sell all of the electricity you generate to the local distribution system (i.e. you cannot directly consume the electricity generated by a microFIT project).
• Applicants to the microFIT Program should also enquire as to the possible impacts to their property taxes, income taxes and home insurance as these can all be affected by a microFIT project.
• If you have specific questions regarding how to apply, the microFIT Rules or microFIT Contract, we recommend you reach out to the IESO directly through the microFIT website.