You will notice that the Third World Bazaar roofs now have two large arrays of solar panels; they can generate up to 50KwH of electricity! There are three other smaller 10KwH solar systems in Manotick Station, one at the barn at Bakker’s General Store, a ground mount at the Bazaar and one at our neighbour to the west.
In total, Manotick Station now has 80KwH of generation capacity. This little hamlet is now generating power for itself, especially during the hot summer days when the air-conditioning systems are working full out. Manotick Station is now a little more self-reliant and independent and little less energy is wasted in transmission to meet peak demand requirements in the daytime. A small but important contribution to the local economy and the fight against climate change.
The 50KwH system on the Bazaar barns is owned by the Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative. OREC was founded in 2010 to enable residents of Eastern Ontario to invest in community owned renewable power generation. Their objective is to keep the jobs and profits in the community as we generate local electricity. OREC now has over 430 members, 13 operating solar projects and has paid dividends the last two years. Please consider joining OREC if you would like to earn a fair return on your investment and use it as a catalyst to generate local jobs and sustainable economic development.
Each Saturday and Sunday in October, between 11AM and 2PM you will be able to speak with an OREC representative near the food vendors. They will be able to answer any questions you may have.
BullFrog Power (Clean Reliable Electricity)
The Province of Ontario is facing a very serious electricity challenge over the next 20+ years. Our nuclear facilities are nearing the end of their operational life. Over the next decade much of the capacity will have to be replaced. But with what? More dirty coal? Government subsidized, and dangerous nuclear? Or a wide range of renewable sources? Everyone is concerned with costs. With renewables, the upfront costs are higher, but the operational costs are lower. As we all know there is nothing free, only the illusion of free.
The Third World Bazaar through BullFrog Power , utilizes electricity that is produced exclusively from wind and low-impact water power generators. The small premium we pay helps ensure that new renewable sources of power can be brought on stream in Ontario, and hopefully slow the growth of dangerous, expensive and subsidized nuclear energy. This energy purchased from Bullfrog is in addition to the energy generated by the two solar systems at the Bazaar.
Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative
The Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative is a way for residents of Eastern Ontario to participate in the new energy economy and help develop their local economy while earning a fair return. To learn more about the Coop, Click Here .
