Paul Charbonneau’s involvement in the solar industry began in 1970, when as a member of Canada’s armed forces he took part in an experimental application of solar technology in Canada’s very far north – north of the Arctic Circle. By “solar industry” Paul’s view is that the wind, waves and all other forms of sustainable energies are caused by the sun. To keep it simple, he refers to solar industries as what we understand to be the sustainable industries.

Since then much has changed in the solar industry, and, for the past decade Paul has been specializing in solar PV application for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional uses.

“Solar PV is a particular solution to urban energy problems both on the ecological and economical fronts. To fully understand this technology, not only do we need solar panels on our homes but on our schools and institutions as well.” 

Paul has also been involved politically working with policy makers and the industry at creating the best possible framework to support the solar industry and it’s members.

For the past 5 years he has been touring Ontario meeting with a variety of government, social, private and community organizations, educating them on the great advances in technology and providing solutions to their budgetary restraints.

Many of the programs and policies Paul has designed are being used successfully by Ontario schools and Boards in particular. “My focus is to educate and thus empower the community. It’s not lack of funds that may prevent us from doing the right thing. It’s lack of will that would fail us.” 

“Our strengths are the ability to design the right system for the client, and sometimes more importantly, the ability to find funding for the client. Unique approaches to both facets of what is needed to make it work to produce energy and economy.”

Paul Charbonneau lives in Toronto and is President of EnergyAdvocate.ca: a consultancy firm focused on providing solutions  for the solar industry.