Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world.
Recently, Brett Bergmann from Solar Panda, an Ontario solar company, reached out to discuss their work in Africa. This led me to uncover a common thread in the stories of Ontario solar companies operating in Africa.
This week’s highlights include:
– The impact of Ontario’s solar industry on solar initiatives in Africa
– The correlation between conservation efforts and economic support
– Increased fish population after the removal of a historical hydro dam in N.B.
Ontario’s solar industry experienced significant growth and decline, influencing solar projects in Africa. Global events, such as disruptions in oil supply due to conflicts, have driven the shift towards renewable energies like solar panels, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
A surge in renewable projects occurred post the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Venezuela’s halt in oil shipment to Cuba, prompting the prioritization of solar projects in Cuba. Africa witnessed a remarkable 54% increase in solar installations in 2025, attracting Canadian companies like Solar Panda and JCM Power.
Solar Panda, based in Toronto, now offers rent-to-own rooftop solar systems in several African countries, while JCM Power, originally an Ontario rooftop solar installer, now operates utility-scale solar and wind projects in Asia and Africa.
The growth of these companies in Africa stems partly from the changing landscape in Ontario’s solar industry. Founded during Ontario’s solar boom, these companies seized opportunities abroad after the province terminated its solar incentives program in 2016 following a legal dispute.
JCM Power broadened its reach to emerging markets worldwide, while Solar Panda expanded its services across multiple African nations. These success stories exemplify how global political shifts can drive solar expansion into new territories.
In another segment, we explore the positive impact of conservation efforts on job creation and economic growth, exemplified by Point Grondine Park’s eco-tourism initiatives in Ontario. The removal of the Milltown Dam in New Brunswick has seen a resurgence in fish populations, marking a significant step towards environmental and cultural restoration.
The positive outcomes observed in these initiatives underscore the potential for sustainable practices to drive economic growth and environmental preservation hand in hand.
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Editors: Emily Chung and Hannah Hoag | Logo design: Sködt McNalty