SolarShare Co-operative announced in early March that it had reached the $15 million mark in sales of its Solar Bonds, which it says is the largest investment amount a renewable energy co-op has ever raised in Canada.
The co-op says the milestone is reflective of the public’s growing interest in investments that make positive environmental and social impact. SolarShare adds that it is one of the few providers of “impact investing options” open to retail investors. They define “impact investments” as those “made into organizations and companies that do social or environment good but also offer a financial return.”
SolarShare offers a 5-year bond, with a minimum investment of $1,000, and an annual interest rate of 5%; and a 15-year bond with a minimum of $10,000 and an annual rate of 6%.
On its website SolarShare lists the following operational projects (all ratings DC):
• Orenda, 320 kW, in Brampton
• Abilene, 600 kW, in Mississauga
• Keele, 300 kW, in Vaughan
• Panjetan, 160 kW, in Markham
• Noodle Factory 111, 600 kW, in Brampton
• Midair, 600 kW, in Brampton
• Glass Plant, 600 kW, in Brampton
• Basaltic, 300 kW, in Vaughan
• Holtby, 600 kW, in Brampton
• Summerville, 300 kW, in Mississauga
• Vanastra, 366 kW, in Clinton
• Goodmark, 133 kW, in Toronto
• Michael Street, 150 kW, in Ottawa
• Champion Mushrooms, 243 kW, in Moose Creek
• Ontario Street, 140 kW, in St. Catharines
• Waterview, 438 kW, in Mississauga
• Sunfields (17 sites), 195 kW total, in central Ontario