Client: Natural Resources Canada – CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC) Varennes, Que.

Since 1997 SGA has provided ongoing services to the CANMET Laboratories to assist with the development of this world class computerized prefeasibility analysis tool for renewable energy. These services included:

• Evaluation of non-financial indicators including community income generation
• PV and Biomass Module Validations (2000): Tested software models for accuracy and completeness.
• Case Studies of PV Applications for use in RETScreen Training (2000): Developed illustrative case studies based on five PV applications (livestock water pumping, central grid-connected, off-grid cottage, northern isolated grid-connected, and diesel – PV hybrid remote system) with current financial and economic data. The case studies are to be employed in training users of the PV component of RETScreen.

• Equipment Supplier Database for RETScreen (1999): Created ACCESS databases of equipment suppliers in the following product categories: Biomass Combustion Systems, PV Panels and Inverters.
• Validation of System Algorithms and Training Packages (1997): Validated algorithms for five technologies: hydro, wind, PV, solar wall and Biomass Combustion Systems. Developed training packages and slide presentations for wide audiences.
• Training: SGA staff are certified RETScreen trainers and are regularly hired to provide intensive sessions in centres across Canada;

RETScreen information and free download available at: http://retscreen.gc.ca/ang/menu.html