Environmental Benefits
Generate savings instead of pollution
Solar water heating is an environmentally responsible technology that reduces fossil fuel consumption and helps mitigate global climate change. By displacing combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas, solar energy greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.A recent project done by Taylor Munro prevented 60 tonnes a year of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. With a design life of 15 to 20 years, that system alone will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 1,200 tonnes.
Small footprint
Solar water heating is an example of decentralized power generation with a very small footprint. The vast majority of solar collectors are mounted on rooftops - otherwise "wasted" space. When you add them all together, the energy production from these solar systems is equivalent to a conventional power plant or pipeline, but without the associated costs, risks, resource consumption, or land use.Sustainability
Sunlight is an abundant renewable "zero emission" energy source. Virtually all kinds of energy we consume can be traced back to the sun. Green plants absorb solar energy through photosynthesis; then, buried in the ground under pressure for thousands of years, they can turn into fossil fuels. When we burn fossil fuels we are consuming compounded solar energy. These are not sustainable sources of energy because we consume the "sunlight" faster than it can be replenished.Solar water heating uses the sunlight as it comes to the planet - one day at a time. This is sustainable because we could keep doing it forever.
Solar water heating is also an elegant technology: it is quiet, emission free, and it does not interfere with wildlife and other natural systems. Most of the hardware is made from simple, durable, and recyclable materials, meaning that the full life-cycle impact of solar water heating is relatively low compared to other energy sources.
Reduced energy demand
Solar water heating can reduce energy consumption at times of peak use, which benefits both the consumer and the energy utilities. For example, residential solar domestic hot water systems provide energy for baths and showers. Energy utilities have to plan for everyone taking a shower at the same time with oversized natural gas pipelines and supplemental capacity for electricity generation. As more water is solar heated, more consumers save with reduced energy bills; as the peak demand diminishes, the utilities reduce the need for oversized infrastructure - everyone wins.
Financial Incentives
Solar water heating is one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy available today: systems pay for themselves in energy savings and then continue to provide you with reliable service for many more years. Read through the Products pages to find out how much you can save for each solar application.
As a form of renewable energy, solar water heating is recognized by many governments and financial institutions as a technology worth promoting. In addition to the savings you generate by switching to a free fuel, here are some other ways you can save:
THE FEDERAL ecoENERGY PROGRAMS
Retrofits for Renovations - Residential, Small Business, Institution & Industrial Buildings:
Introduced in 2007, Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan's) ecoENERGY Retrofit Program provides financial support to homeowners, small and medium-sized businesses, public institutions and industrial facilities across Canada to help them implement energy saving projects that reduce energy-related greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air pollution, thereby contributing to a cleaner environment for all Canadians. If you are planning a “green” home renovation, an energy efficiency upgrade to your condominium building, business or institution, we recommend you review the program and its application process by visiting NRCan’s ecoEnergy website:
Related Incentives for Existing Commercial & Institutional Buildings:
If you are applying for an ecoENERGY Retrofit Program Incentive for Buildings, your commercial or institutional organization may also be eligible for additional or “top-up” funding from other sources. Please visit the ecoEnergy Program website page for related commercial and institutional incentives at:
ecoENERGY and other programs for New Buildings:
ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat Initiative Program (EERHI):
This incentive program is designed for new buildings and offers up 25% of the total project cost of installing a solar thermal (hot water) system to the investing industrial, commercial or institutional organization. In addition, eligible provincial, territorial, municipal and other governmental organizations can apply for an incentive towards the purchase of solar heating systems.For more information about the EERHI program please visit:
THE GREEN MUNICIPAL FUND
The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) offers a range of resources and services that specifically address the sustainable community development needs of Canada’s municipal governments.
The Fund provides low-interest loans and grants, builds capacity, and shares knowledge to support municipal governments and their partners in developing communities that are more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.
GMF is managed by the FCM Centre for Sustainable Community Development. Please visit their website for information on how to apply to the Green Municipal Fund at:
www.sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca
THE VanCity CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM FOR NON-PROFITS
The program accepts applications from Canadian non-profit and cooperative organizations engaging in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. Each year, the program provides up to $100,000 to qualified projects. To find out more about the program and how to apply, please visit:PROVINCIAL INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
Outside of BC: Find incentive programs in your province by visiting the ecoEnergy website “contact us” page:
British Columbia
Currently, BC does not have a residential incentive program for solar energy system investment. We recommend that homeowners, condominium owners, small businesses and institutions visit the OneDayVancouver website to get information on available incentive, grant and rebate programs for BC residents. This site is updated regularly and is user-friendly. Please go to:BC Tax Exemption
Solar water heating equipment and services are exempt from provincial sales tax (PST) in British Columbia. This effectively takes 6% off the final price. Remember to include PST when you calculate how much you spend on conventional energy.Energy Service Companies (ESCOs)
Independent financing for the installation of solar heating for multi-unit residential, commercial and industrial buildings can often be accomplished with the use of an Energy Service Company (ESCO). An ESCO typically will install systems at no capital cost to the customer, and will be paid out of the monthly savings generated by the installation.Financing
Residents of British Columbia can take advantage of the Homeworks Financing program when purchasing a solar heating system. This is a low-rate loan available to homeowners who invest in energy-saving retrofits and renovations. With flexible payment options and up to a ten-year amortization, Homeworks offers a convenient way to pay for renewable energy. Homeworks is owned by Terasen Inc. with financial services provided by the Citizen's Bank of Canada.
