Ontario - Halton Region

HHEAT UPDATES!

17 Feb 2022

In this Update:

-Come out to Building Renewable Energy Co-operatives 2012 Workshop series!

-Upcoming Events!

 

HHEAT Community Power Workshops:

February 2012

Financing mechanisms and the co-operative model with Harry French, Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA).
Learn about the various ways to finance (capitalize) a renewable energy co-operative and to secure the money that is necessary for project start-up.

Business plan formation and why is it imperative for a successful co-operative, Graham Flint, Technical Specialist, HHEAT.
 
Hamilton: 23/02/12 Council Chambers Dundas Town Hall from 6.30-9.30pm.
Halton: 21/02/12, Burlington Central Library from 6.00-9.00pm.

March 2012
Principles of co-op promotion and maintenance with HHEAT Technical Specialist, Graham Flint and Project Manager of L.I.F.E. Co-op, Shane Mulligan.
 
Learn the basics of developing the internal structure of your co-op’s team and the formation of the steering committee, members and the board of directors. 
Co-op incorporation within Ontario, how to devise a marketing plan for your co-op and maintaining your co-op’s momentum and progress overtime.
 
Halton: 20/03/12, Milton Sports Centre from 6.30-9.30pm.
Hamilton: 22/03/12 Beasley Community Centre from 6.00-9.00pm.

For more information

Visit our blog: hheathub.blogspot.com
  
A project of Environment Hamilton (EH) and the Halton Environmental Network (HEN.)
*This project has received funding support from the Ontario Power Authority through the Community Energy Partnerships Program. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Ontario Power Authority or the Province of Ontario of the content of this material.
 
 
-Upcoming Events
 
When: April 3-4 , 2012
Where: The Metro Toronto Convention Center, South Building, 700 Level. 
222 Bremner Blvd. Toronto, ON. M5V3L9
 
The third annual Ontario Feed-In Tariff Forum will take place April 3-4, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The forum will bring together FIT contract holders, developers, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and government representatives to provide critical and timely insight into the impacts of the FIT review and the new landscape for renewable energy in Ontario.  

To register for this event, please go to http://www.amiando.com/ontariofitforum.html

 


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Building Renewable Energy Co-operatives 2012 Workshop Series!

07 Feb 2022

The Hamilton Halton Energy Awareness Team (HHEAT)

Presents

Building Renewable Energy Co-operatives 2012 Workshop Series!
 
January 2012
You will learn about the community renewable energy co-operative business-model and the basics of renewable energy installation technology and site selction.
 
Bill Thompson, Hamilton Coordinator of Blue Green Canada
Martin Ince, Project Developer, M.K. Ince and Associates Ltd, Renewable Energy and Environmental Consulting.
 
Halton:24/01/12 at the Oakville Town Hall from 6.30-9.30pm
Hamilton: 26/01/12 at the Laidlaw United Church from 6.30-9.30pm

February 2012
Financing mechanisms and the co-operative model with Harry French, Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA).

Business plan formation and why is it imperative for a successful co-operative, Graham Flint, Technical Specialist, HHEAT.
 
Hamilton: 23/02/12 Council Chambers Dundas Town Hall from 6.30-9.30pm.
Halton: 21/02/12, Burlington Central Library from 6.00-9.00pm.
 
March 2012
Principles of co-op promotion and maintenance with speakers to be announced!
Learn the basics of developing the internal structure of your co-op’s team and the formation of the steering committee, members and the board of directors. 
 
Co-op incorporation within Ontario, how to devise a marketing plan for your co-op and maintaining your co-op’s momentum and progress overtime.
 
Halton: 20/03/12, Milton Sports Centre from 6.30-9.30pm.
Hamilton: 22/03/12 Beasley Community Centre from 6.00-9.00pm.

For more information

Visit our blog: hheathub.blogspot.com
-
 
A project of Environment Hamilton (EH) and the Halton Environmental Network (HEN.)
 *This project has received funding support from the Ontario Power Authority through the Community Energy Partnerships Program. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Ontario Power Authority or the Province of Ontario of the content of this material.

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POWERFUL-Energy for Everyone Movie Screening Thursday Feb. 9th, 2012!

07 Feb 2022


Powerful - Energy for Everyone! A documentary by David Chernushenko    Thu Feb 9, 2012, Milton, ON 

Powerful-Energy for Everyone! A documentary by David Chernushenko

Flick the switch, turn the key, press the button and then pay the bill. Multiply that by six billion and you’ve got a picture of energy consumption on Earth today. We’re hard-wired to a conventional energy system that drives our transportation, powers our communications and is the lifeline to industry and commerce. Despite the benefits, we know that this system is regrettably depleting our resources, polluting our air and affecting global climate change. Guaranteed access to energy is no longer being taken for granted and the quest for “energy security” has become the buzz-word behind global trade relations and even a justification for conflict.
For more information, go to- http://www.powerfulthemovie.com

Thursday Feb. 9th at 6:30 pm, DOORS OPEN 6:00 pm
At: South Side Community Church 7480 Derry Rd. (S. side), W. of Ontario St.

Rsvp miltongreen.ontario (at) gmail.com 905-878-0995

Presented by MiltonGreen Environmental Association
(sustainable solutions to preserve Milton’s environment)in collaboration with partners Hamilton Halton Energy Awareness Team (HHEAT), Halton Environmental Network (HEN) with funding from Greening Sacred Spaces (GSS) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

- A FREE EVENT!
- MONETARY DONATIONS GRACIOUSLY ACCEPTED.
- REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED. 

"This project has received funding support from the Ontario Power Authority through the Community Energy Partnership Programs. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Ontario Power Authority or the Province of Ontario of the content of this material."

 


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HHEAT UPDATES !

14 Nov 2021

HHEAT PROJECT UPDATES-14/11/11

 In this update:

  • Building Community Power Co-operatively Workshops!
  • Renewable is Doable.
  • FIT and MicroFIT Review Deadline

Building Community Power Co-operatively!

HHEAT’s second workshop and community meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 16th from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at Landscape Ontario, 7856 5th Line South in Milton. In this introductory workshop, you can come out and learn about the benefits of renewable energy in addition to the idea of community power (locally-controlled, decentralized energy systems) and begin to explore the potential for local, community-owned, renewable energy co-operatives through some insight into the co-operative Business model and the FIT and MicroFIT programs under Ontario’s Green Energy Act.

HHEAT’s third and final introductory workshop is carded for Wednesday, November 30th from 6.00pm to 8.30 pm at Burlington Public Library in conjunction with Burlington’s Green AGM Event ‘Burlington: Our Energy Future. These workshops will be followed-up by a number of in-depth and specialised workshops in 2012. You can contact the Project Coordinator Anuja at [email protected] for more information or visit our HHEAT blog at http://hheathub.blogspot.com/.

Renewable is Doable.

Renewable is Doable's latest report outlines how Ontario could save money by replacing the retiring Pickering nuclear station with green energy options such as wind power, solar and biogas. Last summer, Ontario suspended its purchase of two new replacement reactors when their cost reportedly topped $26 billion — $20 billion more than expected in 2007.

This report, Ontario's Green Energy Plan 2.0, shows that a mix of green energy technologies and conservation acquired through the government's Green Energy Act would be 12 to 48 per cent cheaper than buying new reactors to replace the aging Pickering nuclear station, which is set to close in 2020 due to high maintenance costs.

 
FIT and MicroFIT Review Deadline                                 

 Ontario is moving forward with its commitment to review the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program. The review will consider a range of issues, including but not limited to:

·         FIT price reduction

·         ensuring the long-term sustainability of clean energy procurement

·         continuing to build on the success of Ontario-based manufacturing

·         consideration of new technologies and fuel sources

·         local consultations and the renewable approval process (REA).

As a result of this review, new prices and rules for FIT contracts will be carefully developed to balance the interests of ratepayers with the need to encourage investments in new clean energy in Ontario. Ontarians can provide feedback by answering an online survey or making a written submission at www.Ontario.ca/FITreview until December 14, 2011.  The microFIT Program review was announced on October 31.  Consultations will continue until December 14, 2011.  During this period, microFIT applications will continue to be accepted and time-stamped, but they will not be processed until the new version of the Rules and pricing schedule are available. 

Rule change for new microFIT applications

The OPA has made a rule change that applies to all microFIT applications submitted on or after December 8, 2010. Applicants will need to obtain an offer to connect from their local distribution company before the OPA issues a microFIT conditional offer of contract. As a reminder, if you have submitted a microFIT application, it is very important for you to speak to your local distribution company about connecting your project to the grid before proceeding with your project.


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Building Community Power Co-operatively!

29 Oct 2021

 The Hamilton Halton Energy Awareness Team (HHEAT) presents:

Building Community Power Co-operatively!

In this introductory workshop you will learn about the benefits of renewable energy (solar, wind, bio-energy and hydro).

You will also be introduced to the idea of Community Power (locally-controlled, decentralized energy systems) and begin exploring the potential for local, community-owned renewable energy co-operatives.

Find out how you can invest in renewable energy as collective investors.

Date: Wednesday 16TH NOVEMBER, 2011.

Location: Landscape Ontario, 7856 5th Line South (between Steeles Ave. and 401), Milton

Time: 7.00 - 9.30pm

For more information contact Anuja at 647-880-4656 or [email protected]


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HHEAT Project Updates

28 Oct 2021

 

HHEAT Update!

 

Monday  October 24th, 2011.

 

To show your interest and support for Renewable energy and exploring how Halton can all start working together towards a more sustainable tomorrow, we would like to keep you up to date with what’s going on in the region.

In this update:

  • HHEAT Project Updates
  • The Green Energy Act Lives on in Ontario!
  • HHEAT appearances in Halton region
  • Solar tours!

Building Community Power Co-operatively!

HHEAT’s second workshop and community meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 16th from 7:00 to 9:15 p.m. at Landscape Ontario, 7856 5th Line South, Milton. In this introductory workshop, you can learn about the benefits of renewable energy, be introduced to the idea of community power (locally-controlled, decentralized energy systems) and begin to explore the potential for local, community-owned, renewable energy co-operatives through some insight into the co-operative Business model and the FIT and MicroFIT programs under Ontario’s Green Energy Act. Please keep visiting our project blog: http://hheathub.blogspot.com/ for more details and the latest updates on community meetings and workshops within Halton and also Hamilton regions. You can also contact the Project Coordinator Anuja at [email protected] for more information.

The Green Energy Act Lives on in Ontario as the Liberal are re-elected!

 

Happy to report that the re-election of the Ontario Liberal government last night means the province’s landmark Green Energy Act, which gave birth to the continent’s first comprehensive Euro-style feed-in-tariff program, has survived its first major challenge. The opposition Progressive Conservative party vowed to scrap the FIT program if elected and neuter the green energy legislation that has brought billions of dollars of investment to Ontario, thousands of jobs and a new economic pathway for a province that needs to reinvent itself for the 21st century.

The election outcome means the admittedly far-from-perfect FIT will remain and the legislation protected, at least for a few years — enough time for these ambitious initiatives to prove their worth to Ontarians. In many ways, the fact Premier Dalton McGuinty’s Liberals were left 1 seat short of a majority government is a good thing, as it forces the government to consider and take seriously some legitimate concerns with how the FIT has rolled out and the lack of attention paid to energy conservation initiatives.

http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2011/10/07/liberals-re-elected-in-ontario-green-energy-act-and-feed-in-tariff-program-live-on/

HHEAT appearances in Halton region

In an attempt to spread the word about how communities can invest in renewable energy via community power, the HHEAT team has been making an effort to network and liaise with local people at events across Halton region:

Forest Festival Rattlesnake Point 2011

HHEAT was present at the annual festival on Appleby Line, Burlington. Although it was a rainy day with a low turnout, some key connections were made among local groups who were present that day. Such groups included FutureWatch, hosts Conversation Halton and the Credit Valley Conservation Authority.

ECOSchools Celebrations!

The Halton District School Board celebration the accomplishments of various schools across Halton for their environmental efforts from education, recycling to energy conservation actions. HHEAT promoted the idea of renewable energy and conservation to interested students and staff at the Milton Sports Centre.

Greening your events!

HHEAT was promoted at local partner Milton Green’s event at the Milton District High School. The major themes for the event was waste diversion and energy conservation with keen interest for more information about solar, geothermal and wind energy.

 

Solar Tours

Solar Tour - Sun. Nov. 6 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Milton.  This is the only solar tour we will be holding this fall.  There will be three locations on the tour and three vendors - Eco Alternative Energy, Solar Direct Canada, and Solar Logix.  Come out and see the installations, meet the homeowners, and talk to the vendors.  Graham Flint, our solar PV specialist, will also be on the tour to answer your questions.  Register by email to [email protected] or call 905-299-2327

 

 

 

 

 


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HHEAT Update!

24 Oct 2021

 HHEAT Update!

 

Monday  October 24th, 2011.

 

To show your interest and support for Renewable energy and exploring how Halton can all start working together towards a more sustainable tomorrow, we would like to keep you up to date with what’s going on in the region.

In this update:

  • HHEAT Project Updates
  • The Green Energy Act Lives on in Ontario!
  • HHEAT appearances in Halton region
  • Solar tours!

Building Community Power Co-operatively!

HHEAT’s second workshop and community meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 16th from 7:00 to 9:15 p.m. at Landscape Ontario, 7856 5th Line South, Milton. In this introductory workshop, you can learn about the benefits of renewable energy, be introduced to the idea of community power (locally-controlled, decentralized energy systems) and begin to explore the potential for local, community-owned, renewable energy co-operatives through some insight into the co-operative Business model and the FIT and MicroFIT programs under Ontario’s Green Energy Act. Please keep visiting our project blog: http://hheathub.blogspot.com/ for more details and the latest updates on community meetings and workshops within Halton and also Hamilton regions. You can also contact the Project Coordinator Anuja at [email protected] for more information.

The Green Energy Act Lives on in Ontario as the Liberal are re-elected!

 

Happy to report that the re-election of the Ontario Liberal government last night means the province’s landmark Green Energy Act, which gave birth to the continent’s first comprehensive Euro-style feed-in-tariff program, has survived its first major challenge. The opposition Progressive Conservative party vowed to scrap the FIT program if elected and neuter the green energy legislation that has brought billions of dollars of investment to Ontario, thousands of jobs and a new economic pathway for a province that needs to reinvent itself for the 21st century.

The election outcome means the admittedly far-from-perfect FIT will remain and the legislation protected, at least for a few years — enough time for these ambitious initiatives to prove their worth to Ontarians. In many ways, the fact Premier Dalton McGuinty’s Liberals were left 1 seat short of a majority government is a good thing, as it forces the government to consider and take seriously some legitimate concerns with how the FIT has rolled out and the lack of attention paid to energy conservation initiatives.

http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2011/10/07/liberals-re-elected-in-ontario-green-energy-act-and-feed-in-tariff-program-live-on/

HHEAT appearances in Halton region

In an attempt to spread the word about how communities can invest in renewable energy via community power, the HHEAT team has been making an effort to network and liaise with local people at events across Halton region:

Forest Festival Rattlesnake Point 2011

HHEAT was present at the annual festival on Appleby Line, Burlington. Although it was a rainy day with a low turnout, some key connections were made among local groups who were present that day. Such groups included FutureWatch, hosts Conversation Halton and the Credit Valley Conservation Authority.

ECOSchools Celebrations!

The Halton District School Board celebration the accomplishments of various schools across Halton for their environmental efforts from education, recycling to energy conservation actions. HHEAT promoted the idea of renewable energy and conservation to interested students and staff at the Milton Sports Centre.

Greening your events!

HHEAT was promoted at local partner Milton Green’s event at the Milton District High School. The major themes for the event was waste diversion and energy conservation with keen interest for more information about solar, geothermal and wind energy.

 

Solar Tours

Solar Tour - Sun. Nov. 6 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Milton.  This is the only solar tour we will be holding this fall.  There will be three locations on the tour and three vendors - Eco Alternative Energy, Solar Direct Canada, and Solar Logix.  Come out and see the installations, meet the homeowners, and talk to the vendors.  Graham Flint, our solar PV specialist, will also be on the tour to answer your questions.  Register by email to [email protected] or call 905-299-2327

 

 

 

 

 


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HHEAT Project Updates.

04 Oct 2021

 Thank you for coming out to our first HHEAT community meeting in Oakville, to show your interest and support for Renewable energy and exploring how we can all start working together towards a more sustainable tomorrow!

In this update:

  • HHEAT Project Updates
  • TREC Investment Opportunity
  • Analysis of Ontario’s Political Platforms
  • HHEAT appearances in Halton region

Building Community Power Co-operatively!

HHEAT’s first workshop and community meeting was held on Tuesday, September 20 from 7:00 to 9:15 p.m. at ClearView Church, 2300 Sheridan Garden Drive at Ford Drive in Oakville. In this introductory workshop, interested local people came out and learned about the benefits of renewable energy.  They were introduced to the idea of community power (locally-controlled, decentralized energy systems) and began exploring the potential for local, community-owned, renewable energy co-operatives through some insight into the co-operative Business model and the FIT and MicroFIT programs under Ontario’s Green Energy Act.  People stemming diverse backgrounds from farm owners to church members, engineers and solar developers, all came out to engage and participate in an evening of vibrant discussion and networking.

Thank you to all those who came out and we look forward to helping to provide you with the tools and resources to facilitate the formation of your own locally-owned community co-operative! Please keep visiting the blog for more details and the latest updates on community meetings and workshops within Halton Region. You can also contact the Project Coordinator Anuja at [email protected] for more information.

 

TREC Investment Opportunity

 

TREC has launched the SolarShare Co-operative to allow all Ontarians to participate in the province's burgeoning new energy sector. You can become a SolarShare member and purchase a community solar bond that will earn you a 5% return. Bond sales are currently limited to one per member. In the next few months, multiple bonds will be available and will be eligible for filing in an RRSP/ RESP or TFSA self directed account.

Details of Community Solar Bonds:

·         1 vote per member in the SolarShare Co-op

·         $1,000 bond available per co-op member (temporarily)

·         5% annual return

·         5-year term

For more information about how to join the co-op and invest, visit www.solarbonds.ca or say hello at [email protected]

 

 

Analysis of Ontario’s Political Platforms

 

The Pembina Institute's detailed platform analysis compares the commitments the Ontario Liberal, NDP and Progressive Conservative parties have made on a range of sustainable energy priorities.

The analysis looks at where the parties stand on issues such as investing in renewable power generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating incentives for energy conservation and expanding transit systems. The results identify clear leaders in building the province's clean energy economy.

To see the complete document please go to the link below:

http://www.pembina.org/pub/2268

HHEAT appearances in Halton region

In an attempt to spread the word about how communities can invest in renewable energy via community power, the HHEAT team has been making an effort to network and liaise with local people at events across Halton region.

 

2011 Milton Fall Fair

The HHEAT team had an information booth at the 2011 Milton Fall Fair in Milton from Friday 23rd September to Sunday the 25th September.  It was a great atmosphere where a number of local connections were made with interested people, businesses and community groups. HHEAT is exploring the potential of holding a workshop in the Milton area so that local people can gain a deeper insight into what renewable energy is and how it relates to Community Power.

 

Georgetown Farmers Market (GFM) 2011

HHEAT also had an information booth at the recent GFM on Saturday 1st October. There were a number of interested people particularly from community groups who were concerned about Green Energy and how they would be able to take advantage of the incentives under the FIT and MicroFIT programs.

 

 

 

 

 


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HHEAT PROJECT UPDATE!

04 Oct 2021

 Thank you for coming out to our first HHEAT community meeting in Oakville, to show your interest and support for Renewable energy and exploring how we can all start working together towards a more sustainable tomorrow!

In this update:

  • HHEAT Project Updates
  • TREC Investment Opportunity
  • Analysis of Ontario’s Political Platforms
  • HHEAT appearances in Halton region

Building Community Power Co-operatively!

HHEAT’s first workshop and community meeting was held on Tuesday, September 20 from 7:00 to 9:15 p.m. at ClearView Church, 2300 Sheridan Garden Drive at Ford Drive in Oakville. In this introductory workshop, interested local people came out and learned about the benefits of renewable energy.  They were introduced to the idea of community power (locally-controlled, decentralized energy systems) and began exploring the potential for local, community-owned, renewable energy co-operatives through some insight into the co-operative Business model and the FIT and MicroFIT programs under Ontario’s Green Energy Act.  People stemming diverse backgrounds from farm owners to church members, engineers and solar developers, all came out to engage and participate in an evening of vibrant discussion and networking.

Thank you to all those who came out and we look forward to helping to provide you with the tools and resources to facilitate the formation of your own locally-owned community co-operative! Please keep visiting the blog for more details and the latest updates on community meetings and workshops within Halton Region. You can also contact the Project Coordinator Anuja at [email protected] for more information.

 

TREC Investment Opportunity

 

TREC has launched the SolarShare Co-operative to allow all Ontarians to participate in the province's burgeoning new energy sector. You can become a SolarShare member and purchase a community solar bond that will earn you a 5% return. Bond sales are currently limited to one per member. In the next few months, multiple bonds will be available and will be eligible for filing in an RRSP/ RESP or TFSA self directed account.

Details of Community Solar Bonds:

·         1 vote per member in the SolarShare Co-op

·         $1,000 bond available per co-op member (temporarily)

·         5% annual return

·         5-year term

For more information about how to join the co-op and invest, visit www.solarbonds.ca or say hello at [email protected]

 

 

Analysis of Ontario’s Political Platforms

 

The Pembina Institute's detailed platform analysis compares the commitments the Ontario Liberal, NDP and Progressive Conservative parties have made on a range of sustainable energy priorities.

The analysis looks at where the parties stand on issues such as investing in renewable power generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating incentives for energy conservation and expanding transit systems. The results identify clear leaders in building the province's clean energy economy.

To see the complete document please go to the link below:

http://www.pembina.org/pub/2268

HHEAT appearances in Halton region

In an attempt to spread the word about how communities can invest in renewable energy via community power, the HHEAT team has been making an effort to network and liaise with local people at events across Halton region.

 

2011 Milton Fall Fair

The HHEAT team had an information booth at the 2011 Milton Fall Fair in Milton from Friday 23rd September to Sunday the 25th September.  It was a great atmosphere where a number of local connections were made with interested people, businesses and community groups. HHEAT is exploring the potential of holding a workshop in the Milton area so that local people can gain a deeper insight into what renewable energy is and how it relates to Community Power.

 

Georgetown Farmers Market (GFM) 2011

HHEAT also had an information booth at the recent GFM on Saturday 1st October. There were a number of interested people particularly from community groups who were concerned about Green Energy and how they would be able to take advantage of the incentives under the FIT and MicroFIT programs.

 

 

 

 

 


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HHEAT event Tues. Sept. 20

19 Sep 2021

BUILDING COMMUNITY POWER CO-OPERATIVELY

DATE: Tues. Sept. 20
TIME: 7:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
PLACE: ClearView Church, 2300 Sheridan Garden Dr., Oakville map

FOR WHOM: Anyone who is interested in renewable energy and the possibility of buying into a locally-controlled community-owned renewable energy installation.
BY WHOM: Hamilton Halton Energy Awareness Team (HHEAT), a project of Halton Environmental Network and Environment Hamilton. This meeting is co-sponsored by Go Local Oakville.

All welcome. Free to attend. Light refreshments provided. Click here for event poster. Click here for press release.


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Halton announcement

16 Sep 2021

It has been a while since our last update, but we are finally ready to make our big announcement!

In this update:

Introducing HHEAT

HHEAT (Hamilton Halton Energy Awareness Team) is a new collaboration between the Halton Environmental Network and Environment Hamilton. It takes the HERE! project in a new direction, focusing primarily on community power, thanks to an education grant from the Community Energy Partnerships Program.

We welcome Anuja Ramgoolam to the team as Project Coordinator and Jeff Harti as Technical Specialist. Anuja and Jeff were most recently involved with the Pukwis wind energy project. They will be running a series of workshops over the fall to introduce community power. More in-depth workshops will be held in the new year. A goal of the project is to facilitate the formation of local networks to explore the potential for community renewable energy co-ops.

Find out how you can invest in renewable energy as part of a collective of investors!

We invite you to contact Anuja at [email protected] or visit our project blog at hheathub.blogspot.com.

Building Community Power Co-operatively

HHEAT’s first event will be held on Tuesday, September 20 from 7:00 to 9:15 p.m. at ClearView Church, 2300 Sheridan Garden Drive at Ford Drive in Oakville.

In this introductory workshop, you will learn about the benefits of renewable energy. You will also be introduced to the idea of community power (locally-controlled, decentralized energy systems) and begin exploring the potential for local, community-owned, renewable energy co-operatives.

Green Energy Field Day

This green energy awareness event is being run in locations across Ontario on Saturday, September 24. A custom built green home in Burlington will be hosting an open house from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. See www.wattsnext.ca for event details, other locations, and additional green energy promotions. WattsNEXT is a project of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association.


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Solar Tour Sunday, June 12

09 Jun 2022

In this update:

Solar Tour

We are holding a solar tour in Oakville this Sunday afternoon, June 12, from 1:30 to 3:30. We will set up a table at the Oakville GO station, in the parking lot on the south side, off Speers/Cornwall Rd. Please email [email protected] to register so that we have an idea of numbers.

There will be two new locations on this tour. One was installed by Eco Alternative Energy and the other by ARISE Solar. Both systems were installed this year and are getting paid by Oakville Hydro. Oakville Today did a write-up on the tour at www.insidehalton.com/news/article/1019053.

Please be at the Oakville GO station between 1:15 and 1:45 p.m. It is a self-guided tour and carpooling can be arranged on the spot. Our renewable energy specialist, Graham Flint, will be on the tour as well as the homeowners and a representative of each of the installers. A donation of $10/person would be appreciated.

Greening Your Sacred Space

Greening Sacred Spaces (GSS) is a national program to assist faith communities in greening initiatives, including energy retrofits, solar installations, community gardens, recycling and composting. HEN has established the Halton chapter of GSS and will be holding the official launch tonight, Thursday, June 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Maple Grove United Church, 346 Maple Grove Drive, Oakville.

The event will include an introduction to GSS plus an hour of "speed greening" — moving from table to table every twenty minutes to learn about another aspect of greening. The topics for the evening are energy, waste, food, and starting a green team. See our website for details. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is open to members of all faith communities. Donations welcome.

Stand Up For Solar

Ontario’s Green Energy Act is under fire as the Ontario election approaches. Comments have been made which call for a complete cancellation of the solar feed-in tariff program.

The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is asking people to register their support for solar and the Green Energy Act at www.standupforsolar.ca.


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Apr. 30 Solar Tour

28 Apr 2022

As part of the Town of Halton Hills Earth Day activities on Saturday, April 30, we will be holding a solar tour.

Three homes in Halton Hills will be on the tour. Solar Direct Canada will be showing a home in the Acton area from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and another home on Trafalgar Road in Georgetown from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Solargy Solutions will be showing a home in Georgetown from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

The Halton Environmental Network will staff a booth at the Georgetown Market Place Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., along with about 20 other exhibitors, including Halton Hills Hydro and Union Gas. Visit our booth to pick up a map of tour locations or email us.

Other locations open to the public include Wastewise Community Resource Centre and Devereaux House in Georgetown, and Willow Park Ecology Centre in Norval. Devereaux House is a showcase for environmentally-friendly restoration and uses geothermal heating.

For additional activities and information see http://www.haltonhills.ca/COE/eventdetail.php?id=1722 and http://www.haltonhills.ca/COE/eventdetail.php?id=1694.


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Solar open houses Sat. Apr. 30 and more

25 Apr 2022

In this update:

Upcoming Solar Event

On Saturday, April 30, the Georgetown Market Place Mall will host an Earth Day Fair. HEN/HERE! will have an information booth along with about 20 other exhibitors, including Halton Hills Hydro and Union Gas. The event takes place from 10:00 to 4:00 inside the mall at 280 Guelph Street (Highway 7).

As part of the day’s activities, there will be tours of local places of environmental interest in Halton Hills, including three solar open houses. Visit our booth in the mall to pick up a map or email [email protected] for directions. Two of the locations are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The third is open from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Devereaux House in Georgetown will also be open to the public. Devereaux House is a showcase for environmental restoration and includes a geothermal system.

FIT and MicroFIT updates

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has updated its websites for FIT and MicroFIT. The internal links have changed, so if you have something bookmarked, you might need to update the links.

As of April 15, 2011, almost 5,800 FIT applications and 28,000 microFIT applications have been received. Of those, almost 1,550 FIT contract offers for 3,550 MW and more than 20,500 microFIT conditional offers for 187 MW have been made. Types of renewable energy include solar, wind, hydroelectric, and bioenergy. Ninety-nine percent of MicroFIT applications are for solar PV. In terms of energy production, wind accounts for more than half of the total FIT applications and contracts.

The MicroFIT website currently says that applications received up to February 28, 2022 will be processed by April 30, 2011.

Solar PV systems: Talk to your LDC

New rules are in place for microFIT applications made after December 8, 2010. Applicants now need to get an offer to connect from their local distribution company (LDC) before the OPA will issue a microFIT conditional contract offer. Local LDCs are Burlington Hydro, Halton Hills Hydro, Milton Hydro, Oakville Hydro, and Hydro One.

This new process should reduce the risk of running into nasty connection problems later in your project. By verifying up front that connections will be possible through your LDC, you can now confidently move ahead with your project.

As part of this change the OPA has also reduced the time allowed for completion of a microFIT project once a conditional contract offer has been made. Originally the time period was one year. It has now been reduced to six months to align with the six month time period that applies to your offer to connect from your local utility company.

In some areas, the LDC will not allow new connections. The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) and Hydro One plan to jointly conduct a third party study to address various technical issues regarding the connection of solar PV to the Ontario electrical grid. CanSIA is seeking the services of a project manager to lead the study.

Upcoming Conferences

CanSIA is hosting Solar Ontario 2011 in Windsor, ON on May 5-6. See www.cansia.ca/solar-conference/solar-ontario-conference-2011. The theme is manufacturing and exports.

RETScreen International is holding a Conference and Training Institute June 20-22 in Niagara Falls, ON. See www.retscreen.net.


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Halton Eco Festival tomorrow

08 Apr 2022

The 11th annual Halton Eco Festival takes place on Saturday, April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Glen Abbey Community Centre, 1415 Third Line, Oakville.

Among the 65 exhibitors are four solar installers as well as Halton Environmental Network and our HERE! Halton Enablers of Renewable Energy project. We will also be unveiling our Greening Sacred Spaces and Environment & Diversity projects at the event.

Half-hour educational presentations will take place within the exhibit area throughout the event, including Solar 101 at 3:00 p.m. by Tangoraysolar.

Admission is free. The festival will be in one of the two arenas in the building.

For more information, see www.oakvillepeacecentre.org/haltonecofest.


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HERE! Update

10 Mar 2022

In this update:

  1. Statistics from HERE! report to government
  2. Solar PV systems: Where do I start?
  3. 2011 solar tours

Statistics from HERE! report to government

Thank you to all who submitted information regarding their recent installations of solar and geothermal systems. We are pleased to report that we met our targets for greenhouse gas emissions under the Province's Community Go Green Fund. Installations since April 2010 included:

TYPE OF SYSTEM No. of Installations Total Size GHG Reductions
Solar Photovoltaic  26 + 9 pending  275 kW  284.8 tonnes/yr.
Solar Domestic Hot Water  2 (1 small,
1 very large)
 12 collectors    12.2 tonnes/yr.
Solar Pooling Heating  4  28 panels      7.2 tonnes/yr.
Geothermal  4  14.75 tons  144.8 tonnes/yr.
TOTAL  45 systems    449.0 tonnes/yr.

Because interest in and uptake of geothermal systems has been low compared to solar under our project, going forward we will be focusing on solar energy systems, primarily PV.

Solar PV systems: Where do I start?

We are often asked how someone should get started with their solar PV project. Our answer is always the same, make your application to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA).

Because of the current application approval timelines, the longest lead time you will face in your project is almost always waiting for your government approvals. Some applications are still taking almost 90 days to be considered. This means if you would like to do a project in early 2011 you need to get your application submitted now.

The application process is really quite simple to complete. All you need is basic information about your project, such as whether you're going to have a roof mounted or ground mounted system and the rough size of your system in KiloWatts. You will also need the address where the system will be installed and you'll need to know the account number for the electrical service already installed there.

The OPA website allows you to create and save applications before you submit them for approval. This allows you to work on and adjust your application many times in order to ensure that you have it filled out correctly before you finally submit it.

So if you're thinking about embarking on a solar PV project this spring, don't delay, sign on to the OPA website and get your application submitted just as soon as possible.

Our next email will address the need to contact your local hydro company. We believe that the first step is still to apply online to get the process started.

2011 Solar Tours

We are planning to hold solar tours throughout Halton again this year. Our first tour will be on the afternoon of Saturday, April 30 in Halton Hills, in conjunction with the Town of Halton Hills Earth Day activities. Further information will follow closer to the event.


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Please let us know if you have a renewable energy system

16 Feb 2022
Have you had a solar or geothermal system installed in the past year or have you signed a contract to have one installed?
 
We are in the process of compiling data for a government report on our HERE! project.  Success on this report is judged by the amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, through a tally of installed systems and their size.
 
If you’ve had a system installed or have committed to one, please email us as soon as possible at [email protected] indicating:
 
Type of system (solar PV, solar pool, solar hot water, geothermal, other)
Size of system
Location of installation (city)
Your consent to include photos and/or other personal information in the report
 
The aggregated numbers are most important.  Personal information will not be used without your consent. If you can send us a photo of the system, that would be helpful.
 
We appreciate your assistance with compiling this data.

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HERE Update

26 Jan 2022

 

In this HERE! Update:

Renewable Energy news for 2011
MicroFIT
For solar (PV) projects that reach commercial operation on or prior to December 31, 2010, the minimum required domestic content level is 40 percent. For solar (PV) projects that reach commercial operation on or after January 1, 2011, the minimum required domestic content level is 60 percent.
· The supplier must obtain a written confirmation any equipment supplier or installer providing equipment or services contributing to the domestic content level, confirming which components qualify as designated activities.
· Applicants must indicate their domestic content level at the time the microFIT contract is offered by indicating which designated activity achieves the minimum required domestic content level.
· Within 10 business days of any request by the OPA, the supplier shall provide written evidence satisfactory to the OPA, acting reasonably, confirming that the facility has met the minimum required domestic content level.
For more information on domestic content rules, please visit http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca
Ontario Home Savings Program
The Ontario Home Energy Savings Program (OHESP), the rebate program for geothermal systems and hot water systems, is coming to a close as scheduled on March 31st, 2011. Despite the federal government’s decision to cancel its contribution to OHESP in March, 2010, the Government of Ontario will continue its funding to help residents achieve their home energy efficiency goals until the scheduled close of the program in March of 2011.
THERE IS STILL TIME TO PARTICIPATE:
Just ensure that you have done all your eligible retrofits and have your post-retrofit (2nd) audit done by the March 31, 2022 end-date. Your Auditor will submit the necessary paperwork in order for you to qualify for OHESP rebates.
Solar Energy Information

Helping Hamilton Go Solar
Our PV technology specialist, Graham Flint, gave a presentation at the Helping Hamilton Go Solar public meeting on December 5 2010. If you are interested in viewing presentation slides from the event you will find these posted on Environment Hamilton's homepage at www.environmenthamilton.org .
HERE Solar Meeting in Georgetown
Want to know more about the microFIT program? HERE! has a public information meeting on solar energy on February 1st and 8:30 a.m. at the Georgetown Public Library. 
Article on Solar Energy 
Here is a link to a Globe and Mail article on a new entrant in Ontario solar market.

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Happy Holidays from HERE!

17 Dec 2021

The HERE! team wishes you and your family all the best for the Holiday Season and a wonderful 2011. Below is a summary of reasons why you should consider a renewable energy system for your home in the New Year:

Solar Thermal/Geothermal rebates available until March 2011:

  • If you have had a home energy audit, you are still eligible to get rebates for energy efficient upgrades through the Ontario Home Energy Savings Program until March 2011. In order to receive the rebate, the work needs to be completed as well as the post-retrofit audit before March 31, 2011. If you are intending to do this, book your post-retrofit audit as soon as possible because auditors will be very busy leading up to the deadline. 
  • Value: up to $5000
    Available through Government of Ontario
    Applies to solar domestic hot water systems and geothermal systems
    NRCan-certified home energy audit required

Solar Photovoltaic Changes in store for 2011: 

  • The feed-in-tariff rate for rooftop solar energy installations remains at 80.2 cents per kWh and has changed to 64.2 cents per kWh for ground-mounted installations. These rates will be reviewed in 2011. Please note that the rate you receive when you install is guaranteed for 20 years.
  • If you are intending to do a PV installation in 2011 and haven't already done so, you should consider applying for a MicroFIT contract through the OPA website. Once approved, your rate will be guaranteed even if the rates are revised before you install, and you have one year to do the work. We will provide more information about applying for a MicroFIT contract in the New Year.  
  • The required Ontario content for solar PV systems has increased from 40-60% for 2011. For more information, please visit http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca.
Energy Conservation Tips for the New Year:
By making small and larger changes and using energy efficient products, you can reduce your environmental footprint and save some money. The following is a list of suggestions to help you change your energy consumption habits in 2011:
  • Turn off lights when not in use
  • Switch to CFLs – they use 75% less electricity
  • For holiday lighting switch to LEDs – they use 90% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and stay cool to the touch, reducing the danger of fire.
  • Use cold water for washing your laundry
  • Beware of “phantom power” – unplug appliances, especially phone and laptop chargers, when not in use.
  • Upgrade your old appliances to energy efficient appliances – there are programs available to help you get rid of older larger appliances such as refrigerators – visit Every Kilowatt Counts for information on programs in your area.
  • Use a power bar with a timer to plug in gaming systems, tvs, and stereos so that they shut off automatically.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to save energy when you’re sleeping or not at home.
  • Install a geothermal system to heat and cool your home without using a furnace or air conditioner.
  • Install a solar hot water system for your pool or domestic hot water use to curb your gas and/or electricity usage.
  • Install a solar photovoltaic system and produce green energy for 20 years that feeds into the grid.    

HERE! is planning renewable energy tours, meetings, and other events in 2011. If you are receiving this email, you are subscribed to HERE! updates and will be notified of upcoming events. For information on other environmental events in the GTA and Halton Region, a list of green businesses in Halton and more, please visit www.haltonenvironment.ca


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Renewable Energy Events - December

29 Nov 2021

HERE! Update
HERE! will be at these events in Oakville and Hamilton:

Town of Oakville Green Building Summit
Thursday, December 2, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oakville Town Hall, Oakville and Trafalgar rooms, 1225 Trafalgar Road


This event includes speakers and vendors from the green building industry, including alternative energy professionals, green developers and green roof specialists, as well as the official launch of the Sustainable Living - Building a Greener Oakville book. Lisa Seiler from the Halton Environmental Network will be discussing solar installations in homes and the HERE! Project at 1:10 pm. HERE! will also be having a booth at the event. Sean McCullum of Tremco will also be speaking to discuss implementation of green roofs, white roofs and large-scale solar roofs. Please register at [email protected]. Space is limited.  For more information, please visit http://www.oakville.ca/environment.htm  
Workshop: Helping Hamilton Go Solar
Sunday, December 5th 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Road South
Helping Hamilton Go Solar is a workshop designed to provide homeowners, small businesses and institutions with all of the information required to get started on a solar installation – whether it be rooftop photovoltaic panels or a solar water heating system.

The workshop will provide:

·An overview of solar technologies by solar specialist Graham Flint from the HERE! Project
·Information from TD Canada Trust representatives on options for financing solar projects
·Details regarding government programs & incentives including Ontario’s microFIT program.
·An update on the local supply chain provided by Jennifer Patterson from the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Department.

Following the workshop there will be a vendors’ fair where participants will have a chance to talk with local vendors and installers. The event is FREE and open to anyone from the community who is interested in attending. For more information, contact Lynda at (905) 549-0900.
See the poster at http://environmenthamilton.org/view/upload/148

 


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HERE! Renewable Energy Tour Sunday November 21

17 Nov 2021

Renewable Energy Tour

HERE! will be hosting a Renewable Energy Tour this Sunday, November 21. The tour will include homes in Lynden, Dundas, and Ancaster. There will be 2 residential rooftop solar PV systems featured, as well as a solar hot water system. We will also be visiting Will’s Christmas Tree Farm which has a 10 kW PV system as well as a geothermal system. In addition to viewing working systems up close, you will learn about the technology, the feed- in-tariff program which pays you to sell your energy to the grid, and heating your hot water or pool with solar or geothermal. This is a free event and all are welcome. For tour locations and times, email [email protected] or call 905-299-2327.


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Milton Solar Tour This Weekend

05 Nov 2021

This Sunday, November 7th, from 1-4pm HERE! will be hosting a solar tour in Milton!

The tour will feature TWO 10 kW solar photovoltaic installations and a solar pool heating installation. Learn more about the technology that's available, the microFIT program, costs, and more. For tour locations, please email [email protected].  


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Reminder: Geothermal Public Meeting this Wednesday!

25 Oct 2021

Geothermal Information Meeting this Wednesday

Want to know if geothermal heating and cooling is right for your home? HERE! will be hosting a public information meeting on geothermal systems in Georgetown on Wednesday, October 27 from 7-9 p.m. at Devereaux House located at 11494 Trafalgar Road in Georgetown. See the geothermal system installed at Devereaux House and get your questions answered by HERE's geothermal specialist.

This will be HERE’s only public meeting on geothermal energy this fall. There is still a lot of space available for this event. To register, please email [email protected] or call 905-299-2327.

 


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Reminder- Solar Tour this Sunday!

15 Oct 2021

Interested in viewing GREEN HOMES that make you money? HERE! Halton Enablers of Renewable Energy will be holding a solar tour in Oakville on Sunday October 17 from 1 to 4pm. Our tour features a VELUX solar thermal hybrid system that does hot water and radiant floor heating) installed by Baseline Energy Services from 1-2PM, a 4 KW residential rooftop PV system installed by ARISE from 2-3PM, and a 5 KW residential rooftop PV system installed by Eco Alternative Energy from 3-4PM. Both PV homes are selling energy to the grid under the microFIT program.  HERE! Renewable Energy Technology Specialists, homeowners and/or installers will be at the tour to answer all of your renewable energy questions. Please email [email protected] or phone 905-299-2327 if you are interested in attending.

 


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Upcoming HERE! Events

08 Oct 2021

In this HERE! Update:

Solar and Geothermal Tours in October

Lunch and Learn Opportunities for Your Workplace  

Solar and Geothermal Tours

Solar Tour in Oakville October 17

Interested in viewing solar energy installations up close and talking to homeowners that are selling energy to the grid? HERE! is hosting a solar tour on Sunday October 17. This solar tour features a hybrid solar thermal system that preheats the hot water and also provides hot water for an in-floor radiant heating system.  The tour also features two new residential rooftop PV installations that are selling energy to the grid under the microFIT program. The tour takes place from 1-4 pm. HERE! Renewable Energy Technology Specialists, Installers, and homeowners will be available to answer all of your renewable energy questions. Please email [email protected] for maps and tour locations.

Large rural 10 KW installations and a solar pool heating system are just some of the locations planned for our next solar tour in Milton on November 7. Details to follow shortly.  

 Geothermal Meeting and Tour in Halton Hills October 27

Want to know if geothermal heating and cooling is right for your home? HERE! will be hosting a public information meeting on geothermal systems followed by a tour of a geothermal system in Georgetown on Wednesday, October 27 from 7-9 p.m. Please email [email protected] for more information.     

HERE! Lunch and Learn Opportunities


HERE Lunch and Learns are great opportunities to have one of our renewable energy technology specialists come to your workplace and educate your coworkers about renewable energy and programs such as microFIT over your lunch hour. This is a free service offered by HERE! and is available for any workplace in Halton Region. If you think your workplace might be a good place to have a HERE! Lunch and Learn, let us know! Email [email protected] or call 905-299-2327.      


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Renewable Energy Fair this Saturday!

09 Sep 2022
On Saturday, September 11, HERE! Halton Enablers of Renewable Energy is hosting a Renewable Energy Fair at the Halton Regional Centre, located at 1151 Bronte Road (just North of the QEW) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The auditorium will be full of displays from solar PV vendors, solar hot water vendors, geothermal vendors, and energy auditors. 
 
At the fair, HERE! will be holding information workshops: 
-Graham Flint, solar PV technology specialist will be going over the basics of solar PV at 1:00, 2:00,and 3:00 PM. His presentation includes information on the microFIT program, financing PV projects, and homeowner testimonials. 
-Chris Braekevelt, thermal technology specialist will be giving presentations on solar thermal for heating your pool and hot water at 1:30PM,  on geothermal for efficiently heating and cooling your home at 2:30PM, and on energy conservation techniques at 3:30PM.
 
There will also be light refreshments, free energy savings kits, and a draw for prizes. All are welcome, free to attend. For more information, visit http://haltonenvironment.ca or call 905-299-2327.

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Renewable Energy Tour and Fair

27 Aug 2022

This Sunday, August 29, HERE! is holding a Renewable Energy Tour in Acton. Come and see two different solar photovoltaic systems and a geothermal system all on one street. Our Technology Specialists, Chris Braekevelt and Graham Flint, will be there as well as the system installers. The PV systems are a 4.6 KW roof-mounted installation and a 10 KW dual-axis tracking system, both installed by Solar Direct Canada.  The tour is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Email [email protected] or call 905-299-2327 to register and get directions.  A donation of $10 is requested.

On Saturday, September 11, just two weeks from now, HERE! will be holding a Renewable Energy Fair at the Halton Regional Centre, on Bronte Road just north of the QEW in Oakville. See displays and talk to solar and geothermal vendors. Chris and Graham will be holding hourly workshops on solar PV, solar thermal and geothermal technologies.  Free refreshments, door prizes, and energy conservation kits. The event is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and is open to the public and free to attend. 


We look forward to seeing you soon!


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MicroFIT news and HERE! Events

17 Aug 2022

In this HERE! Update:
 

microFIT news
Upcoming Events

MicroFIT news – OPA Finalizes price for new ground-mounted solar category
 

On Friday July 2nd 2010 the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) announced a proposal to implement a new tariff class for ground-mounted microFIT solar PV projects as opposed to roof-mounted projects. The initial materials made available from the OPA expressed concern that the return rate of these ground-mounted projects was above what the OPA considered to be acceptable. The proposal suggested a new rate of 58.8 cents per KWh and the initial plans were to have the new tariff class apply to all projects that had not yet been approved. This would have impacted over 10 thousand projects that were already awaiting OPA approval. The July 2nd announcement also started a 30 day public consultation period which ended on August 3rd. On behalf of our many clients HERE! participated in all the consultation conference calls and prepared a written submission to the OPA.

On Friday, August 13 the OPA released their final decision and set the new tariff class price for ground-mounted microFIT solar PV projects at 64.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. The OPA also considered the strong feedback that was provided; expressing the point of view that making the new tariff rate class apply to those applications already submitted was unfair. The OPA has now decided that the new ground-mounted tariff will only apply to applications submitted after noon on July 2. All applications submitted prior to that time will be eligible to receive the original 80.2 cent per KWh rate.

Although it was a difficult month for many awaiting their conditional offer or wanting to install a ground-mounted installation, we feel that the outcome that has been reached is fair and that the OPA has considered many of the perspectives shared with them during the consultation process. To us this demonstrates that the government is serious about the solar energy industry in Ontario. They have renewed their commitment to transparency and now have an improved understanding of what really is going on in the Ontario solar marketplace. With the implementation of a new stakeholder advisory panel we feel the risk of a similar situation like this occurring again is very low.

Listed below are a few quick facts about the OPAs decision. For more information, please view the OPA news release. We will continue to participate in teleconferences and update you with further details.
 

  • The new price category is effective immediately for eligible projects with applications submitted after noon on July 2, 2010, when a new price category was proposed.
  • Eligible ground-mounted applications submitted prior to noon on July 2, 2010, will receive the original price of 80.2 cents/kWh even if they have not yet received a conditional offer. Also these applicants will now have until May 31, 2011, to install and request a connection for their projects before the higher (60%) domestic content requirements will be required. Note: projects who applications were submitted after 12 noon on July 2nd will still have to meet the higher Ontario content levels required as of January 1st 2011.
  • The OPA is establishing a microFIT program advisory panel that will provide advice on program evolution, including the two-year review process. The panel will be made up of industry, academic and other stakeholder representatives.
  • Commercial aggregators (e.g., businesses that lease land or rooftops from individuals for multiple renewable energy projects) will no longer be allowed to participate in the microFIT program. Commercial aggregators can continue to participate in the clean energy economy but do so outside of the microFIT program structure. (Details on the implementation of this program change are still being finalized.)
  • New microFIT applications will be accepted once again beginning on Friday, August 20.
  • The OPA has committed that ground-mounted applications already submitted before July 2nd will be processed by the end of September.

Upcoming HERE! Events

HERE! Focus Group
 

This is the last chance to sign-up to participate in the HERE! Focus Group. Feedback from those on our contact list is very important to us. Please let us know what you think could make HERE! a more useful resource for you. The focus group takes place in our office in downtown Oakville on Thursday August 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Please email [email protected] to register.

HERE! Renewable Energy Tour
 

HERE! will be hosting a renewable energy tour in Acton on Sunday, August 29 from 1-4 p.m. The tour features a brand new 10 KW dual-axis tracking installation and roof-mounted 4.6 KW installation installed by Solar Direct Canada, as well a geothermal system. Talk to homeowners, vendors, and HERE!’s renewable energy experts and see working systems up close. Please email [email protected] to register.

HERE! Renewable Energy Fair

HERE! will be having a renewable energy fair on Saturday September 11 from 1:00-4:00 at the Halton Regional Centre on Bronte Road in Oakville. The displays at the renewable energy fair will cover many facets of renewable energy, including geothermal and solar installations, energy audits, and energy conservation tools. There will also be workshops on solar PV, solar thermal, and geothermal.

 


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MicroFIT news and HERE! Events

05 Aug 2022

In this HERE! Update:
microFIT news
Upcoming Events
HERE! website

MicroFIT news

  • The opportunity to submit feedback during the recent 30-day consultation period on the new price category for ground-mounted solar PV projects has ended. The microFIT team will make an announcement about the new price category as soon as possible following review of the materials and information received. Click here to read the letter that HERE! submitted to the OPA on behalf of its project participants
  • If you received a notice that your microFIT application has been unlocked with instructions to resubmit your application with additional information, the deadline to resubmit your microFIT application has been extended to Tuesday, September 7 at 5 p.m. This extension will provide you with more time, if needed, to assess your project under the new category for ground-mounted solar PV projects. Resubmitted applications for ground-mounted projects will be offered the price that is to be finalized after the consultation period. If you do not resubmit your application by September 7, it will be withdrawn from the program. You may submit a new application in the future if you decide to proceed with a microFIT project at a later date. The proposed rate change is for ground-mounted systems only, roof-top mounted systems are still eligible for the 80.2 cent rate.  
     

Upcoming HERE! Events

  • HERE! GeoTour

This is a reminder that our geothermal information night will be taking place next Thursday August 12 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. HERE!’s thermal technology specialist, Chris Braekevelt, will be giving an in-depth presentation on geothermal heating/cooling systems for your home. The tour will be held at Devereaux House, located at 11494 Trafalgar Road in Georgetown. You will have the opportunity to tour this 1860s farmhouse and learn about its extensive renovations which included many sustainable technology upgrades such as geothermal heating and cooling, occupancy sensors, and energy efficient LED lighting. There are still a few spaces available. Registration is required for this event. Please email [email protected] for further information or to register.

  • HERE! Focus Group

Come join us for an evening of discussion surrounding the HERE! Project. We are looking for feedback on topics such as: What can we do to make the HERE! experience more valuable? How effective are we at keeping you up to date on renewable energy issues? The focus group takes place in our office in downtown Oakville on Thursday August 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Please email [email protected] to register.

  • HERE! Solar Tour

Our next solar tour is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, August 29 in North Milton. Details will follow shortly.

  • HERE! Renewable Energy Fair

HERE! will be having a renewable energy fair on Saturday September 11 from 1:00-4:00 at the Halton Regional Centre on Bronte Road in Oakville. Details to follow shortly.

HERE! Website
Check out the HERE! section of the new website at http://haltonenvironment.ca
We have energy conservation tips, interesting links, and current information on renewable energy available right at your fingertips.

 


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HERE! News & Events

23 Jul 2022


HERE! News & Events

 HERE! in the news:

Upcoming HERE! Events:

·      Georgetown Farmer’s Market
HERE! will be at the Georgetown Farmer’s Market on Saturday July 23, 2010. The market is open every Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Main Street in Georgetown. For more information, please visit http://www.downtowngeorgetown.com/4farmers-market-special-events   
·      HERE! has its first GeoTour
Are you thinking about a cost-effective, greener, and more efficient way to heat and cool your home? HERE! will be having its first ever Geothermal Information Session and GeoTour in Georgetown on Thursday, August 12 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. HERE!’s thermal technology specialist, Chris Braekevelt, will be giving an in-depth presentation on geothermal heating/cooling systems for your home, he will show you an actual geothermal system and its components, and will be answering any questions you may have. There are a limited number of spaces available so registration is required for this event. Please email [email protected] for further information or to register.
·      HERE! Focus Group
Come join us for an evening of discussion surrounding the HERE! Project. We are looking for feedback on topics such as: What can we do to make the HERE! experience more valuable? How effective are we at keeping you up to date on renewable energy issues? The focus group takes place in downtown Oakville on Thursday August 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Please email [email protected] to register.
·      HERE! Solar Tour
Our July solar tour has been cancelled. Our next solar tour will be on Sunday, August 29. Location to be announced.
·      HERE! Renewable Energy Fair
HERE! will be having a renewable energy fair on Saturday September 11 from 1:00-4:00 at the Halton Regional Centre on Bronte Road in Oakville. There will be solar and geothermal vendor displays and workshops on solar, geothermal, and energy conservation. This is sure to be an exciting event for those of you that want to connect directly with vendors or participate in our workshops.
 

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Solar Tour this weekend

24 Jun 2022

Oakville Solar Tour this weekend

There is still time to register for our Oakville Solar Tour, which will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 27. The first stop on the tour is a large 7.8 KW photovoltaic system on the roof of a residential home. The system was installed this spring by Eco Alternative Energy and is selling electricity to the grid under the microFIT program, which is a feed-in-tariff program where the Ontario Power Authority pays you 80.2 cents per kilowatt-hour for selling your solar energy to the grid.  Over the 20 year microFIT contract, the homeowner can expect to receive enough income to pay for the install price of the solar energy system in 8-10 years and make pure profit for the remainder of the contract.  

The second stop on the tour features a green residential retrofit home. Among other environmental upgrades, the home features a VELUX solar domestic hot water (SDHW) system. Because this system uses solar heat to preheat your hot water supply, it can dramatically reduce the need for gas to heat your water, which reduces your environmental footprint and saves you money on your gas bill. Renewable energy technology experts, homeowners, project team members, and/or installers will be on site at each location to describe and explain the system. If you are interested in registering for this tour, please contact HERE! at [email protected] or 905-299-2327. A $10 donation is suggested.


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Public Meetings and Solar Tour

21 Jun 2022

In this email update:

HERE! Hosts Public Information Meetings in Burlington and Georgetown

Oakville Solar Tour this weekend

Project Coordinator hits 1000 KWh!

HERE! Hosts Public Information Meetings

Please note that both of the meetings below are free of charge and open to everyone regardless of where you live.

Our meeting for Burlington residents, "Renewable Energy in the City", is taking place tomorrow, June 22, from 7-9 p.m. at the Burlington Central Public Library in Centennial Hall, located at 2331 New Street 

This meeting will be about renewable energy for city dwellers – focusing mainly on residential photovoltaic systems with information also about solar pool heating systems, solar hot water heating systems, and vertical loop geothermal systems.  
HERE!’s Renewable Energy Technology Specialists, Graham Flint and Chris Braekevelt, will be the presenters at the meeting. Graham will speak about solar PV systems and the microFIT program. Chris will address thermal technologies, including geothermal and solar thermal options.
The presentations will include an explanation of the technology available, government rebates and incentives, costs of installation and environmental benefits.

The meeting will also present the concept of community power.  Michael Yakimchuk from BurlingtonGreen will speak about this option for Burlington residents that do not have the space or capital to invest in a private energy project.    

Our meeting for Halton Hills residents, "Renewable Energy for Urban and Rural Residents", is taking place on June 23, from 7-9 p.m. at the Halton Hills Cultural Centre located at 9 Church Street in Georgetown.   

This meeting focuses on renewable energy options available for suburban households and rural households and farms. Graham Flint and Chris Braekevelt, will be the presenters at the meeting. Graham will be focusing on photovoltaic systems and community power. He is an electrical engineer whose 10 kW ground-mounted solar PV system has recently been connected to the grid. Chris will address thermal technologies, including geothermal and solar thermal options. Braekevelt is a mechanical engineer with experience installing geothermal systems. The presentations will include an explanation of the technology available, government rebates and incentives, costs of installation and environmental benefits. The concept of community power will also be touched on.   

Oakville Solar Tour this weekend

Our Oakville Solar Tour will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 27. The first stop on the tour is a large 7.8 KW photovoltaic system on the roof of a residential home. The system was installed this spring by Eco Alternative Energy and is selling electricity to the grid under the microFIT program, which is a feed-in-tariff program where the Ontario Power Authority pays you 80.2 cents per kilowatt-hour for selling your solar energy to the grid.  Over the 20 year microFIT contract, the homeowner can expect to receive enough income to pay for the install price of the solar energy system in about 8 years and make enough to buy another system by the end of the contract

The second stop on the tour features a green residential retrofit home. Among other environmental upgrades, the home features a solar domestic hot water (SDHW) system installed by VELUX. Because this system uses solar heat to preheat your hot water supply, it can dramatically reduce the need for gas to heat your water, which reduces your environmental footprint and saves you money on your gas bill. Renewable energy technology experts, homeowners, project team members, and/or installers will be on site at each location to describe and explain the system. If you are interested in registering for this tour, please contact HERE! at [email protected] or 905-299-2327. A donation of $10 per person is suggested. For more information, visit http://halton.ourpower.ca.

Project Coordinator’s PV System hits 1000 KWh!

Lisa Seiler, Project Coordinator for HERE!, is pleased to announce that her 3 KW PV system has produced just over 1000KWh of electricity. Her system connected to the grid on April 7 2010. Lisa has yet to receive a cheque from Oakville Hydro, but she has already made over $800 selling clean, green energy to the grid. Hydro companies are allowed to wait until the first full billing cycle before sending out a cheque.


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Public Information Meeting in Oakville on Renewable Energy Tomorrow

15 Jun 2022

HERE! Hosts Public Information Meeting June 16

Our meeting for Oakville residents, "Renewable Energy in the City", is taking place tomorrow, June 16, from 7-9 p.m. at Oakville Town Hall in the Oakville/Trafalgar rooms, located at 1225 Trafalgar Road. 

HERE!’s Renewable Energy Technology Specialists, Graham Flint and Chris Braekevelt, will be the presenters at the meeting. Flint will speak about solar PV systems, including the popular MicroFIT program as well as community power opportunities for Oakville residents. Flint is an electrical engineer whose 10 kW ground-mounted solar PV system has recently been connected to the grid. Braekevelt will briefly address thermal technologies, including geothermal and solar thermal options. Braekevelt is a mechanical engineer with experience installing geothermal systems. The presentations will include an explanation of the technology available, government rebates and incentives, costs of installation, environmental benefits and information on opportunities to participate in renewable energy projects for those that do not have the space or capital to invest in a private energy project. This is a free event that is open to the public. Refreshments will be also be available.     


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HERE! Meeting in Milton tomorrow

09 Jun 2022

In this email update:

HERE! Hosts Public Information Meetings  

Solar Tour

HERE! Hosts Public Information Meetings

HERE! Halton Enablers of Renewable Energy is hosting a series of Public Information Meetings on Renewable Energy in each Halton municipality:

Our meeting for Milton residents, "Renewable Energy for Urban and Rural Residents", is taking place on Thursday June 10 from 7-9 p.m. at the Campbellville Lions Hall, located at 42 Main Street South in Campbellville. 

HERE!’s Renewable Energy Technology Specialists, Graham Flint and Chris Braekevelt, will be the presenters at the meeting. Flint will speak about solar PV systems, including the popular MicroFIT program. Flint is an electrical engineer whose 10 kW ground-mounted solar PV system has recently been connected to the grid. Braekevelt will address thermal technologies, including geothermal and solar thermal options. Braekevelt is a mechanical engineer with experience installing geothermal systems. The presentations will include a thorough explanation of the technology available, government rebates and incentives, costs of installation, environmental benefits and information on opportunities to participate in renewable energy projects for those that do not have the space or capital to invest in a private energy project. This is a free event that is open to the public. Refreshments will be also be available.      

Meetings in other Halton municipalities are scheduled as follows:

Oakville: Wed. June 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Oakville Town Hall, Oakville/Trafalgar

Rooms -- "Renewable Energy in the City"

Burlington: Tues. June 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m.  Burlington Public Library, 2331 New

St., Centennial Hall -- "Renewable Energy in the City"

Halton Hills: Wed. June 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m.  Georgetown Cultural

Centre, 9 Church St. -- "Renewable Energy for Urban and Rural Residents"

Solar Tour in Oakville

We will be holding a solar tour in Oakville on the afternoon Sunday June 27 featuring residential PV systems and a Green Residential Retrofit home with a solar hot water system. HERE! Renewable Energy Technology Specialists, homeowners and/or vendors will be at the tour to answer your renewable energy questions. Please email [email protected] or phone 905-299-2327 if you are interested in attending.   

 

 

 


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HERE! Public Information Schedule and Upcoming Events

03 Jun 2022

In this email:

HERE! Hosts Public Information Meetings

Upcoming HERE! Events

HERE! Hosts Public Information Meetings

HERE! Halton Enablers of Renewable Energy is hosting a series of Public Information Meetings on Renewable Energy in each Halton municipality:

Milton: Thurs. June 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Campbellville Lions Hall, Lower Hall

(main floor) -- "Renewable Energy for Urban and Rural Residents"

 Oakville: Wed. June 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Oakville Town Hall, Oakville/Trafalgar

Rooms -- "Renewable Energy in the City"

 Burlington: Tues. June 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m.  Burlington Public Library, 2331 New

St., Centennial Hall -- "Renewable Energy in the City"

 Halton Hills: Wed. June 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m.  Georgetown Cultural

Centre, 9 Church St. -- "Renewable Energy for Urban and Rural Residents"

At these meetings, residents will learn about renewable energy technologies and the benefits they offer; including reducing your environmental footprint, getting paid to sell clean energy to the grid, saving money by using solar energy to help heat your water, and efficiently heating and cooling your home using geoexchange systems. This information is applicable to homes, rural properties, condos, schools, churches, etc. HERE! team renewable energy technology specialists will the presenters at each meeting and will answer any questions you may have. Admission is free.

Upcoming HERE! Events

The following is a list of other upcoming HERE! Events:

Saturday June 5: Downtown Milton Street Festival

The Town of Milton is partnering with the Milton Downtown Business Improvement Association (DBIA) for the fourth annual Downtown Milton Street Festival. HERE! will be having a booth for the duration of the festival, from noon to 11:30 p.m. on Main Street in Milton, from Brown Street to Fulton Street. There will also be food, live entertainment, and other activities for you to participate in at the festival. For more information, visit visit http://www.milton.ca/commserv/streetfestival/index.php

Saturday June 5: Burlington World Environment Day

Take Action Burlington is Burlington's first Community Climate Change summit. The event, held at the Royal Botanical Gardens on Thursday, May 6, 2010, brought together local residents, businesses and community leaders to discuss climate change at the local level. A follow-up event is planned for World Environment Day. HERE! will have a booth at Burlington City Hall during the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.burlington.ca/takeaction

Sunday, June 27: Oakville Solar Tour

We will be holding a solar tour in Oakville on the afternoon Sunday June 27 featuring residential PV systems and a Green Residential Retrofit home with a solar hot water system. HERE! Renewable Energy Technology Specialists, homeowners and/or vendors will be at the tour to answer your renewable energy questions. Please email [email protected] or phone 905-299-2327 if you are interested in attending.   

 

 

 


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HERE! Upcoming events and MicroFIT news

27 May 2022

In this email:

 

Upcoming HERE! Events

 

MicroFIT News

HERE! Events

Saturday May 29: HEN and HERE! will have a display at the Oakville Conserves Energy Fair at Oakville Town Hall on Saturday, May 29. We will be presenting a solar electricity (PV) workshop at 10:00 a.m. and a geothermal and solar thermal workshop at 11:00 a.m. Additional workshops are being scheduled in other municipalities.

 

Sunday May 30 2010: HERE! will be having a solar tour this Sunday, May 30. The tour will take place at 3 locations in northwest Burlington from 1-3 p.m. Two residential photovoltaic installations that are selling power to the grid under the MicroFIT program will be featured as well as a solar pool heating system. Members of the HERE! Halton Enablers of Renewable Energy project team and homeowners will be available to answer any of your renewable energy questions. Please call 905-299-2327 or email [email protected] to register. Our next solar tour will be held on Sunday June 27 in Oakville.

 

MicroFIT news-: In-series metering configuration no longer permitted

On May 19, 2010, the Ontario Energy Board sent a letter to local distribution companies instructing them to stop in-series connections for microFIT and FIT projects because Measurement Canada will not recognize or support the in-series metering configuration.

As a result, in-series connections are no longer permitted under the microFIT and FIT Programs. FIT contract holders and applicants and microFIT applicants therefore must pursue other permitted options – in parallel and direct – for connecting their projects to the distribution system.

If your facility is connected using an in-series connection, stay tuned for further communication on this issue. The OPA is continuing to work with Measurement Canada to find a solution to preserve existing in-series connections.

The microFIT contract is executed once the project has been connected to the distribution system. Applicants to the microFIT Program are encouraged to proceed with their project if they are willing to connect their project in-parallel.

 


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Renewable energy providers wanted

14 May 2022

Renewable energy providers wanted

The Halton Environmental Network (HEN) is looking for providers of renewable energy systems, specifically solar and geothermal.

In 2008 and 2009, HEN ran a renewable energy project, known as the Halton Residential Solar Project, which facilitated solar installations on houses and barns in Halton Region. Our contact list now has over 1,300 homeowners and others who are interested in using renewable energy on their property. For 2010, we have created a new project known as HERE! Halton Enablers of Renewable Energy, which includes geothermal as well as solar technologies (PV and solar thermal) and reaches beyond the residential market.

We will be creating an online directory of renewable energy providers. If you are interested in participating as a provider, we ask that you fill out the Solar Application Form or the Geothermal Application Form so that we can compile the information for our contacts.

On completion of the form, your information will be provided to HERE! staff, who will follow up with you. This is not a commission-based arrangement. HEN is a non-profit organization operating in Halton Region (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville). HEN's role is to provide information and assist in making connections.

*** Please note that this is not part of the OurPower vendor solicitation***


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HERE! Announcement

14 May 2022

HERE! Announcement

The Halton Environmental Network (HEN) is pleased to announce the receipt of a grant from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment's Community Go Green Fund (CGGF). This funding allows us to build on the success of the HRSP under the new label HERE! Halton Enablers of Renewable Energy.

Interest in the HRSP has been growing steadily, but the number of Halton residents who have contacted us about other types of renewable energy is also growing. HERE! will focus on solar and geothermal technologies for the remainder of 2010. It will also reach beyond the residential sector to include religious institutions, schools, condominium corporations, and small businesses.

CGGF funding has enabled us to hire two Renewable Energy Technology Specialists on a part-time basis. Graham Flint is an electrical engineer whose 10 kW ground-mounted solar PV system in Campbellville has recently been connected to the grid. Chris Braekevelt is a mechanical engineer with experience installing geothermal systems. Graham will be focusing on PV/MicroFIT issues and Chris will be handling solar thermal and geothermal issues.

HERE! makes the process of purchasing an alternative energy system easier by providing information and connecting with potential vendors. HERE! provides outreach and education on energy conservation and alternative energy technologies, and facilitates installations of solar and geothermal systems.

CGGF grants are to assist individuals in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. HEN is working to help reduce these emissions by providing people in Halton with the information they need to produce green power. HEN is grateful to the Government of Ontario for their support of HERE!

The new contact email for HERE! inquiries is [email protected] or you can call HERE! at 905-299-2327.

Upcoming Events

Milton Mall - Come visit us at Milton Mall from 10am to 5pm on Saturday May 14. Chris and Graham, our 2 renewable energy technology specialists, will be holding a free workshop on solar and geothermal energy at 3:00 p.m. in the mall.

 

 


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Solar Tour Reminder

30 Apr 2022

 

Solar Tour Reminder

 

On Sunday, May 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., we will be hosting a solar tour showcasing homes with photovoltaic solar energy systems. The tour will take place at four locations in Campbellville, rural Milton, and Acton, all with diverse solar energy systems. The purpose of the tour is to help Halton residents gather more information on solar energy and its applications.


The systems shown are all larger installations. Two are pole-mounted and two are roof mounted. The first location will showcase a 10kW system owned by Graham Flint, one of our new renewable energy technology specialists. It is pole-mounted with manual adjustment. “The solar tours were very useful and provided me with valuable information when I was looking into buying a solar energy system”, says Flint. The system was installed last year by Sun Volts Unlimited and is selling electricity to the grid.


Another pole-mounted system that was recently installed by Solar Direct Canada, a company based in Acton, will also be shown. The 10.8 kW system is made up of 48 pole-mounted panels and has sun-tracking capability. It was installed in December 2009 and is connected under the MicroFIT program through Halton Hills Hydro. This system was on our March 7th Solar Tour. A recent 12 kW rooftop installation by Solar Direct Canada will also be shown. 

 
The final stop on the tour will feature a 9.6kW system made up of 54 solar panels mounted on a barn roof in rural Milton. The system was installed over a year ago by Sun Volts Unlimited. The system has been connected under the older feed-in-tariff program (RESOP) through Milton Hydro and is in transition to the MicroFIT program. The owner has recorded daily weather patterns and energy production rates for the system. According to Project Coordinator Lisa Seiler, the system produced about 1200 kWh per kW in its first year, which is higher than the average production rate for Toronto. This system was also shown at our March 7 Solar Tour. 

 
Come out and view installed solar units and see how your neighbours are making solar power work for them! Get a chance to talk to vendors, homeowners and Halton Environmental Network members to answer any questions you have. Upcoming tours will take place in Burlington on May 30 and Oakville on June 27. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 905-299-2327.

Online Survey

 

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete our short homeowner survey. The survey consists of 10 multiple choice questions to answer. We would appreciate any feedback you might have for us. You can find the survey here.

Question of the Week

How well do solar panels work in the winter?

Solar PV panels work on light, not heat. In fact, PV panels like being kept cool, and will have their highest peak power output during the coldest temperatures. However, with shorter daylight hours in winter, solar panels will produce less energy each day compared to the other seasons. Even if the modules become covered with a light layer of snow, some limited electricity production can still occur.  If the snow cover is thicker, they do temporarily stop producing power, but generally the snow melts quickly and slides off because of the smooth dark surface.

 


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Solar Tour, ecoEnergy update and more

22 Apr 2022

In this update:

Solar Tour

ecoEnergy Update

Survey

Question of the Week

Solar Tour

 

We are hosting a tour of solar energy installations. Come out and view installed solar units and see how your neighbours are making solar power work for them! Get a chance to talk to vendors, homeowners and Halton Environmental Network members to answer any questions you have. The tour takes place on Sunday, May 2 in Campbellville and Acton. Upcoming tours will take place in Burlington on May 30 and Oakville on June 27. To respect the privacy of installed homeowners we do not publish their addresses. If you are interested in attending please email [email protected] or call 905-299-2327.

ecoEnergy Retrofit Homes Program Update

 

We are happy to relay the announcement made by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Infrastructure that funding for the Ontario portion of the ecoEnergy retrofit grants will continue to be available. Due to the sudden nature of the federal announcement to cancel a partnership program, Ontario is reviewing its options to create and deliver effective conservation programs to Ontarians. Until such time a decision is made and notice given, Ontario will continue to fund new pre-retrofit audits. This means that the provincial government will continue to pay 50% of your home’s audit, up to $150 and retrofit rebates up to $5000. The end date of this program is currently March 31, 2011.

 

Online Survey

 

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete our short homeowner survey. The survey consists of 10 multiple choice questions to answer. We would appreciate any feedback you might have for us. You can find the survey here.

Question of the Week

 

Do solar panels lose efficiency over time?

Like any product, solar panels do lose efficiency over time and this varies with environmental factors and the brand of panels used. Many panels, even after 20 years of continuous use still provide over 80% of their original generating capacity. Most vendors include warranties to this effect. To minimize power loss, keep panels clean from leaves and dirt by periodically rinsing them off. Some installers offer service and maintenance packages to ensure system quality over the life of the solar system.

 

 


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HRSP Update

15 Apr 2022

In this update:

Upcoming Events

Survey Reminder

Renewable Energy News

Question of the Week

Upcoming Events 

Come and visit us this weekend at the Halton Eco Festival in Oakville.  We will be running a workshop from 12:00 to 1:00 on Saturday, talking about solar and geothermal technologies.  We will be doing a similar workshop next Saturday in Georgetown, also at 12:00.
 
The Halton Eco Festival takes place at the Glen Abbey Community Centre, 1415 Third Line, Oakville.  It runs from 10:00 to 5:00 on Saturday, April 17 and from 11:00 to 4:00 on Sunday, April 18.  We will have a booth for the entire event.  The workshop will take place in Program Room A.  There is an admission fee of $5/adult or $2/senior or student to attend the festival.  There will be 75 exhibitors and 15 workshops, plus activities for children.  Visit http://www.haltonecofest.ca for details.
 
Georgetown's Earth Day event will also include exhibitors and workshops at the Georgetown Market Place Mall on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Visit http://www.halton.ca for information.
 
Our next Solar Tour is being planned for Sunday, May 2.  Stay tuned for details.

  

Survey Reminder

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete our short homeowner survey. The survey will be available until April 16. We would appreciate any feedback you might have for us. You can find the survey here.

Renewable Energy News

Ontario's Feed-In Tariff Stimulates Array of Solar, Wind and Water Projects

Question of the Week:

If I have already completed an energy audit for my home, am I still eligible to receive both federal and provincial rebates?

On March 31, 2010, the federal government suspended the Eco-Energy Retrofit Homes Program. After identifying that the program would be available to March 2011, Ottawa announced that it would no longer accept applications to book pre-retrofit evaluations as of midnight on March 31, 2010. This means that anyone who has not already booked an evaluation is no longer eligible for a federal rebate. If you have already had an initial energy audit done or had one booked, you are still eligible for federal and provincial rebates up to March 31, 2011. The province has not yet made any follow-up announcements.


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March 28th Solar Tour

24 Mar 2022
On Sunday March 28, the Halton Residential Solar Project will host our second Solar Tour of the year. Our March 7th solar tour was an unprecedented success, with over 50 interested homeowners coming to view both photovoltaic installations. The sun was shining brilliantly to show the panels operating at their peak performance. 
 
The upcoming tour will take place in west Burlington between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. It features two photovoltaic systems and two solar thermal systems. One pv system is 2.6 kW in northwest Burlington installed by ARISE Technologies. The 13 panels in this system were arranged around skylights and sit on top of metal roofing. The other pv system on the tour is located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the Burlington Bay area. This 5.2 kW system was installed by Sun Volts Unlimited and is made up of 24 panels. Both systems have been recently connected to the grid by Burlington Hydro and are receiving revenue through the MicroFIT program. For those of you interested in solar thermal systems, there is one more location on our tour that features both a solar hot water system and pool heating system installed by Solar Ontario.
Homeowners, vendors, and project team members will be present to discuss the system, how it works, financial strategies and incentives that are associated with installing solar energy equipment and to answer any questions you may have. In order to protect the privacy of the homeowners we are not widely publishing their addresses and would ask that you contact us at [email protected] or call 905-299-2327 for more details about where and when each unit can be viewed. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Monthly solar tours are being planned for installations throughout Halton Region. Dates and times will follow as scheduled.

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Solar Tour

26 Feb 2022

Dear Homeowner,

On Sunday March 7, the Halton Residential Solar Project will host a Solar Tour of solar electricity (PV) installations in the Halton Region that are currently up and running. The tour will take place at two locations near Acton between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. One site features a large PV system on top of a barn roof which has been connected by Milton Hydro and the other site features a solar-tracking installation connected by Halton Hills Hydro. Homeowners and vendors will be present to discuss the unit, how it works, financial strategies and incentives that are associated with installing solar energy equipment and to answer any questions you may have.
 
For more information or to register, email [email protected] or call 905-299-2327.
 
Monthly solar tours are planned for installations throughout Halton Region. Dates and times will follow shortly.
 
Regards,
 
Amanda Donatelli
HRSP Project Assistant
 

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Happy holidays from HRSP!

18 Dec 2021

Dear Homeowners,

Over the holidays you might start thinking about 2010, and we would like you to keep solar in mind. There are a number of reasons why 2010 will be a good year to invest in a solar PV system.
1.      The MicroFIT program is now in place and backlogs from its implementation will have cleared. (See first news release below.) 
2.   The 80.2¢/kWh rate applies for 20 years to contracts entered into now, but the OPA will be reviewing the rates at least every two years. This is a really good rate with a limited time offer (and it's unlikely to go up).
3.       The Ontario content rule for MicroFIT contracts increases from 40% in 2010 to 60% starting January 1, 2011. Most companies will be unable to meet the 60% rule unless new production facilities open in Ontario.
4.       The MicroFIT program at 80.2¢/kWh was calculated by the OPA to produce an 11% return on investment. That’s better than most other places you can put your money right now.
5.       Solar panels produce clean, green electricity. You can do your part to fight climate change.
The Halton Residential Solar Project team wishes you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!
News releases:
FIT and MicroFIT domestic content update, revised microFIT rules, contract, and summary of microFIT program changes: http://www.microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/ -- What’s New section
Al Gore green with envy over Green Energy Act: http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/11/25/11915481-sun.html   
 
 

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First HRSP installation hits 10,000 kWhrs!

20 Oct 2021

Monika Caemmerer is very excited to report that her 9.5 kW photovoltaic installation has topped 10,000 kilowatt-hours of production.

The system was installed by Sun Volts Unlimited in December 2008 and became operational on February 5, 2009. It hit the 10,000 mark on October 13, 2009. The system pays $.42/kWhr under the RESOP program. Monika is especially excited to learn that, because she was an early adopter, her system will be automatically upgraded to the new MicroFIT program, which will pay her $.802/kWhr, thus almost doubling her income.

Monika attended our first Solar Fair in October 2008 and decided right there to install a PV system. Her installation was the first for the Halton Residential Solar Project.

The system is installed on a portion of her barn. Monika is planning on adding to the system and registering the additional panels under the new Feed-in Tariff program.

Monika is a great ambassador for solar energy and has welcomed visitors to view her system at each of our Solar Tours and spoken at our Solar Fairs. Monika's system will again be on display at our Solar Tour on Sunday, November 1, 2009. To sign up, please email [email protected].  


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Solar Tour III Sunday, November 1, 2021

20 Oct 2021

We are holding a Solar Tour on the afternoon of Sunday, November 1. This will be our last tour before the winter.

The new locations include a house with both PV and solar hot water heating systems in Oakville, a solar pool heating system in Oakville, and a large PV system west of Hamilton which also has geothermal on site. Our tours have been  mainly self-guided, but we would like to arrange carpooling to the PV/geothermal site since it is a bit of a distance outside of Halton.

Previously visited sites which are on the tour again are a large PV system near Acton and a solar pool system in Milton.

If you are interested in attending on Nov. 1, please send an email to [email protected] including:

a) where you are coming from, and

b) which systems you are interested in seeing.

We are not widely publishing the addresses of the homes on the tour, to respect the privacy of the homeowners. 


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Fall 2009 Public Meetings

08 Sep 2022

Two public meetings are being planned in Halton for this fall.

Solar Photovoltaic Information Meeting:

Wednesday, September 30, 2021
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Oakville Town Hall, South Atrium
1225 Trafalgar Rd., Oakville, just north of the QEW

Are you thinking about putting solar panels on your roof to generate electricity?  Did you know that you can sell that electricity to the grid?  Join the Halton Residential Solar Project for this free public information meeting.  Guest speakers are:
 
Michael Yakimchuk, P.Eng, DG Connections, Hydro One Networks: 
MicroFIT and Connecting to the Grid
 
Ryan Colwell, Certified Financial Planner, C & C Planning Group:
Investment and Tax Aspects of the Feed-In Tariff
 
This session is primarily intended for homeowners, but the information will be equally applicable to small businesses.  Vendors of PV equipment will also be in attendance.  All are welcome.  For further information, contact [email protected].

Solar Fair:

Saturday, October 17, 2021
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Milton Sports Centre
605 Santa Maria Blvd., Milton
at Derry Rd., west of Hwy. 25

Vendors of solar hot water and photovoltaic (PV) equipment will be displaying and explaining their products and answering questions throughout the afternoon. Project team members, including a financial advisor, will be ready to answer questions. Home energy auditors, hydro representatives, and local environmental groups will also have displays.

A series of one-hour workshops is also being offered:

1:00 Solar Information - Understanding What You're Buying
       Guest speaker: Ken Traynor, Toronto Renewable Energy Co-op

2:00 Energy Conservation and Home Energy Audits
       Guest speaker: Jeff Daley, The Energuy

3:00 Homeowner testimonials

The Solar Fair is open to the public and free to attend. For more information, email [email protected] or call 905-827-5989.


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Contact HRSP

08 Sep 2022

Main Project Contact:

             Amanda Donatelli
             email: [email protected]
             phone: 905-299-2327

Project Coordinator:

Lisa Seiler
email: [email protected]
phone: 905-827-5989

 Main project website:

www.the-hen.net


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Solar Tour II Sunday, August 30 2009

24 Aug 2022

Solar Tour

The Halton Residential Solar Project is hosting a Solar Tour of newly installed systems in the Halton Region that are up and running.

 The tour will take place on Sunday August 30, 2022 at four locations in Halton between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. including three solar electricity (Photovoltaic) systems and a solar pool heating system.

Photovoltaic systems create electricity that can be used to power electronics in the home. Currently, the most profitable use of these systems is to sell the electricity from the solar system back to your hydro provider for $0.802 per kW hour produced. There will be three of these systems on display August 30th including; a 1kW system near Erin, a 2kW system in Oakville and a 9.5 kW system near Acton.

Solar water heating and solar pool heating systems are an efficient way to harness the sun’s energy for direct use at your home. According to Andy McKegney, president of SolarOntario, “A solar pool heating system can potentially supply all your pool heating needs, and can also extend your swimming season by 6-8 weeks.” There will be one solar pool heating system on display in Milton, installed early this year by SolarOntario.

At all locations you will be able to view the units and to speak with the homeowners and vendors about the unit, how it works, financial strategies and incentives that are associated with installing solar energy equipment and to answer any questions you may have before you get started.

All are welcome, free to attend. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 905-827-5989. To respect the privacy of the home owners the exact addresses are not being widely published

The Halton Residential Solar Project will also be holding solar tours of different systems and solar information sessions this fall. Details will be announced. To receive ongoing project updates directly please e-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.ourpower.ca.

The Halton Environmental Network (HEN) is a network of environmental non-profit groups in Halton Region. It runs the Halton Residential Solar Project as a way to promote the reduction of green house gas emissions. HEN is grateful to the financial support of Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program and Service Canada’s Summer Jobs program to assist with this project.

 


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Solar PV Tour Sunday, June 14, 2022

10 Jun 2022

Oakville can now boast two solar installations as a result of the Halton Residential Solar Project (HRSP).

The first installation took place in December. The second was just recently completed at the home of the Project Coordinator, Lisa Seiler. Both systems will convert the sun’s energy into electricity, which will be fed directly into the electricity grid.

Both homeowners are awaiting finalization of the province’s new Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program before having their systems connected. According to Seiler, that is supposed to happen sometime this month, and it’s worth the wait.

“With the FIT, the Ontario Power Authority will pay us 80.2¢ per kilowatt-hour for all electricity produced, which is a lot better than the 5 or 6 cents we pay to Oakville Hydro,” says Seiler. “The reason for the huge incentive is that the bulk of the solar electricity is produced during peak load times, e.g. when the sun is hot and everyone has their air conditioners on. At those times, the OPA is actually getting a good deal by buying electricity under a dollar, plus it’s clean energy.”

Both Oakville systems will be on display this Sunday, June 14, when the HRSP team holds a Solar Tour. A third much larger installation, on a barn in north Milton, is also on the tour. Carpooling can be arranged.

The HRSP involves three vendors of solar electric (PV) systems. The three systems were each installed by a different vendor, so the tour gives the opportunity to compare and ask questions. Members of the project team, representatives of the vendors, and the homeowners will be on hand.

The HRSP is a project of the Halton Environmental Network (HEN). Although Seiler and the rest of the project team are currently operating on a volunteer basis, they are pleased to have an Electrical Engineering co-op student helping out this summer, thanks to funding from Canada Summer Jobs.

To sign up for the tour, please call 905-827-5989 or email [email protected]. The tour is free, but donations are welcome. Additional tours will be planned.

 


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Upcoming Public Appearances, Summer 2009

15 May 2022

The Green Energy Act has passed Third Reading and Oakville Town Hall will be the site of a public forum on the Act on Tuesday, May 19 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Kevin Flynn, Oakville MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, will be the keynote speaker. Responses will come from Rabia Yazdanie, HRSP team member, and Roberto Garcia of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association. Oakville Town Hall is located at 1225 Trafalgar Road, just north of the QEW. The event is open to the public and free to attend.

HRSP team members will also be appearing at the following public events:

  • Sat. May 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Oakville Conserves Energy Fair
    at Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road.
    Exhibitors will be displaying energy conservation information and wares. HEN will display solar and conservation information as well as the new Halton Enviro Guide. HRSP will hold solar workshops from 10:30 to 11:30 and from 1:00 to 2:00. This fair is free to attend.
     
  • Sun. May 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Willow Park Ecology Centre
    on Mary Street off Hwy 7 in Norval (near Georgetown)
    It's opening day for Willow Park. HEN will staff a table and be on hand to answer questions about going solar.
     
  • Sat. June 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Whole Foods Market
    at 301 Cornwall Road, just east of Trafalgar Road south of the QEW in Oakville.
    Whole Foods is holding a mini-fair for Canadian Environment Week. HRSP will hold solar workshops at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and staff a table. Find out more about this event at www.wholefoodsmarket.com.
     
  • Sat. June 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at the Downtown Milton Street Festival
    HEN and the HRSP will have a table at this fun community event. www.downtownmilton.com
     
  • Sun. June 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    HRSP will hold a Solar Tour of recent PV installations under HRSP. There are three installations at present - two in Oakville and one in north Milton. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in attending. There is no cost, but donations will be appreciated.
     
  • Sat. June 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ice Cream with Alan and Ralph
    This is the Oakville Ward 1 Councillors' annual event at the gazebo by the lake in Bronte.
    HEN will staff a table and be on hand to answer questions about going solar.

  • Friday July 17, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. – Downtown Oakville Midnight Madness
    Come and visit us and HEN member groups Oakvillegreen and GreenTrans on Lakeshore Road in front of Swiss Interiors!

  • Tuesday July 21, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Home, Green Home
    Located at Halton Hills Public Library, 9 Church Street, Georgetown
    A workshop for home owners  on environmental purchasing, pitching, and getting paid to go green, presented by Practically Green Solutions. Register for this free program in person at the Georgetown Branch or call 905-873-2881 ext. 2511

  • Friday July 24, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Burlington Mall Farmer’s Market
    Located at Guelph Line and Prospect Street, South of Zellers.
    Come and visit us and HEN member group BurlingtonGreen and buy some local produce!

  • Saturday August 22, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Harbourside Organic Farmers’ Market
    Located in Downtown Oakville at the corner of Lakeshore Road and Navy St, in front of the library
  • Saturday September 25, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Georgetown Farmers’ Market
    Located on Main Street in downtown Georgetown. www.downtowngeorgetown.com

 


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Increased Federal and Provincial Rebates for solar hot water systems

06 Apr 2022

The Government of Canada is now offering a rebate of $1,250 (an increase from $500 previously offered) for the purchase of eligible solar hot water systems until March 31, 2011. In addition, the Government of Ontario is matching the increased rebate offered by the federal government for a total combined rebate of $2,500 towards the cost of an approved solar domestic hot water system.
 
The Halton Residential Solar Project can help you determine whether your chosen system is eligible for these rebates.
 
The federal rebate is available through the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program which encourages various retrofits to increase the energy efficiency of a home. All rebates under the program are being increased by at least 25% until March 31, 2011.
 
For details on the federal program and a list of available federal rebates visit: http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm
 
See news article: http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/610800

Note that to qualify for the abovementioned rebates, an NRCan-certified energy advisor must conduct a pre and post-retrofit assessment in your home.

Solar hot water systems are also eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit, which returns to you 15% of expenses between $1,000 and $10,000, until February 1, 2010.

For a complete table of government inventives, visit: http://www.the-hen.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=572&Itemid=91 


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Proposed New Energy Prices for solar PV systems

13 Mar 2022

Yesterday the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) proposed that rooftop solar electricity producers be paid 80.2 cents per kWh of electricity that they produce under a long-term contract. This rate will apply to most residential photovoltaic systems.

This guaranteed-pricing structure is called a feed-in-tariff (FIT). The FIT program will replace the OPA's Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program that currently pays solar electricity producers 42 cents per kWh.

Proposed Feed-In Tariff Prices for Ontario Renewable Energy Projects
 
Technology Size of System Price Paid to Producer (¢/kWh)
Solar PV (Rooftop or Ground Mounted) ≤10 kW 80.2
Solar PV (Rooftop) >10 250kW 71.3
Solar PV (Rooftop)  >250 500 kW 63.5
Solar PV (Rooftop)  > 500 kW 53.9
Solar PV (Ground Mounted ) >10kW ≤ 10 MW 44.3

(Adapted from OPA, updated May 14, 2022) 

The OPA will be engaging in an eight-week consultation process with renewable energy stakeholders and general public information sessions before rates and details are finalized.

 Read more: http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=6858&SiteNodeID=134&BL_ExpandID=

Notes: According to the OPA, the Government of Ontario is also expected to introduce low-cost financing for residential renewable energy projects as part of the Green Energy Act.

 

PV systems are also eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit of $1,350 until February 1, 2010.


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Solar Fair, March 7, 2022

27 Feb 2022

On Saturday, March 7, the Halton Residential Solar Project will host a Solar Fair at the Halton Regional Centre, Auditorium (1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville ON).

AGENDA

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM : Solar Information Session
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM : Vendor Trade Show
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM : Lunch ($15 /Person, RSVP by Feb 27)
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM : Green Energy Act Presentation
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM : Air, Climate, and Built Environment Presentation
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Networking break and announcements
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM : Halton Environmental Network Annual General Meeting

At the Solar Fair, speakers will give an overview of residential solar energy applications as well as the costs and benefits. Homeowners will be able to speak with vendors of solar energy technologies, view vendors' displays, and talk to a financial advisor about the financial strategies and incentives that are associated with installing solar energy equipment.

All welcome, free to attend.


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News Release

27 Feb 2022

Government of Canada’s Ecoaction Program Supports Halton Solar Project 

ACTON, ON -- February 6, 2022 -- Canada’s Natural Resources Minister and Halton MP Lisa Raitt, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice, today announced support from the federal government for the Halton Residential Solar Project. The project is part of Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program.

“These local projects show how ordinary Canadians, in their own communities, can help to build a more sustainable Canada. We are proud to support community groups across the country who want to take action to help preserve Canada’s natural environment,” said Minister Raitt.

This project is led by the Halton Environmental Network (HEN), to provide education and outreach to homeowners in Halton Region, and facilitate the adoption of solar technologies in Halton Region.

Read more: http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=714D9AAE-1&news=89A2A98C-2BB2-4AA8-AD23-609F5837F080


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Public Information Meeting Agenda

18 Feb 2022

A series of four evening meetings is being held in the last two weeks of February. All meetings are open to the public and free to attend. See the post below for dates and locations.

The agenda for each of our four evening meetings is:

1.Project Overview
2.Going Solar
3.Technical Details
a)Photovoltaic (PV)
b)Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW)
4.Conservation and Incentives
a)Energy and Water Conservation
b)Energy Audits
c)Incentives/Rebates
5.Participating Vendors
6.Next Steps
7.A Project Near You
8.Questions
 
 
 
 

 


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Happy New Year from HRSP

07 Jan 2022

Happy New Year from the Halton Residential Solar Project! 

We are pleased to start off 2009 with some exciting announcements.
 
Firstly, we recorded two solar installations just before the holidays. Both were photovoltaic (PV) installations. One, on a barn in rural Halton, is a large 9.6 kW system, which will likely offset all the homeowners’ electrical needs. The other, on a house in Oakville, is a more typical 2.27 kW system. Look for news releases and photos in the near future.
 
Secondly, we will be running another series of public meetings. Here are the dates:
 
Wed. Feb. 18, 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Oakville Town Hall, South Atrium
Thurs. Feb. 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Burlington Main Library, Centennial Hall
Wed. Feb. 25, 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Georgetown Cultural Centre, Gallery
Thurs. Feb. 26, 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Milton Sports Centre, Banquet Room
 
Solar Fair – Sat. March 7, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon – Halton Regional Centre, Auditorium www.mapquest.com/maps
 
If you have any questions, you may contact us at [email protected] or 905-901-3501.
 
We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Online Solar Group

24 Oct 2021

At the Solar Fair on October 4, HRSP team members announced the establishment of an online solar group. This allows homeowners interested in installing a solar system to communicate with each other.

Membership in the group is by invitation. The project team is monitoring the communication but not leading it. It is the intention that vendors will not be members.

If you are interested in using this tool to communicate with other homeowners, please send an email to [email protected].

To communicate with the project team, please email [email protected].


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Vendors Announced

11 Oct 2021

There are seven vendors participating in the Halton Residential Solar Project (HRSP). Three of the vendors are offering photovoltaic (solar electricity) systems. Four of the vendors are offering solar thermal (hot water) systems. They are listed below in alphabetical order.

The photovoltaic (PV) vendors are:

  • ARISE Technologies
  • Eco Alternative Energy
  • Sun Volts Unlimited

The solar domestic hot water vendors are:

  • Glenbarra Energy
  • Globe Solar Energy
  • Goldwater Solar Services
  • SolarOntario Ltd.

For more information about the vendors' offerings, click here.

To download information handed out at the public meetings, click here.


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Information and Project Links

30 Sep 2021

Click on the links below to the main HRSP website for information on the topics shown. The site is part of the Halton Environmental Network's website.

To help us gather data and determine your level of interest in the project, please fill in our survey.

Contact the Halton Residential Solar Project (HRSP) at [email protected].


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Public Meetings in Halton Announced, Fall 2008

18 Sep 2021

A series of public information meetings was held in Halton Region between September 22, 2021 and October 2, 2008.  A  culminating meeting & Solar Fair was held: Saturday October 4 in the  Halton Regional Centre Auditorium 1151 Bronte Rd. Oakville. 

For times and locations or for information on these meetings and more, please visit our main site.


 


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Halton Environmental Network Launches Residential Solar Project

11 Sep 2021

Greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming are a leading environmental concern at present. The Halton Environmental Network (HEN) plans to help reduce these emissions by providing homeowners in Halton with an incentive to produce green power. The project is known as the Halton Residential Solar Project (HRSP).

This project will see solar panels installed on homes throughout Halton. The target is a minimum of 50 homes. The incentive comes in the form of bulk buying discounts offered by the vendors for the opportunity to supply a large number of buyers. Both solar electric (photovoltaic panels) and solar thermal (water heating) options will be offered.  HEN has received bids back from vendors in response to an RFP and plans are moving ahead. Visit the HRSP website for more information.


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Our Power's mission is to facilitate massive change and growth in homeowner solar energy. We are a Not-For-Profit organization partnered with all key stakeholders in the industry to ensure sound business principles, access and fairness to all.

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