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.

In this update:

• Upcoming solar event
• FIT and MicroFIT updates
• Solar PV systems: Talk to your LDC
• Upcoming conferences

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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].  

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.

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.

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.      

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!

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.

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.

 HERE! in the news:

• Burlington Post: Homeowners encouraged to ‘plug in’ to renewable energy’s potential
   
• Oakville Beaver: Lower subsidy reduces solar power interest

Upcoming HERE! Events:

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.

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.

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.     

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.   

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.   

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.

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***

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dear Homeowner,

Dear Homeowners,

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].  

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. 

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

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:

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

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 30^th 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.

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.

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
  

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 

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.

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

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.

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

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:

Happy New Year from the Halton Residential Solar Project! 

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].

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.

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.

• Solar thermal (hot water) systems
• Photovoltaic (solar electricity) systems
• Home energy audits and grants
• Frequently asked questions

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].

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.

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.