The Township of Esquimalt has been selected as one of BC’s newest Solar Communities. The designation comes with funding of $5000 to further develop solar hot water programs and projects in an effort to promote clean energy and reduce the community’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Township was selected through an RFP process which recognized the leadership role the municipality has demonstrated in promoting solar initiatives. Esquimalt’s solar initiatives include a completed installation of a solar hot water system in its municipal hall, and opting-in to the Solar Hot Water Ready Regulation for all new single family homes under the BC Building Code.
“This is an important designation for the community and we are proud of it,” said Township Mayor Barb Desjardins. “We encourage local residents to take advantage of the program.” Future municipal efforts with solar technology will include looking at another potential solar installation for the recreation centre, and solar lighting for designated park trails.
Esquimalt’s Solar Community program will run from October 1st to December 31st, 2010 during which the Township will be waiving the fee for solar hot water plumbing permits. Permitted solar hot water installations—started and completed during this period—will be entered into a draw to win one of three SolarBC prizes of $1000.
The prize is an additional bonus on top of SolarBC’s $2000 incentive for residential solar hot water systems. A typical solar hot water system costs $6,900 before incentives, and is designed to last an average of 30 years. The first step for anyone considering a solar hot water installation is to visit the SolarBC website, www.solarbc.ca.
The SolarBC Program is funded through a partnership of the provincial and federal governments. The program’s strategic focus is to bring affordable and practical solar hot water systems to homes, schools, local government, First Nations, and Social Housing buildings, develop Solar Communities throughout the province and facilitate the development of the solar market.
For more information, please visit our solar community page.
Contact:
Marlene Lagoa, Sustainability Coordinator
Tel: 250-414-7114