BC Invests $5 Million in SolarBC Program

Pictured (left to right): Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; Calvin Kruk, Mayor of Dawson Creek; Nitya Harris, Executive Director of SolarBC; Chief Roland Willson, West Moberly First Nation; Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Community Development.

The Province is investing $5 million in the SolarBC program to encourage the installation of solar hot water heaters in homes, municipal buildings, schools, social housing and First Nations communities, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld announced on Friday, July 18.

"The SolarBC program supports the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and builds on the BC Energy Plan commitment for electricity self-sufficiency," said Neufeld. "This is a great example of how B.C. is a leader in the alternative energy sector, and how solar can play a significant role in our future energy supply."

"Communities throughout the province will benefit from a clean, renewable and climate- friendly source of energy," said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Community Development and MLA for Peace River South. "By harnessing solar power, we are promoting a sustainable environment."

Solar hot water systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about one tonne per year for a single family home using natural gas for water heating. The increased use of solar energy technology is part of a broader sustainable energy strategy that will help the Province reach its goal to curb greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020. SolarBC also supports the BC Energy Plan conservation target to acquire 50 per cent of BC Hydro's resource needs through conservation by 2020.

"SolarBC is leading a comprehensive program to promote the deployment of solar technologies," said Nitya C. Harris, executive director of SolarBC. "This funding will help us achieve the goal of widespread adoption of solar hot water systems throughout B.C."

The investment for homes and First Nations communities is also being supported by additional funding from Natural Resources Canada's eco-Energy Renewable Heat Program.