BCSEA Okanagan Chapter Provides Solar Hot Water for Habitat for Humanity Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 5, 2008

KELOWNA, BC - The Okanagan Chapter of the BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) and the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity have agreed that chapter will provide a Habitat home with a solar water heating system.

The system will provide the low-income working family who will live in the home with a high quality, low maintenance solar hot water system which will reduce their use of energy by several thousand kilowatt hours per year. Such a system is an excellent "hedge" against higher energy prices since the sun is a free energy source.

Swiss Solar Tech, a Summerland-based firm, has agreed to install the system, which will include two solar panels and other components to provide a good portion of the hot water for the residence. BCSEA volunteers are also helping with the installation.

The mandate of the BCSEA is to advocate for sustainable energy and to help educate the public and government decision-makers about the environmental and economic benefits of using alternate energy sources.

Habitat for Humanity Kelowna, part of the internationally-known Habitat for Humanity organization, will be completing a duplex in the Rutland area late this fall. Due to the orientation of the building, only one of the two homes is suitable for a solar water heating system.

The BCSEA explains that this project will:

  • reduce energy costs for the Habitat partner family;
  • provide a practical example to the public of a sustainable energy system that is well suited to the Okanagan- we are "walking the walk."
  • help familiarize local building inspectors with solar hot water installations.

The BCSEA urges that "solar ready" plumbing -- with tubing and wiring from the home's water system to the roof -- should be a requirement for all new construction and all major renovations.

The Okanagan Chapter of the BCSEA would appreciate the assistance of any individuals or businesses who are able to donate funds towards this project. The total cost is anticipated to be approximately five thousand dollars.

"The BCSEA is pleased to work with Habitat for Humanity on this project," explains John Suttie, project coordinator and former chair of the Okanagan Chapter of the BCSEA, " We feel that they are doing the community a huge favour in providing lower cost housing for those who may otherwise be unable to afford housing in Kelowna.

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For further information, contact:
Dion Tjorheim, Co-chair of the Okanagan Chapter of the BC Sustainable Energy Association, 250-882-4832
Dave Smith, Co-chair of the Okanagan Chapter of the BC Sustainable Energy Association, 250-862-7977

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