Solar energy rebate program organized
Efficiency Nova Scotia is launching one-hour information sessions later this month on a new program called SolarHomes that will provide incentives to residents looking to harness the power of solar energy and reduce electricity costs.
Nova Scotian homeowners will be able to take part in the SolarHomes program beginning in mid-August.
An information session is scheduled for the Cambridge Inn and Suites Hotel in Sydney on July 26 at 10:30 a.m. A webinar will also be available to those interested on July 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Efficiency Nova Scotia is operated by EfficiencyOne, an independent non-profit organization, and is funded by revenues from supplying electricity efficiency and conservation activities to Nova Scotia Power. It is administering the SolarHomes program for the province.
Rebates will be paid for solar photovoltaic systems that meet all program criteria and are preapproved by Efficiency Nova
Scotia. Solar panel installers must also be pre-approved by Efficiency Nova Scotia.
The rebate is $1 per watt for
eligible solar photovoltaic systems. For most systems, the rebate will equate to approximately 30 per cent of the cost of the system.
The average rebate is expected to be about $7,000. The maximum rebate is $10,000.
Installing a solar photovoltaic system can save, on average, $1,300 a year on a residential electricity bill, according to the agency.
Efficiency Nova Scotia says on its website Solar Homes gives homeowners more choices and more control over their energy future, while reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.
Additional criteria will be announced for system and installation requirements when it’s officially launched in August.
Funding for the program in Nova Scotia was made available through the federal government’s $56-million low carbon economy leadership fund.
For more information on the program visit www.efficiencyns.ca/service/solarhomes or to register for one of the information sessions email network@ efficiencyns.ca by Thursday.