About SolarBC

Our goal is to encourage people to be less reliant on fossil fuels, and to join the solar revolution by tapping into the free energy provided by the sun

Right now, solar is the leading alternative-energy industry in the world. Germany has installed over 150,000 solar hot water systems to date, while California has set a goal of a million solar roofs by 2017. Austria, Spain, China and many other countries are pioneering solar hot water as a viable, secure, reliable energy supply. B.C. has great potential to join this prestigious group. Our aim is to get solar technology installed on 100,000 roofs across BC by 2020.
 
From 2008 to March 2011, our program included six projects that provided rebates for the installation of solar hot water systems on individual homes, government buildings, social housing, and schools and in First Nations communities. We also developed a network of 32 Solar Communities that continues to promote the use of solar technologies. Along with our Solar Communities, we're seeing all levels of government, non-profits and industry stakeholders collaborating to make solar hot water commonplace in BC.
 
In 2011-2012, SolarBC will be conducting pilot projects to find ways to use solar technologies more cost effectively, monitoring the energy output from solar hot water systems already installed in BC to provide real data for leveraging future funding, contributing to a First Nations solar mentoring program, and continuing to work with Solar Communities to improve the regulatory environment for installation of solar technologies.
 
A few of the tangible outcomes from SolarBC are a measurable reduction in CO2 and other high-pollutant greenhouse gas emissions; displacement of traditional electricity and natural gas; generation of electricity; creation of jobs; economic growth in communities; and the creation of Solar Communities across the province.

 

SolarBC Accomplishments and Highlights from 2008 - 2011

SolarBC Project
Target
Expected
Solar Communities
5 communities
32 communities
Residential
546 systems
546 systems
Local Government
20 systems
39 systems
School
30 shw systems +
20KW PV power
42 shw systems +
33 kW PV power
Social Housing
18 systems
14 systems
Download our program highlights to find out more about what we achieved over our first three years, as the most successful solar pilot program in Canada.

For a more in depth look at the SolarBC program you can:

  • Read the first annual report, available for viewing here. (Summary here.)
  • Read the second annual report, available for viewing here. (Summary here.)
     

SolarBC Project Staff

Nitya Harris – Executive Director

Nitya draws upon extensive experience developing and delivering energy saving initiatives. From 2005-2006 she successfully managed the SolarBC Solar Hot Water Acceleration pilot project, a 'first of its kind' project that laid the foundation for current SolarBC initiatives. In addition to her work at SolarBC, Nitya is the initiator and project lead of the 100,000 Solar Roofs BC project. Sponsored by Minister Richard Neufeld and Minister Barry Penner, this project has involved the creation of a Task Team of high-profile industry, government and other sector experts appointed to develop a plan to develop solar energy in British Columbia. Nitya was awarded the 2007 Solar Advocate of the Year by the Canadian Solar Industries Association.

Julia Roberts – Manager

Julia brings to SolarBC many years of experience in energy efficiency, renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. She was involved in the design of a passive solar house in the early 1980's.  In the early 2000's Julia conducted building energy audits with the goal of reducing energy use, energy bills, and greenhouse gas emissions.  More recently, she has been involved in developing carbon inventories for local governments in the Kootenays. At SolarBC, Julia has coordinated training courses for solar hot water installers, building inspectors, and professional engineers, managed rebate programs, and supported the development of solar pilot projects.  
 

Oversight Committee

An oversight committee provides high-level project direction, feedback, financial decisions and guidance; monitors progress, and provides expert advice to the project. Oversight Committee members are:

Guy Dauncey, President, BC Sustainable Energy Association
Thomas Hackney, Vice-President of Policy, BC Sustainable Energy Association
Gary Hamer, Technology Innovation Manager, Power Smart, BC Hydro
Gareth Jones, Director, Business Development, FortisBC Energy Inc.
Dale Littlejohn, Executive Director, Community Energy Association
John Stonier, CA Principal Consultant, Signature Renewables Inc.
Keith Veerman, Manager – PowerSense Programs, FortisBC Inc.
 

Partners and Sponsors