SolarBC is pleased to announce new incentives for new homes
Builders and developers who install solar hot water on new homes are now eligible to receive a $1,000 discount. The discount is currently available for installations carried out before March 31, 2009.
Eligible new buildings include single-family residences or small multi-unit residences without a common entrance and comprising less than 600 square meters of building area, or three or fewer stories of building height.
As well, you will need to have at least six square meters of south-facing roof space and ensure no shade or limited shade from 10 am to 4 pm on the south-facing part of the roof. You may also need additional space next to the conventional hot water tank for an additional solar storage tank.
These new incentives are available through registered SolarBC contractors, who will provide you with technical advice, professional installation services and will help you apply for your $1000 discount.
We are excited to embark on this next step of our residential housing program!
Comments (4)
Add a CommentGood Idea...but new homes
Good Idea...but new homes under construction finishing by this date are probably underway and with current market conditions devaluing as we speak. This means going to a builder who has set budgets and tight credit and adding another cost to his dropping asset price depite the grant. Also from an installers point of view it is much easier/cheaper to be involved in the design/plan stage and pre installing some things during construction then well after the building is underway. Also what if the building isn't finished by this exact date due to say 'winter' in bc causing time delays...I know I wouldn't want to be on a roof installing solar panels in snow or ice or storms...common from mid nov>end of march in bc. Maybe the program could apply to builders who sign up and have a permit by the march 31/09 date so its not a burden to all involved.
What better way is there for
What better way is there for today's energy savvy homebuyers to make a statement about their commitment to climate change than with solar hot water right on their roof! We hope that solar hot water will provide builders and developers with a way to differentiate themselves and attract potential homebuyers in a crowded market place. Solar hot water provides ongoing benefits to homebuyers in terms of reduced energy costs, which could be an important buying decision.
We totally agree that it’s critical for installers to get involved in the design and planning stage. The SolarBC incentives for new homes will be available throughout the program, subject to availability of funding. Currently the amount available is $1,000 for each system installed. We will have incentives beyond March 2009, but we can't guarantee they will remain at this level. We will definitely consider the $1,000 incentive for any new homes that have permits in place by the end of March. Please contact us with more information about the specific details of your project.
Incentives for renovations
Good to see something being done but why is it only new projects/builders/developers are eligible? Home owners should be encouraged to go green and install new/renovate to include, better energy efficiency choices.
SolarBC incentives also apply
SolarBC incentives also apply to existing homes. Coupled with the LiveSmartBC and ecoEnergy retrofit program, there is a total of up to $1625 available for homeowners and tenants. Solar hot water must be installed by one of our registered contractors. For more information please visit our 'install solar hot water' section.