SolarBC extends double incentives offer for 2010

The $2000 Incentive Is Here To Stay

Erwin Perzinger gives the thumbs up for his B&B install in Golden, BC

Last Month SolarBC announced that incentives for solar hot water had increased from $1000 to $2000 for installs completed before the end of March, 2010. We’re now happy to announce that the end of March deadline has been extended. All SolarBC will be eligible for the $2000 and will be allocated on a first come first served basis until funding expires.

"We’re really excited to be able to extend this offer, especially as we move into spring and summer,” says SolarBC project manager, Liz Kelly. "Already we’re seeing a significant increase in the number of people installing systems, so we’re hoping this will continue. The average cost of a system is around $6900, so through SolarBC and the ecoEnergy retrofit grant, incentives cover almost half the cost. The decision to install has never more economical."

The federal EcoEnergy grant provides an additional rebate of $1250 for individuals that qualify, which means total incentives of $3250 available for homeowners installing solar hot water.

"I'm so happy! Definitely glad it was there," said Michael Blazecka, from Victoria. "I was about to do it anyway but this sealed the deal."

Elaine Burgess from Powell River agrees. "We were very happy to hear about the new incentive. It was a great motivator, especially after missing out on the Home Reno tax credit."

The double incentives from SolarBC will also help homeowners take advantage of a unique Zero Interest loan through partner TD Canada Trust, which makes solar hot water a really affordable option. As well having a system installed on her own home, Liz also took advantage of the SolarBC loan. "I wanted to see for myself just how it worked. It was really simple and quick. I applied online through the SolarBC website and it took less than 24 hours to get approval. With no up front cost and no interest to pay, our monthly payments are $110 a month for 5 years, less than our internet and cable bill."

The momentum in SolarBC has been building over the past few months. With a 40% increase in residential installations, there are now also 9 Solar Communities, soon to be increasing to 15, along with installations planned for 19 local government buildings, 27 schools, social housing and First Nations communities. An interactive map on the SolarBC website shows all the installations taking place across the province. The program has also increased its incentives for schools, with up to 90% of the costs now covered through SolarBC and the Natural Resources Canada ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat Program.

"There really is a solar revolution going on in BC," said Nitya Harris, Executive Director. "With over 200 homeowners switching to solar hot water so far, we’re aiming to double that number by doubling up our incentives to $2,000 for the next 200 installations. We want people to be ready for the sun coming out this spring."