Sun Shines On Kelowna Solar Workshop

Community, Business & Government Sectors Come Together To Talk Solar

Gerhard Stryi-Hipp holds the 2009 Solar Leader award he received during the workshop.

The City of Kelowna is taking a well-deserved breather after hosting a hugely successful Solar Workshop last Friday. Those in attendance included German solar hot water expert Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, Minister Raitt of Natural Resources Canada and Local MP Ron Cannon.

"We were really pleased to get that kind of high-profile support," said Carol Suhan, PowerSense Service Manager for FortisBC. Suhan was a member of the workshop's steering committee.

The sun was shining for the 170 registrants that took in the seminars and trade show, which showcased seven solar hot water retailers. "We had a system set up at the hotel’s pool area and did a demonstration in the afternoon," said Susan of Swiss Solar Tech. The Registered SolarBC Installers also had a booth and gave a power point presentation in the afternoon. Susan was impressed with the turnout that lasted throughout the day. "It was amazing, considering it was a long weekend."

The goal of the workshop was to bring awareness and information to the community on the viability of solar hot water in Okanagan’s climate, and the options to reduce energy use. According to Nitya Harris, participants learned about solar hot water and how this technology could be used in homes, institutions and commercial developments. "I feel that everyone there left with a greater understanding of the potential for solar energy projects in their community," she said.

Gerhard Stryi-Hipp was there to receive an award, as well as speak to the city and the building and developing sector about Europe’s success in the industry. He talked about the experiences of Germany as well as other European cities that are using energy in significant ways, and the impact of their energy use.

"He said what we’re doing here is what Germany was doing 10 years ago," explains Carol. "And if we follow this process for incentives and building awareness of the technology and the government continues to support this, we’ll have a similar uptake."

As successful as the event was, she doesn’t like the idea of sitting back for too long and letting the interest fade. She says they've brainstormed a few ideas for future events, but nothing is set in stone. For now, she jokes that they'll soon start promoting solar hot water dryers. "We're going to give away free clotheslines."

(PowerSense is currently providing an additional $300 rebate to their customers for solar hot water installations. For more information click here.)