FUNDING FOR SOLAR INSTALLATIONS UNDER PSECA PROGRAM

Released on June 13, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VANCOUVER, B.C. June 24, 2010 — SolarBC is working with the BC Government under the Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement (PSECA) to fund solar hot water and air heating systems in provincial public sector buildings. This includes schools, universities, colleges, hospitals and Crown Corporations. SolarBC works in partnership with the Province to review and recommend projects for funding qualified solar thermal systems.

The Province of British Columbia provided $25 million for energy retrofit projects to eligible public sector organizations in the 2010/2011 fiscal year.

"We know this investment will immediately translate into a lower energy footprint for public sector buildings, less carbon pollution, and savings to taxpayers," said John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action. "Equally important, these investments will create new jobs across the province and spur public sector organizations and B.C. businesses to find innovative ways to tackle climate change.

Of this, $2 million has been earmarked for solar projects. SolarBC and the Province have partnered to deliver solar thermal projects to eligible public sector organizations. The SolarBC program is planned to operate from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2011. The SolarBC PSECA fund is open for applications as of June 8, 2010 and will run as long as funding is available for fiscal 2010/2011. The SolarBC PSECA funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis to the funding limit of $2 million.

"This is a great opportunity for schools, universities, colleges and hospitals to install solar thermal systems towards their goal of becoming carbon neutral this year," says Nitya Harris, Executive Director of SolarBC.

The SolarBC PSECA fund provides a capital grant for the difference between the ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat incentive and the total project cost.

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For more information about how to apply for SolarBC PSECA incentive visit: www.solarbc.ca/install/pseca

For more information about the SolarBC program, call toll free: 1-866-650-6527, email info@solarbc.ca