DNV is a 'solar community'

Grant will promote solar hot water units

District of North Vancouver residents have reason to gloat to their neighbours with the announcement that the municipality has been designated a "solar community" by the province of British Columbia.

The title, bestowed upon the district at last month's meeting of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, doesn't actually mean the district produces solar energy, but rather that it will receive $20,000 to promote its use (specifically in the form of solar hot water systems) within the community. The municipality will also have access to up to $40,000 to install a solar hot water system on a public building.

The money comes from the province through the SolarBC program, an initiative aimed specifically at promoting solar hot water systems throughout British Columbia. The program is managed by the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association, a non-profit society dedicated to promoting clean energy. The district was among six municipalities to win grants.