Solar BC Says Solar Hot Water Means Saving Lots of Cash

Get solar hot water systems, and that'll get most of the job done.

That's what Solar BC told Kelowna Council on Monday in a progress report on being a solar community.

Executive Director Nitya Harris says 80% of our energy consumption is spent on heating, which is why we should be installing solar hot water systems.

The estimated cost of a family of five to implement such a solar water heater runs at about $6,500 - money City Councillor Brian Given thinks might not be worth it:

"For that kind of cost, it would be cost-prohibitive for most people today to do something like that."

In response, Harris admitted it was a pricey bulk price but says, "What we're seeing right now is, with the cost of energy, about a 5 % return on your investment...which is much better than a GIC."

Utility Services Branch Manager Don Degen says it runs a capital cost of $150,000. And with an expected $34,500/year reduction in heating costs, they're looking at a 3-4 year return on a commercial investment.

Harris says, "Germany is installing over 140,000 solar hot water systems in one year at this time. We're looking at 100,000 over many many years."

Harris says after hearing that statistic, we shouldn't have any excuse - Kelowna gets 16% more sunlight than Germany.

The city plans to install and promote a high-profile commercial solar water heater at the Athan's Family "Y" pool at Rutland Recreation Park.