Free energy from the sun is now pouring into the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) administration office thanks to a recently completed solar hot water heating system.
The installation of one solar panel completed the addition of a solar hot water heating component to the existing electric hot water heating system at the SCRD administration office, and is part of the BC provincial government's LiveSmart BC incentive program promoting solar hot water heating.
"This installation is an example of our commitment to implementing the Sunshine Coast's community energy and emissions plan and our desire to explore new ideas," said SCRD board chair Garry Nohr in a news release. "It's also an opportunity for local contractors to be involved in an expanding renewable energy business sector."
Beyond adding energy to the administration office's hot water system, the installation is designed to be a demonstration site where contractors can see an operating system and also find information on training for installers or developers.
"Residents are also invited to visit the site, to learn more about solar hot water and the LiveSmart and EcoENERGY incentive programs," added Nohr.
The system is the same size as a typical residential system, so people can get an understanding of what they might see in their homes if they choose to go solar.
"The system is installed quite easily and supplements the existing hot water heater in a building. On hot summer days the solar hot water heater requires minimal or no output from the regular heater," said Johan Stroman, SCRD community energy manager. "Like the District of Sechelt's solar hot water system, the SCRD system data logger provides real-time data that gives contractors, visitors and staff information about the savings it generates, which for many buildings averages up to 40 percent compared to buildings without the system. For SCRD operations, that means we are reducing our operating costs long term."
The SCRD is one of more than 36 B.C. communities that have adopted the provincial solar ready regulation that requires new homes to be built to accommodate future installations of solar hot water systems for water heating.
"The SCRD board has waived the permit fees for solar hot water installations to further encourage this technology on the Coast," added building inspector Peter Longhi. "Inspections are still required, however, to insure compliance with the regulations"
For a quick overview and links to both programs visit the Solar BC website at www.solarbc.ca.
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