The City of Edmonton is launching Change Homes for Climate - Solar, a program that provides financial incentives for homeowners interested in increasing the energy efficiency of their homes and generating renewable energy.
The program offers homeowners a $0.15/watt incentive to help install solar systems and produce renewable energy. This incentive, when combined with the $0.75/watt incentive available to Edmontonians through Energy Efficiency Alberta, helps homeowners cover up to one third of the installation costs.
Change Homes for Climate EnerGuide and solar incentives complement the emerging Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing tool, allowing residents to finance the portion of their energy efficiency or renewable energy project not covered by incentives.
This program has been designed to decrease carbon emissions, produce renewable energy, and increase employment in the solar industry. While electricity accounts for only 16 per cent of the energy use in Edmonton, it produces around 40 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions. This is higher than any other energy source.
"The City of Edmonton is committed to taking meaningful, effective action against climate change," says Councillor Michael Walters. "This solar rebate is an important way for citizens to do their part by reducing their GHG emissions associated with the electricity they use to power lights, appliances and air conditioning. It's a way for all of us to to move our city towards a low carbon future."
Once a system is installed, inspected and connected, homeowners can expect to receive a direct deposit of the rebate in 10 to 15 business days. To ensure a project is eligible, homeowners can work with a solar installer who will apply directly to Energy Efficiency Alberta for pre-approval on their behalf.
"The Change Homes for Climate Residential Solar Program is just what is needed to encourage Edmontonians to make the move to finally go solar," says Rob Harlan, Executive Director of the Solar Energy Society of Alberta. "This timely initiative will create new, high-quality employment opportunities within the city while supporting the growth of the 40 existing Edmonton-based solar businesses. This great program will further solidify Edmonton's role as a climate leader in Alberta."
To learn more about the opportunities to install solar systems in homes as well as ways to improve a home's energy efficiency, visit changeforclimate.ca/homes.
