Manitoba Hydro announced the first solar water heating system installation in the province through the Power Smart Solar Water Heating Program. The system was installed in a Power Smart Gold display home in Bridgewater Forest, the first neighborhood of Waverley West.
The installation is a joint initiative between Kensington Homes, the installer Northern Lights Solar Solutions, and Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart New Home Program.
“The province of Manitoba is proud to offer Manitobans eco-friendly solutions and choices to lesson their impact on the environment,” said Honourable Greg Selinger, Minister Responsible for Manitoba Hydro. “The inclusion of solar thermal technologies in the Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit Program will also encourage Manitobans to consider solar in their plans for their new or existing home.”
“The Canadian solar industry has experienced healthy growth over the last three years, and is recognized as having sound environmental benefits. Solar technology and systems can substantially decrease the amount of greenhouse gases generated,” said Bob Brennan, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. “Our Power Smart Solar Water Heating Program reinforces Manitoba Hydro’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases and implement energy efficient technologies whenever possible,” he added.
Solar water heating systems harness the sun’s energy to pre-heat water that enters a home’s hot water tank. The water heater will then use less energy to reach the desired temperature for a household’s hot water needs. Target customers for this program include homeowners who are environmental leaders in their communities who wish to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their energy bills.
Homeowners who participate in Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart Solar Water Heating Program may benefit from up to $2,450 in rebates, including $1,200 through Natural Resources Canada and $1,250 through the federal ecoENERGY Program. Additional funding may be available through the federal Home Renovation Tax Credit Program and the provincial Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit Program.
To assist customers with financing the cost of installing solar water heating systems, Manitoba Hydro offers a convenient 4.9 per cent financing option through the Corporation’s Power Smart Residential Loan.
