Unbeknownst to them, residents of Toronto’s Riverdale community may well be living in the hottest spot in Canada for going solar. At least as far as government rebates and incentives go, that is.

Starting in Spring of 2009, The Toronto Solar Neighbourhoods Initiative will use solar rooftops in Riverdale as a weapon against rising greenhouse gas emissions and smog. Up to 150 homeowners will end up with solar water heating systems at what may be the lowest cost available in the country.

Image Source: Toronto Solar Neighbourhoods

Two Ways to Go Solar

Residents of Riverdale can go one of two ways with this program. Those who jump into the sun head first and pay outright for a solar water heating system qualify for the following bonuses:

That’s over $2,150 in government assistance for folks may not have otherwise afforded the full cost of a solar water heating system. But what about those who aren’t able to pay any of the up-front costs of a solar water heating system, pegged at between $5,000 and $6,000 by Go Solar?

Toronto Solar Neighbourhoods Initiative has structured their program so that virtually all income levels can participate. Their second option allows Riverdalians shy on cash to ‘solarize’ their water heating simply by signing up for a 10 year interest-free loan. Here’s how the numbers break down in this scenario:

The second option makes good financial sense as the “loan payments are roughly equal to the energy savings from the system, making this programme affordable on a much wider basis” says Program Assistant Jake Torrie. Four systems will even be installed on Toronto’s Social Housing units, bringing solar technology to those with very limited means.

Will the Sun Shine Elsewhere?

Although the City of Toronto’s web site boldly announces that this initiative is the “first phase of a planned City-wide solar hot water campaign to be rolled out in 2010,” city council must still give its official thumbs up to expand and secure funding for the program.

Program Manager Danielle Murray adds that there are still lots of ways to participate. If you’re ready and able to spring for a solar water heating system and you live in Ontario, you still qualify for $1000 in provincial and federal rebates on top of the $150 energy audit and PST exemptions. That’s $650 more in financial support than other provinces enjoy.

Image Source: Toronto Solar Neighbourhoods

Starting in Spring of 2009, The Toronto Solar Neighbourhoods Initiative will use solar rooftops in Riverdale as a weapon against rising greenhouse gas emissions and smog. Up to 150 homeowners will end up with solar water heating systems at what may be the lowest cost available in the country.

Home owners can also join or start a community solar group such as a bulk equipment buying club. Solar Neighbourhoods Initiative is also hosting a series of solar and energy saving workshops this winter to get residents actively reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Torontonians can also subscribe to the Solar Neighbourhoods e-Newsletter to stay in the loop on workshops, resources and other program developments.

Resources

Toronto Solar Neighbourhoods Initiative

Go Solar Ontario

Our Power – join or start a community solar group such as an equipment buying club