(NC)-As more and more Canadians become aware of the environment and look for ways to reduce their ecological footprint, the benefits of incorporating renewable energy into new homes is irrefutable. If you are planning to build a new home in the coming months, some recent developments may help you with your research.

Solar power, for example, is the hottest trend in new home construction these days; in fact, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)’s Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE), responsible for licensing builders to construct energy-efficient homes, has completed an 18-month pilot project in Ontario to fund the construction of 100 new “SolarReady” homes. The project was a huge success and now the OEE is encouraging all Canadians to incorporate Solar Ready features into their building plans.

Basically, a Solar Ready home is equipped for the future use of solar power for necessities such as hot water or electricity. When you choose the Solar Ready option, your builder or contractor will design cost-effective adjustments for your home so you can install solar equipment in the future. Solar power is a cost-effective upgrade you can choose for your new home - an upgrade that could help you make big savings in energy costs and put you in line for environmentalist of the year on your block.

A Solar Ready home must meet five basic requirements for the installation of solar energy systems:

.    A roof location of suitable size, pitch and orientation;

.    Labeled conduits from the mechanical room to the attic;

.    Extra plumbing valves and fittings on the water heater;

.    An electrical outlet at the planned solar tank location;

.    Construction plans that indicate the future component locations.

It’s a good idea to read up on the federal government’s Solar Ready technical guidelines, programs and research on solar power and other renewable energy sources. You can find all the latest information at the OEE website at www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca.

- News Canada