(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. Read the rest of this entry »

Bullfrog Power, together with Enbridge Gas Distribution, EnerWorks, and the Government of Canada today announced the launch of a new Solar Water Heating Program.

Solar water heating allows homeowners to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact by harnessing the sun’s energy through the installation of their own solar water heating systems.

At the time of purchase, qualifying homeowners will receive a substantial savings on the purchase and installation of their own solar water heating systems. These savings are made possible through the Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program and volume discounts from EnerWorks. Interested homeowners may also qualify for further rebates and credits through the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program, provincial rebates and the new Home Renovation Tax Credit.

This limited-time offer will give homeowners in the Enbridge Gas Distribution franchise area the opportunity to save up to 50 per cent on their own solar water heating systems. They may also reduce their ongoing water heating energy costs by up to 60 per cent and financing for the installation is available from as little as $56 dollars a month. Read the rest of this entry »

The lessons that I learned from the computer model of our solar hot water system are as follows:

• insulate the pipes leading from the basement to the collectors to at least R6, preferably R10
• insulate the storage tank to R50
• install a 1000 liter storage tank
• install 3 collectors
• there is extra heat – install a system to harvest it

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Photovoltaic modules about to be installed on the MCNZH roof

Things are progressing nicely on the Mill Creek NetZero Home. The exterior is almost complete, not including the stucco that will be applied in the spring. Read the rest of this entry »

Know how to trick the sun that’s been beating down on you into doing something useful (besides making you sweat)? I can’t tell you how exactly, but I’d bet money that the dozens of solar experts listed on solarbuzz.com have some pointers for you.

This fantabulous directory includes solar retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and associations – all catalogued by province for your sun-capturing pleasure.