Solar energy is big news in Halifax, a city of 500,000 on Canada\u2019s east coast.\u00a0 Situated about 2 hours by plane north of Boston, Halifax is celebrating the first year anniversary of its Solar City Program.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe focus of Halifax\u2019s solar program is supporting traditional source domestic hot water systems with solar thermal systems, \u201csaid Marlene Moore, VP Marketing with Green Power Labs Inc. \u201c Two hundred fifty two thermal systems have been installed to date and another 1000 citizens will be having a solar assessment completed in the next 90 days.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n While the numbers are small (but growing), the reduction in energy costs and CO2 emissions is significant. \u201cAccording to Halifax\u2019s latest update, the currently installed solar systems will save these homeowners $5.2 million and reduce emissions by over 10 million kgs over the next 25 years,\u201d Moore added.\u00a0 \u201cInterest in the program is strong and so energy savings and emissions reductions will grow significantly. \u201c<\/p>\n The $8.3 million Solar City Program is using an innovative financing and delivery mechanism allowing the municipality to provide turn-key installations for up to a 1,000 solar water heating systems to homeowners. Available for up to 10 years, at a fixed interest rate of 3.5% per year, the charges are applied on a new ‘solar collector account’ that is linked with a homeowner’s property. Charges constitute a lien on the property until paid in full.<\/p>\n