Release:
(February 8, 2011) – Regional Council voted tonight to approve the next
step in developing the Community Solar Project. Specifically, Council
formally accepted the results of the community consultation sessions and
agreed to ongoing consultation with industry as the program moves
forward. The decision also gives approval for the proposed principles
and conditions that will be used to develop the business model, and
directs staff to move forward with applications for funding solutions in
support of the program.
An initiative of HRM’s Sustainable Environment Management Office
(SEMO), the Community Solar Pilot Project is designed to help residents
take advantage of the municipality’s significant solar energy
potential without having to become an expert in the technology or
navigate the technical and financing options.
Mayor Peter Kelly said he was pleased by the public’s positive
response to the pilot project and proud of HRM’s leadership role in
promoting renewable energy. “Residents have shown overwhelming
support by attending information sessions and signing up for the
Community Solar Project,” the mayor said. “This unique and
innovative program has the potential to make HRM Canada’s first solar
city.”
Staff will now move forward with next steps to secure funding for the
program and complete a detailed financial model. This is expected to be
presented to Council in late spring. If approved, a solicitation
process will take place to identify proposed vendors for Council
approval. If all approvals are granted, installations could begin taking
place in the fall.
“We have had excellent response to the proposed pilot program,”
said Richard MacLellan, manager, Sustainable Environmental Management
Office. “Our focus now is to ensure we apply due diligence in the next
project development phase in order to fully benefit HRM residents.”
Through the program, approximately 1,000 HRM homeowners would be
eligible to have two solar hot water panels installed on their property.
They would repay the cost for panels and installation as a supplement to
their tax bill.
More information can be found online at halifax.ca/solarcity .
