Solar energy is an abundant renewable resource that can be used to meet many energy needs. Today’s solar thermal technology offers cost-effective solutions for hot water heating, and solar photovoltaic panels can even be used to meet household electricity demands. Solar power is a reliable, environmentally-friendly choice that could significantly reduce our city’s draw on the existing electricity grid, and the City of Campbell River is encouraging its use in the home and commercial buildings.
Campbell River: Solar Community
On 29 May 2010, the City of Campbell River was designated a "Solar Community" by SolarBC in recognition of our community efforts supporting solar hot water usage. SolarBC is an organization supported by senior government to provide support for solar hot water installations.
To date, Campbell River has installed 12 solar powered crosswalks, two solar radar recorders, and solar hot water systems on four municipal facilities (the RCMP, Fire Hall #1, Sportsplex, and Simms Creek Washrooms). A Solar hot water system has also been installed on Timberline Secondary School by School District 72.
The City is one of the first 36 municipalities in BC to sign on to the Provincial Solar Hot Water Ready Regulation, which requires that all new single family homes and single family homes with suites be built solar ready. This regulation came into effect by the provincial government on June 21, 2011 and will apply to Campbell River's Building Bylaw beginning October 3, 2011. For more information on the regulation click here.
Campbell River is proud to have won the BC 2010 Solar Community of the Year Award in recognition of our efforts to promote solar.
Would Solar Hot Water Heating Work for My Home?
A free online solar assessment is available through SolarBC (www.solarbc.ca). Your home will be given a color-coded rating that provides you information on how solar technology might be used to reduce your family's energy costs. Ideally, solar hot water systems need six square metres of south-facing roof space that is unshaded from 10 am to 4 pm.
Incentives are available for home owners. These include:
Fortis BC - $500 for new homes/developments; $500 for home retrofits
EcoEnergy – $1,250
LiveSmart BC - $500
Solar hot water systems can be installed by registered SolarBC installers who have had training verified and accredited to provincial standards. For a list of installers, see www.solarbc.ca
Why Solar?
Advances in solar technology have made solar panels more compact and efficient. While previously, solar systems have largely been installed in remote areas off the electricity grid, most new systems are installed in electrified urban areas.
While Campbell River is not southern California, our climate is sunnier than Germany, a leader in solar technology. Germany, which has over 140,000 solar hot water installations, gets about 1700 hours of sunshine per year, while Campbell River averages 1800. Since the supply of solar energy comes from light generated by the sun, rather than from direct sunlight, even cloudy days can provide enough energy for up to 60 per cent of domestic hot water needs.
More Information
Solar BC Presentation
This slide show was provided to the City’s Environmental Advisory Commission by Solar BC. The presentation provides an overview of the Solar BC program and opportunities for communities.
Solar BC Quarterly Report - July 12 2010.pdf