The Corporation of Delta is hoping to pick up some extra funding to promote solar energy initiatives.
They've sent in an application to become one of SolarBC's BC Solar Communities. SolarBC, a program of the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association that's partially funded by the provincial and federal governments, has already given this designation to nine communities across the province that serve as leaders in promoting and implementing solar technology. They will add six more communities this year and provide a grant of $5,000 to each selected community to promote solar energy projects.
Mike Brotherston, Delta's manager of climate action and environment, said the money wouldn't be enough to install new solar energy systems, but it could be used to hold workshops to educate developers and business owners about the benefits of using solar energy, particularly for hot-water heaters.
"It's helpful just to promote the solar hot water technology," he said.
Delta's already made substantial progress on solar energy. Their flagship solar water heater on municipal hall has been in operation since February 2009, and it's estimated to meet more than 60 per cent of the building's hot-water requirements.
Brotherston said its value as a symbol extends even further though, as the corporation's willingness to consider solar energy has helped convince local businesses and residents to take a look at it.
"It's a good high-visibility project," Brotherston said.
Delta council also amended their zoning bylaws in 2009 to allow the installation of solar water heaters in all zones. Several prominent businesses and residential buildings have since brought them in, including the Coast Tsawwassen Inn, the Sherwood Century Village apartment buildings and the Oliva apartment building.
Brotherston said using solar energy to heat water appears more promising than using it to generate electricity. The main cost is the installation, but even that can be recovered over time.
"It seems a lot more efficient than photovoltaic cells," he said. "It's getting to the point where it's becoming more cost-effective."
Brotherston said costs are very low once the system is running.
"Once you have the system installed, it's pretty much free energy," he said.
Another advantage is from an environmental standpoint. Brotherston said most electricity in B.C. comes from relatively clean sources, while solar water heaters tend to replace natural gas heaters that have their own environmental impact.
"You're offsetting natural gas, which produces more greenhouse gas emissions," he said.
SolarBC's selection of their new Solar Communities is expected later this year.
