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[news 2009-2010]
Queen’s technology to power 1,200-home solar water heating program
EnerWorks Inc. partners with Enbridge Gas, Bullfrog Power and Government of Canada to reduce energy costs and environmental impact
April 30, 2009
OTTAWA – Solar hot water technology developed at Queen’s University will soon be powering a new green pilot project by Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc., Bullfrog Power Inc., EnerWorks Inc., and the Government of Canada.
The project, announced in Ottawa yesterday, aims to install 1,200 residential solar hot-water systems in Ontario within the next two years. 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 per month.
“By investing $1.4 million in this project, the Government of Canada will help generate new economic activity in Ontario, while reducing energy costs and harmful emissions,” says theHonourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources. “This is another example of how we are investing in projects that will stimulate the domestic clean energy industry, create jobs for Canadians and help boost our economy.”
Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading 100-per-cent green electricity provider, is pleased to participate in a program that helps Ontarians conserve energy and save money, says Tom Heintzman, President. “New technology, active energy conservation activities and green power are all effective ways that homeowners can reduce their environmental impact,” he says. “Through this new Solar Water Heating Program, we are happy to provide another option that makes it easy for Ontarians to support renewable energy.”
"Enbridge Gas Distribution is a leader in energy efficiency and continues to advance sustainable energy solutions that will lead us towards a clean energy economy," says Arunas Pleckaitis, Vice President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "Often our approach is to partner with other organizations, such as Bullfrog and EnerWorks, that bring a special competency or unique solution to the specific energy challenge we are facing. Together with Enbridge's market delivery capabilities, we are able to provide an integrated high-value solution that customers will find attractive."
The solar water-heating system was developed by Queen’s solar energy researcher Dr. Stephen Harrison and commercialized by PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer office of Queen’s, in partnership with Dorchester, Ontario-based EnerWorks Inc., a leading North American solar thermal technology provider.
The EnerWorks systems are Canada’s first solar water heaters to receive all-season CSA certification. Local, certified contractors will install each unit purchased. The integrated system is composed of three parts—solar panels, an energy pack and a solar storage tank—that work together to meet a household’s primary demand for hot water, while the existing water heater provides a secondary heating source. Solar water heating does not affect the quality or
the availability of the hot water. The systems provide a clean, cost-effective way to reduce water heating costs, while also significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
“This Solar Water Heating Program represents a fabulous opportunity for homeowners to realize the economic and environmental benefits of heating their water with the renewable power of the sun, while taking advantage of significant additional incentives and discounts,” says Dr. Phil Whiting, EnerWorks President and CEO. “EnerWorks is very pleased to be participating in this program and to support the environmental efforts of companies such as Bullfrog and Enbridge Gas Distribution.”
Installation of a solar water heater is straightforward and completed by a trained and certified installer. Homeowners can arrange for a free site inspection to determine if the system is right for their home. EnerWorks-certified contractors will professionally install the systems quickly and efficiently, and help book the ecoENERGY Home Retrofit audits for further rebates and incentives. More information about the installation steps and pricing is available at
www.bullfrogpower.com/solar or call 1-866-775-8808.
A limited number of integrated systems are available under the program.
Contact:
Kathleen Barnard
Marketing Manager, EnerWorks, Inc.
Tel: 519-268-6500 ext 123
Email: k.barnard@enerworks.com
About EnerWorks
EnerWorks Inc. is a leading North American solar thermal technology provider. With proven, patented technology and certified systems, EnerWorks offers high quality, reliable and cost effective renewable energy solutions to the North American market. EnerWorks develops and manufactures proprietary renewable energy appliances for residential, commercial and industrial markets. In the residential market, EnerWorks’s solar water heating appliances are fully certified, ENERGY STAR® qualified, and the first system meeting CSA international standards for all seasons in Canada. They complement existing water-heating systems and provide users with clean energy and a real reduction in energy
costs. In the commercial and industrial markets, EnerWorks is at the forefront of integrated solar thermal solutions, working with local partners to design, install, commission and maintain solar thermal heating and cooling systems.
www.enerworks.com |
