Attention Rise Again Members
Solar Neighbourhoods can help you with solar hot water systems
The RISE AGAIN solar buying club is now focusing exclusively on purchases of photovoltaics (solar systems that produce electricity), but RISE AGAIN members can still purchase solar hot water systems through the Solar Neighbourhoods program and receive attractive financial incentives. Solar Neighbourhoods will provide you with a $1,000 incentive or a $500 incentive and no interest, no downpayment financing for a solar hot water system. RISE's supplier, Solar Ontario, is qualified for participation in the Solar Neighbourhoods program. You are also free to select from any of the pre-qualified systems or suppliers that are approved for the Solar Neighbourhoods program. So if you're interested in heating your home's hot water with the sun, request an info package today or give us a call at 416-392-6795.
We’re more than half-way there!
Solar Neighbourhoods is now more than half-way to our target of 100 systems on roofs with 60 systems now ready for installation or already in operation. Remember, this is a first-come, first-served program, but there is still time to get the benefits of solar for your home. First, select a contractor and a system (see important note below on new eligibility requirements from ecoENERGY), then submit a Solar Neighbourhoods program application to claim your Solar Neighbourhoods discount.
Application Deadline is December 18, 2009
To qualify for the Solar Neighbourhoods discount, you must submit your application by December 18, 2009. Your Solar Neighbourhood’s eligible contractor will have the appropriate paperwork and can assist you with the application process (or call us directly at 416-392-6795). The actual system installation can take place in 2010 as long as you have a purchase agreement in place by Dec. 18, 2009. So there’s still time to be a Solar Neighbour — but act quickly. And remember, our program now covers Wards 29, 30, 31 and 32
Change in ecoENERGY Solar Water Heater rebate rules
This spring, support for solar hot water through the ecoENERGY program was increased significantly to $2,500 per system ($1,250 from the federal government and a matching $1,250 from the provincial government). However, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has now added some important conditions for accessing these enriched incentives. Here’s how this affects Solar Neighbourhoods clients.
If you had your initial ecoENERGY assessment before October 1, 2009 the new ecoENERGY rules do not apply to you. Just proceed with selecting any of the systems and contractors on the approved Solar Neighbourhoods supplier list and you will still qualify for the enriched ecoEnergy rebate plus the incentives and financing available directly from Solar Neighbourhoods.
If you had your ecoENERGY assessment on or after October 1, 2009 or you haven’t booked it yet, the EnerWorks Residential Heating Appliance, sold by three of our eligible contractors and the Thermodynamics Solar Boiler system are the only systems on the Solar Neigbhourhoods-eligible list that will qualify for the ecoENERGY incentive. You may still choose to purchase any other system on our list, but you will only receive the Solar Neighbourhoods incentive ($1,000 or $500 and no cost financing). Rest assured that all of the year-round systems that have been approved for the Solar Neighbourhoods program meet the performance and safety standards that NRCan has developed, even if they do not currently qualify for the ecoENERGY rebate.
See our October 2009 Revised Supplier List for a quick guide to which systems now qualify for ecoENERGY rebates under the new rules. If you are at all uncertain about how the new federal requirements affect you, please call us at 416-392-6795 or email solar@toronto.ca.
Share the great news about solar -
SOLAR NEIGHBOURHOODS wants to help you reduce your home’s energy use and tap the power of the sun. We will guide qualifying homeowners in Ward 30 through the purchase and installation of a solar water heating system and help you access more than $4,000 in incentives. Solar hot water is a well-developed zero-emissions renewable energy technology that is in wide use around the world. Now, Solar Neighbourhoods is working to make it part of life right here in Toronto.
Don’t miss this chance to reduce your home’s climate impact, tackle rising utility costs and be a part of Solar Neighbourhoods! Get in touch today at www.solarneighbourhoods.ca or call 416-392-6795.
 Toronto Energy Efficiency Office Toronto Environment Office |
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