Renewables
in Action
Testimonials from
local energy producers
of the challenges and
triumphs encountered
while undertaking
renewable energy projects.
“
It is a mistake to just attract big renewable
projects.
To change the social and ccultur
ultur
al norms
ultural
norms,,
change must occur at the individual level
where people are more conscious of their energy
use. It is here that you can excite the passion of
the individual to drive innovation.
At this scale we can fully understand the idea
of cconser
onser
onservv a tion.
”
L esley
aledon rresiden
esiden
wner
esley,, CCaledon
esidentt and wind turbine oowner
Ma
Mayyor
or’’s Message
In Caledon we are very proud of our environmental progress. Our residents
are committed to making a difference by enacting positive change in our
community. With the following renewable energy projects, some of our
citizens are taking power into their own hands by doing their part to reduce
energy and fossil fuels use.
Since energy is a significant cost to the Town it is important to support
alternative energy sources that help offset energy requirements and
greenhouse gas emissions. As the market for such products increases there is a
need for successful examples of residential-scale green projects in Caledon.
This showcase is intended to provide practical information for homeowners
who are thinking about starting a small renewable energy project. Through
their experiences, these clean energy producers hope to inspire others to take
on the challenge of harnessing local renewable energy. The projects included
in this showcase have demonstrated that, through action, we are effectively
preparing ourselves for the future.
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Canadian citizens have the opportunity to take action against
climate change.
Drastic greenhouse gas emission reductions can be achieved
on an individual level through energy conservation or onsite residential energy generation. In the upcoming years,
harnessing renewable energy will be a critical way for Canadians to mitigate and adapt to
climate change.
This booklet serves as a starting point and a source of inspiration for those who are interested
in generating their own renewable energy. The testimonials in the following pages share
valuable experience and provide useful advice from people who have grappled first-hand
with many of the challenges you may face with your future project. This booklet also
provides information about incentives and rebates available through government agencies.
These resources are underlined and descriptions can be found near the end of the booklet.
As well, a glossary is provided to clarify the italicized key terms and concepts used
throughout this booklet. We hope that the information provided here will bring insight to
the process you are embarking on and will aid you with your journey.
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Current State: Canada
Due to human activity, the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and
nitrous oxide continue to grow. This has led to the onset of global climate change.
Industry and transportation are large emitters of greenhouse gases but residential
energy use also has a significant impact on atmospheric concentrations. The use of fossil
fuel is having a pronounced effect on our climate and its continued use will have
profound repercussions for our future.
Governments around the world are taking action to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and their subsequent effect on the
global climate. These action include the acceptance of the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement directed by the United
Nations with the objective to set binding targets for industrialized countries greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
On April 29, 1998, Canada was one of the first countries to sign the Protocol and then ratify the agreement four years later.
The current federal government has opted for a Made-in-Canada approach to fighting climate change. It includes the Clean
Air Act which will enforce stringent regulations on smog producing industries. The federal government is now addressing
the reduction of greenhouse gases through intensity-based targets.
Current State: Ontario
Ontario has committed to eliminating all coal-fired generation by the end of 2014. This is one of the largest climate change
initiatives in North America. As energy from fossil fuels is phased out renewable energy will play an increasingly important
role in energy generation. Renewables will also play an important role in improving the stability of our energy supply. This
is an issue that has become increasingly relevant since the Ontario Blackout in the summer of 2003.
The Green Energy and Green Economy Act, formally passed on May 14, 2009, will ease the transition between energy
sources. This new legislation will promote the development of renewable energy sources that use the sun, wind, water,
biomass, biofuel, geothermal and tidal forces to generate energy. The Green Energy and Green Economy Act hopes to
strengthen the Ontario economy by creating new green jobs and investment opportunities. To accomplish these goals, this
act proposes the elimination of existing barriers to the development of renewable energy generation facilities and
renewable energy projects.
This act will place Ontario as a leader in renewable energy policy and energy conservation. A culture of conservation will be
fostered which will create a clean and healthy environment in our province. This will open the doors to the implementation
of local renewable projects within the Town of Caledon and the rest of Ontario.
http://www.greenenergyact.ca/
http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php
http://www.kyotoprotocol.com/
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/Kyoto/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/kyoto/timeline.html
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Barb and RRichar
ichar
d’
tial SSolar
olar PPoower PPrrojec
ichard’
d’ss Residen
Residential
ojectt
Type of Renew
able SSour
our
Renewable
ourcce
Solar for electricity
Project Description
Our project includes 16 solar panels rated at 2.7 kW situated on the south-facing roof of a garden shed.
With the use of an inverter, we are able to take the solar power we get from the array and convert it
into A/C electricity that can be fed back into the power grid through a grid-tie system. We decided
against the use of batteries to store the excess energy because of the environmental impact. This
reduced our installation cost, but it means that we do not have energy stored for power outages.
“It was exciting to see our
electricity meter running
backwards!”
Upon completion of the project, we initially signed up for Hydro One’s net metering program. The
meter measured the net amount of electricity taken from the grid to power our home after subtracting
the amount of power we returned to the grid. We paid the difference at the regular electricity rate.
After that, we took advantage of a provincial government program that paid us 42 cents per kWh for
all the solar power we generated, not just the net amount. In late 2009 we applied to switch to the
Province’s new MicroFit Program which pays home owners 80.2 cents per kWh for power generated
from eligible solar systems.
Cost
The total cost of this project was $38,000 but we believe that price would be lower in today’s market.
Solar technology is improving, prices are decreasing, and the government pays a premium rate for
solar-powered electricity fed back to the grid from residential systems. Solar technology is a better
investment today than it was when we first got involved, and the FIT program will make it financially
viable for many homes.
Grant Funding
At the time, there were fewer funding opportunities than there are now. We received a $1200 provincial
rebate for retail sales tax.
Hurdles
We were the first grid-tie solar project in Caledon, so the administrative side of things took longer.
Buying and installing the technology was the easy part, and there is virtually no maintenance. We hope
that future grid-tie customers will have an easier time because of early projects like ours.
Achievements
It is rewarding to monitor your energy generation and know that it is clean. Our project demonstrated
that you can have a normal house and still make use of the sun’s energy for a portion of your electricity
needs. We hoped to make a contribution as a small-scale demonstration project.
Lessons Learned
In the past, solar energy was a do-it-yourself endeavour, and that
scared some people away. Now there are a few good renewable
energy companies out there who can provide advice and design and
install a residential solar system. They have the experience and
resources that allow them to manage a project from start to finish.
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Br
ad and Andr
ea
olar HHot
ot Water
Brad
Andrea
ea’’s SSolar
Type of Renew
able SSour
our
Renewable
ourcce
Solar for hot water
Project Description
We use a solar energy system to heat our domestic water. We have eight flat panel solar collectors. The
heat is collected at the panels and transferred by a glycol loop to a heat exchanger at the bottom of a
6000 gallon water tank which is buried in the ground below the frost line. A second heat exchanger at
the top pulls the heat from the storage tank to heat the domestic hot water. The domestic hot water
is used for space heating (in-floor radiant heat) as well as traditional domestic hot water.
Cost
Our solar hot water system was built and installed at the same time as our house construction so its
price was included in the overall cost. The system costs about $18,000 including storage tank ($7000),
panels ($4000), and passive solar pump to circulate the glycol (Bubble Action Pumps) and heat
exchangers ($7000).
Grant Funding
Since our project was a new construction there were fewer incentives available to us. After getting a
home energy audit we were eligible for a retrofit grant.
Hurdles
We would have liked to get funding but for us it was an experimental project. Another hurdle was
finding someone to monitor the system to determine the efficiency of the various transfers of energy
and to get numbers to allow adjustment of the system for maximum efficiency.
Achievements
This is only part of the whole system approach for our home. We built the house in such a way that our
requirements for energy are fairly low to begin with. We have photovoltaic panels that offset some of
the electricity needed to run the hot water system and we still create surplus energy. Our greatest
achievement was completing the project and being proud that we are less dependent on external
sources of energy.
Lessons Learned
o Research is critical! Look for good examples.
o Find someone who can look for incentives for which you are eligible. Make sure you start this
process early in order to know what is required and so you can apply for incentives and rebates
in time.
o Do something! Even a small project can make a positive impact
Resources
Knowledgeable people were great resources. We took advantage of the experience held by our solar
pump installer. Another great resource is your own drive. This project would not have been possible
without our dedication to the project.
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Car
ol and DDoug
oug
ea
ting and CCooling
ooling PPrrojec
arol
oug’’s Geothermal HHea
eating
ojectt
Type of Renew
able SSour
our
Renewable
ourcce
Geothermal
Project Description
Our project consists of a four tonne water furnace geothermal system. We originally had an old oil
furnace and water heater. As the oil prices climbed and we learned more about using geothermal
energy to heat and cool our home it did not take long for us to begin the process. We underwent an
energy audit first. We then applied to the Town of Caledon for a building permit to change the HVAC
system. Our location within the Oak Ridges Morraine required us to apply for an additional Conservation
Authority permit. Following these steps we began applying for rebates.
The circulating geothermal loops were installed before the ground froze and then work began on the
internal system. The whole process took from July 2008 to June 2009.
Cost
The whole project cost $28,000.
Grant Funding
o Ontario Retail Sales Tax rebate
o Federal and Provincial Rebate Matching
Hurdles
The biggest problem we encountered was the first contractor we chose. Despite having other projects
of this type in progress he lacked the credentials to be eligible for the Zero Interest Loan PowerHouse
pilot program. It took a while for us to get our money back from this contractor and to find a qualified
and available replacement. Our second contractor did not handle permits so we did this on our own.
This meant that we had to guide ourselves through the Town’s complex permitting process. Also our
property lies within the Oak Ridges Moraine and this added another round of inspections and approvals.
Achievements
We are very pleased that we are off oil and we have reduced our use of firewood! We are saving tonnes
of carbon. (And we now get air conditioning without the negative environmental side effects). Our
home is much more comfortable.
Lessons Learned
o It is critical to thoroughly assess your contractor’s credentials – check references!
o Look carefully and take advantage of all rebates
o Do not end your old heating arrangements before your new system is working
Resources
o ecoEnergy Retrofit-Home Energy Assessment
o Contractor supplied information
o Canadian GeoExchange Coalition
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Barb and RRichar
ichar
d’
ound SSour
our
ea
ting and CCooling
ooling PPrrojec
ichard’
d’ss Gr
Ground
ourcce HHea
eating
ojectt
Type of Renew
able SSour
our
Renewable
ourcce
Geothermal
Project Description
We used to have a propane furnace and hot water heater but we have recently moved to geothermal
heating and cooling as well as preheating of our hot water. A loop of pipes is installed in the ground,
and an ethanol solution is pumped through them allowing them to become efficient conductors of
heat. In the winter, heat from the ground is absorbed into the solution and is used to heat the house.
In the summer, the system reverses. The ethanol solution takes the heat from the house and releases
it into the ground.
“It was so exciting
the first day hot air
came out of the
vents without using
any propane.
It was magic!”
A heat pump replaced our furnace and was hooked into our existing ductwork. The ethanol solution is
pumped indoors where it runs through the heat pump, which transfers heat to or from the fluid,
depending on the season. A fan in the heat pump blows air of the appropriate temperature into the
ductwork. Thus depending on the season, we get forced air heating or cooling from the heat pump.
We still have a propane hot water tank, but the water is now preheated in an initial tank using excess
heat from the heat pump. It then flows into the original system where it is heated to its final
temperature.
Cost
The whole project came to $40,000 + GST, however we have applied to receive $15,000 in grants. The
cost was higher due to the inefficient shape of our 40-year-old house. It may be less expensive for
other homes.
Grant Funding
We obtained the Ontario Retail Sales Tax refund. PowerHouse (a former Hydro One program) provided
$6,700, and the Federal and Provincial rebate matching money will provide rebates of $3500 each. It
was necessary to get an ecoEnergy Audit of our home before and after the system installation in order
to qualify for the government grants. It required a lot of time and information to apply for the grants,
but there is no easier way to earn $15,000!
Hurdles
Before installing a geothermal system, it is necessary to get a municipal building permit, and it may
also be necessary to obtain an Oak Ridges Moraine permit, a Conservation Authority permit or a site
plan approval from the Town and you should consult with the Renewable Energy Facilitation Office.
Since this type of project is becoming more widespread, there is high demand for good contractors,
which may result in a longer wait time for installation. In general, the administrative side of the
process was much easier than it was for our solar project.
Lessons Learned
o Check references for your contractor
o Ensure that they are certified by Canadian GeoExchange Coalition as the grants require this
certification
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
– Barb
Leslie and CColin
olin
al Wind Turbine
olin’’s Small Rur
Rural
Type of Renew
able SSour
our
Renewable
ourcce
Wind Energy
Project Description
We use a small scale, tilt-up wind turbine to provide electricity to our home. As a contractor, I took on
much of the responsibility for managing the family’s renewable energy project. The turbine is attached
to the top of a 100 foot tower which needed concrete pads with foundations reaching below the frost
line. This unit can generate up to 10kW and has been tested for maximum wind speeds of about 190
kph. Above 120 kph, the tail on the turbine furls and effectively stops it from generating power and it
also cuts out at winds less than 10 kph. As we do not use all the energy we generate our wind turbine
feeds electricity back into the grid. Yet we chose not to take advantage of the offer of the utility
company to pay for surplus energy. Since you are locked into a contract for twenty years, we decided
to wait as we expect the price of energy to increase. In the meantime, we are expecting that our
consumption should be netted out to zero.
“It is often expected that you
will run into the NIMBY (Not In
My Back Yard) mentality,
meaning that your neighbours
will oppose the construction of
your renewable energy resource.
It is always wise to consider
neighbours in your planning. In
our case, our neighbours were
supportive and helpful. Our wind
turbine has received nothing but
positive interest.”
“It was satisfying to see a
project that has been in the
planning stages for so long come
together, like pieces of a puzzle.
And to know that we are coming
together at an individual level to
make a positive impact. It feels
great.”
- Colin
Grant Funding
After completing the project, we applied for a rebate. Since approval for this rebate followed project
completion we did not consider it as a main or certain source of funding. However, we found the rebate
to be reasonably obtainable as long as you can provide invoices and other records like your Hydro One
site plan review and approvals. Similar funding opportunities may be found at the Renewable Energy
Facilitation Office website.
Hurdles
The greatest hurdle we encountered while undergoing this project, was the lack of data regarding wind
resources in our area. Implementation was risky because wind patterns were unknown for our property.
Therefore a pay back period could not be calculated until after installation. We went forward with this
project despite these obstacles because we are committed to making a difference at a local level.
Achievements
We are proud that we had the vision and the tenacity to take on a project of this size and having
committed to it early, we hope to have cleared the way for others who want to do this in our
community.
Lessons Learned
Due to the abundance of local experts there is no longer the need to take on the entire project yourself.
Constructing a wind turbine requires specialized skills but help is easy to find.
Resources
Along with wind data maps, the manufacturer’s manual and technical staff are important resources for
how your product works. Some manufacturing companies also provide courses which can be very
useful. Licensed equipment installers are good resources. Learning from them becomes a way of
passing on the knowledge.
* Colin apprenticed with a very experienced and personable installer. He can now undertake an
installation or become the mentor for someone else who is installing a wind turbine themselves.
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Power PPersuasion:
ersuasion: Gr
an
ts and Inc
en
tiv
es
Gran
ants
Incen
entiv
tives
Federal Funding
Environment Canada provides an informative website that outlines requirements for incentives and rebates that are available to Canadians:
www.incentivesandrebates.ca
Provincial Funding
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure through the Renewable Energy Facilitation Office outlines requirements for incentives and
rebates in addition to providing a thorough overview of the renewable energy process at the provincial level. Please see
www.mei.gov.on.ca.wsd6.korax.net/en/energy/renewable/index.php
Federal and Provincial Rebate Matching Program
h ttp://w
w w.gosolar
on
tario
.ca/en/inc
en
tiv
es_gs
.asp
ttp://ww
.gosolaron
ontario
tario.ca/en/inc
.ca/en/incen
entiv
tives_gs
es_gs.asp
The Ontario government will match dollar for dollar rebates given by the Canadian government. This program requires an energy audit
before and after installation of retrofit systems.
O n tario FFeed-in
eed-in Tariffs
h ttp://fit
.po
wer
authorit
ttp://fit.po
.pow
erauthorit
authorityy.on.ca
E ligibilit
ligibilityy : To be eligible for the FIT Program, your project must:
· be located in Ontario, at a location over which you have control
· use one of the eligible renewable energy sources, which are biogas, biomass, landfill gas, on-shore or off-shore wind, solar PV and
waterpower
· connect to an eligible local distribution system
· be separately metered for data collection and settlement purposes
· not be greater than 50 megawatts (MW) if it is a waterpower project.
Your project is not eligible for the FIT Program if it has:
· a contract under the OPA’s Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP) that has reached commercial operation
· an existing connection impact assessment, system impact assessment or any other existing connection or connection cost agreement
with your local distribution company or transmitter
For information on project development on agricultural lands please see http://fit.powerauthority.on.ca/
Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=10203&SiteNodeID=1104&BL_ExpandID=260
Financial Incentives: Different types of renewable energy projects are eligible for different pricing contracts. For more information:
http://fit.powerauthority.on.caPage.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=10543&SiteNodeID=1103&BL_ExpandID=260
Ontario MicroFit Program
ofit
.po
wer
authorit
ttp://microfit
ofit.po
.pow
erauthorit
authorityy.on.ca
h ttp://micr
E ligibilit
ligibilityy : To be eligible for the microFIT program your project must:
· be a renewable energy facility that uses solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, waterpower and bioenergy (biogas, biomass, landfill gas)
· be 10 kW or less in size and located in Ontario
· be connected, directly or indirectly, to the distribution system
· must have metering that is suitable for data collection and payment calculation. All microFIT projects require a separate meter so that
the amount of electricity produced by the project can be accurately measured.
· not be the subject of an existing OPA contract.
Financial Incentives: Different types of renewable energy projects are eligible for different pricing contracts. For more information
on: http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/microFIT-Rules/microFIT-Program-pricing/index.php
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Engaging EEner
ner
gy Glossar
tan
nergy
Glossaryy of Impor
Importan
tantt Terms
Array
Array- comprises a number of interconnected and usually identical solar panels.
http://www.planetarypower.com.au/solar_array.htm
Geothermal- geothermal uses the heat from the sun that is stored in the ground to heat and cool
your home. A network of pipes is installed in the ground where an ethanol solution is pumped
through them to become efficient conductors of heat. In the winter, heat from the ground is
absorbed into the solution and used to heat your home. In the summer the system reverses. The
ethanol solution takes the heat from your home and releases it into the ground.
http://www.alternative-heating.com/geothermal-heating-and-cooling.html
Geothermal Loops- in a geothermal system a series of buried pipes (the loop) carry a heat
transfer fluid that picks up heat from the earth or releases heat into the ground.
http://www.aphgeothermal.com/tech.shtml
Glycol Loop- solar hot water systems pump a heat-transfer fluid through the collectors in order to
take in solar gain. Heat exchangers transfer the heat from the fluid to the potable water. The heat
transfer fluid is usually a glycol-water mixture.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/sh_basics_water.html
Green Energy and Green Economy Act- introduced in the Ontario Legislature on February 23, 2009
and passed May 14, 2009. It includes a proposal for a new renewable energy supply procurement
program known as a Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program that will further encourage the development of
renewable energy supply by providing generators with compensation for the energy they feed into
able EEner
ner
gy SStandar
tandar
ffer PPrrogr
am
the electricity grid. The FIT Program will replace the Renew
Renewable
nergy
tandardd OOffer
ogram
and new renewable energy projects will come under the umbrella of the FIT Program.
http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/SOP/
Grid-tie- an electrical generating system that puts electrical energy back into the electrical grid
through your energy meter. http://www.enviroharvest.ca/pv_grid_tie.htm
Heat exchanger- a system designed to efficiently transfer heat from one fluid to another fluid over
a solid surface. http://www.heatexchangersonline.com/
Inverter- for solar energy to be used as a power source in homes the energy must be converted
from direct current to alternating current. This is accomplished through the use of a mechanical
device called an inverter.
http://www.newenergy.org/sesci/publications/pamphlets/photovoltaic.html
Net metering- is available to Hydro One customers who generate electricity from a renewable
energy source (wind, water, solar radiation or agricultural biomass). Net metering allows you to
send electricity generated to Hydro One’s distribution system for a credit towards your electricity
costs. Excess generation credits can be carried forward for up to 12 months to offset future
electricity costs. http://www.hydroonenetworks.com/en/customers/generators/net_metering/
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Engaging EEner
ner
gy Glossar
tan
nergy
Glossaryy of Impor
Importan
tantt Terms
Niagara Escarpment - a protected area that is recognized provincially and internationally as a
significant landform. It contains a system of development control to guide development in its area.
http://www.escarpment.org/about/overview/index.php
NIMB
NIMBYY- “Not-In-My-Back-Yard” is the mentality of those who wish to remove or prevent the inclusion
of unwanted features in their neighbourhood but do not object to it being sited elsewhere.
http://www.newgeography.com/content/00199-the-social-function-nimbyism
Oak RRidges
idges Mor
aine
Moraine
aine-- an environmentally sensitive, geological landform in south central Ontario. It
covers 190,000 hectares. http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page322.aspx
Passive solar- a technique that takes advantage of the constant supply of energy from the sun without
the use of mechanical systems. http://www.newenergy.org/sesci/publications/pamphlets/passive.html
Photovoltaic cells- Photovoltaic cells are semiconductor devices (an electronic circuit component)
made of silicon. They contain no liquids, corrosive chemicals or moving parts. They produce electricity
from the sun’s energy. http://www.newenergy.org/sesci/publications/pamphlets/photovoltaic.html
Solar for Electricity
Electricity- photovoltaic cells, made of semiconductors, can be used to convert sunlight
directly into electricity. Photovoltaic cells can be used in houses that are off the grid or the electricity
produced can be fed back into the electricity grid provided by our local utilities. www.gosolarontario.ca
S olar for HHot
ot Water- solar hot water heaters can absorb the sun’s radiant energy and convert it into
thermal energy. The solar water heater pre-heats cold water before it goes into the hot water tank.
This method saves energy by using alternative energy sources to heat water in the home.
www.gosolarontario.ca, http://www.apricus.com/html/solar_collector.htm,
Tilt-up wind turbine- the tilt-up tower of a wind turbine has a base that is fitted to a hinge then
bolted into the concrete foundations. Usually a pole is fitted to the base of the tower which acts as a
mechanical arm to give leverage for raising the tower. This system allows the top of the tower to be
tilted down for installation of the wind turbine or for future maintenance.
http://www.reuk.co.uk/Wind-Turbine-Tower-Basics.htm
Wind Da
ta Maps- these maps provide useful information when planning a wind energy project. They
Data
present information on wind energy potential by providing data on average wind velocities.
http://www.windatlas.ca/en/index.php
Wind EEner
ner
gy
nergy
gy-- wind can be harvested and used to generate energy. Turbines are moved by the wind
which rotates a generator resulting in the production of electricity. Wind turbines can be used to
produce energy for a home or business and may still have enough to feed back into the grid.
http://canmetenergy-canmetenergie.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/eng/renewables/wind_energy.html
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
We’re her
heree ttoo help!
Come, talk to us at the Town of Caledon’s Planning and
Development Department and Building Department for
zoning standards and building permit requirements before
beginning any renewable energy project.
Contact Information
Planning: Saundra Morrison 905 584 2272 x4241
Building: Joseph Xerri 905 584 2272 x4295
This publication contains time sensitive information. As programs and information change the Town of Caledon will update important data. To ensure accurate information please confirm information gathered from
this publication against the current information posted on the internet. This booklet attempts to give an overview of relevant info but may not be completely extensive or all inclusive.This publication contains time
sensitive information. As programs and information change the Town of Caledon will update important data. To ensure accurate information please confirm information gathered from this publication against the
current information posted on the internet. This booklet attempts to give an overview of relevant info but may not be completely extensive or all inclusive.
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Environmental Printing
RENEWABLES IN ACTION: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Energy Action Agenda
Learn about renewable energy www.gosolarontario.ca, www.smallwindenergy.ca,
www.geo-exchange.ca, www.powerhouseprogram.ca
Take a look at grants, rebates and incentives. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the
requirements: www.incentivesandrebates.ca, http://fit.powerauthority.on.ca/,
http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca
Take advantage of the information and services offered through the Renewable Energy
Facilitation Office www.mei.gov.on.ca.wsd6.korax.net/en/energy/renewable/index.php
Perform an energy audit on your home http://www.homeperformance.com/
http://homeenergyontario.ca/
Reduce your energy consumption www.homeenergyontario.ca.
Investigate local by-laws and building permits
http://www.town.caledon.on.ca/townhall/departments/buildingbylaw/building.asp
Look into Conservation Authority and Niagara Escarpment requirements
http://www.escarpment.org/applications/process/application/index.php
Consult your neighbours to see if they will be affected by your project
Get in contact with a certified installer and make sure they are eligible to receive grants
Install your wind, solar or geothermal project
Perform another energy audit if it is required in order to receive grants or rebates
http://www.homeperformance.com/ http://homeenergyontario.ca/
Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are producing your own clean energy!