New Eco-energy rebates for solar hot water

[Heynow999]

The Federal government has just announced that they are raising the grant for a solar hot water system from $500 to $1,250. You will also get $500 from the Ontario government. The PST is also refundable on solar equipement. A solar system is also eligable for the home renovation tax credit. There are even some local programs that will give you $1,000 rebate or interest free loans plus $500.

If the Ontario government raises there rebate to $1,250 as well, I could see a system being installed at almost no cost to the homeowner.

As I mentioned in a previous thread, Enbridge is going to try and get into the solar water heating business. They want to have contractors install the systems and Enbridge will make money by financing them.

[nighthawk26]

The Federal government has just announced that they are raising the grant for a solar hot water system from $500 to $1,250. You will also get $500 from the Ontario government. The PST is also refundable on solar equipement. A solar system is also eligable for the home renovation tax credit. There are even some local programs that will give you $1,000 rebate or interest free loans plus $500.

If the Ontario government raises there rebate to $1,250 as well, I could see a system being installed at almost no cost to the homeowner.

As I mentioned in a previous thread, Enbridge is going to try and get into the solar water heating business. They want to have contractors install the systems and Enbridge will make money by financing them.

The word I just got late this evening was tha tthe provice is goign to match. HOWEVER, they now have an offical deadline, and thatas not even a guarantee. The money could (likely will) run out before. No more excuses for anyone anymore.

[Heynow999]

I know a bit about the business, and I know people are working on developing a system that will cost the same as the rebates.

[Dan_DHRT]

Actually, the ecoENERGY Residential Retrofit program just increased all, yes all, of the grants available in the program for the next two years.

http://dailyhomerenotips.com/2009/03/31/ecoenergy-residential-retrofit-program-25-grant-increase/

Unfortunately we just had our E, or second, energy audit so we are likely not eligible. :cry:

[agiga]

The Federal government has just announced that they are raising the grant for a solar hot water system from $500 to $1,250. You will also get $500 from the Ontario government. The PST is also refundable on solar equipement. A solar system is also eligable for the home renovation tax credit. There are even some local programs that will give you $1,000 rebate or interest free loans plus $500.

If the Ontario government raises there rebate to $1,250 as well, I could see a system being installed at almost no cost to the homeowner.

As I mentioned in a previous thread, Enbridge is going to try and get into the solar water heating business. They want to have contractors install the systems and Enbridge will make money by financing them.

How is this at almost no cost to the homeowner when the systems start at $6,000 for one panel?! And the rebates add upto $2500?? Even if you include the home reno credit you are still shelling out close to $3,000 and it does not even meet 100% of your needs. You would still need a water heater or tank on top of that. These numbers are based on a quote I just received from an installer. So if anyone has better pricing or other rebates they no about to make this "almost no cost to the homeowner" I would love to hear about them.

[agiga]

I know a bit about the business, and I know people are working on developing a system that will cost the same as the rebates.

Any word on when this will be available? Most people will likely be getting their tankless water heaters by July/August before the Enbridge credit expires but it would be tempting to switch to solar instead if we knew by the summer what the price would be.

[Heynow999]

There are a lot of cheap chinese tube systems that you could probably get installed pretty cheap.

My idea is two flat plate collectors and a solar panel (PV) on your roof. The solar panel powers a 12v pump. In the basement there is a simple off the shelf heat exchanger that could be mounted on your existing tank. Real simple, no fancy controller, when the sun shine it works.

My cost is

2 Plates $2000
solar panel $400
pump $200
Heat exchanger $150
Pipes, insulation $400

Thats $3150. There would be some extras, plus installation. In one part of Toronto they are giving $1,000 towards systems, and the program may go citywide.

$6,000 is for an Enerworks system that is a bit more complicated. It has a controller and it uses glycol that adds to the price. My idea is similar, but less complicated

[Rosico]

Where in Toronto are they giving the additional $1000 incentive?

[Heynow999]

Where in Toronto are they giving the additional $1000 incentive?


http://www.solarneighbourhoods.ca/

It is Ward 30, which is the Riverdale area. I know that some people in ajoining areas have been allowed to participate because they had enough funding in the program. It may go city-wide, maybe not. With the new rebates from the Feds and province they may not bother.