Builders and Developers
A $1,000 discount is now available through SolarBC towards the cost of installing solar hot water systems on new homes.
The SolarBC new homes program will provide $1,000 discount and demonstrate to builders and developers how they can simply and effectively include solar hot water systems in new home projects and developments, to offer consumers competitive advantages and providing unique green marketing opportunities. The $1,000 discount is currently available for installations carried out before March 31st 2009, after which time, they may be reduced.
Solar hot water will help to differentiate proactive builders in a crowded market. Some advantages of solar hot water in new homes are:
- Unique ‘green’ marketing opportunity and selling feature
- Greatly reduced monthly operating costs for homeowner
- Extended life on traditional water heaters
- Increased re-sale value now and into the future
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reduced carbon footprint
- Protection from rising energy prices and security from power outages
Easy 2-Step Installation Process
Step 1: Do a Self-Assessment
To be suitable for solar hot water, the following new homes will qualify and should incorporate the design criteria listed:
- Single-family residences or small multi-unit residences without a common entrance and comprising less than 600 square meters of building area; or 3 or fewer stories of building height
- Have at least 6 square meters of south-facing roof space.
- Ensure no shade or limited shade from 10am – 4pm on the south-facing part of the roof.
- May need additional space may next to the conventional hot water tank for an additional solar storage tank.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Installation Contractor
The SolarBC Residential Project offers incentives only for systems installed by registered contractors. The contractor will walk you through the final steps of the installation and will work with SolarBC to provide you a $1000 discount on your installation.
Click here to find an accredited installation contractor in your area.
Upon Successful Installation
- Sign your acknowledgement that the new solar hot water system has been installed to your satisfaction.
- All SolarBC solar hot water systems are backed with leading industry warranties that will be provided by your registered contractor.
- Please use our online rating system to provide feedback on your registered contractor.
- If selected, please allow access for a technical quality-control inspection
At the very least, we recommend that new home builders and developers consider building homes “solar ready.”
This basically involves a small additional cost of about $300, and the solar hot water collectors can be installed at a later date. This is considerably cheaper than installing solar hot water once a home has been built. The CanSIA website provides detailed information about solar ready homes.
For More Information
For further details on how to apply or to express initial interest in this project, please send an email to us at info@solarbc.ca.
