Solar Nova Scotia is an organization located in the province of Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada in the city of McGraths Cove.
What is Solar Nova Scotia?
Solar Nova Scotia is a non-profit organization dedicated to energy conservation and the use of renewable forms of energy. Solar Nova Scotia is a part of Solar Energy Society of Canada (SESCI) and promotes the move towards more efficient and environmentally friendly energy through incorporating all types of renewable energy, which includes: passive and active solar energy, photovoltaics, wind biomass and geothermal.
Solar Nova Scotia sponsors the Solar Shelter Workshop, which teaches the design and construction of affordable solar shelter. Solar Nova Scotia promotes energy projects in schools at Regional Science fairs and organizes competitions for high schools in developing practical and renewable energy projects. Solar Nova Scotia offers annual meetings for those interested in their program. They also offer tours of the nicest solar homes in the area. Those interested can also hear about construction of solar homes. [1]
Different types of Solar Energy
Passive Solar: This type of energy captures the sun’s energy through south-facing windows in buildings that provides 30-60% of the annual heating requirements. In order for passive solar energy to work, the building must be designed a specific way, the building must have energy-efficient windows and it must overall be an energy-efficient building.
Active Solar: This type of energy is best for lower-temperature applications such as domestic heating.
Photovoltaic Cells: This type of energy converts the sun’s energy into electrical energy. This type of energy tends to cost high than other conventional sources of electricity. This energy is reliable and easy to maintain for off-grid applications. This type of energy is generally used for personal electronic devices, navigation devices, outdoor lighting, marine applications, water pumping and camp or cottage use. [2]
Goals of Solar Nova Scotia
According to the Solar Nova Scotia website, the goals of the organization are:
- "To promote energy conservation and the use of renewable energy in Atlantic Canada.
- To encourage all levels of government to give priority to energy conservation and renewable energy when developing and carrying out energy policies.
- To promote ‘Full Cost’ energy pricing so all energy forms reflect the real societal and environmental costs.
- To provide the public with the most current and reliable information about all forms of renewable energy so the public can incorporate them into their own lives." [3]
What are the Benefits of Becoming A Part of Solar Nova Scotia?
By becoming a part of Solar Nova Scotia it will help manage the energy of homes through programs and rebates that are offered to have a more energy efficient home and cut costs of heating and cooling of your home. By installing a solar water heating system and a thermal wall, especially in a south-facing wall, you can dramatically cut down on high heating bills by as much as 65%. Homeowners can even build their own solar hot water panel and solar electric panel. [4]
How Much Does it Cost?
The price to install energy efficient panels can vary depending on if you install the unit yourself or if you hire someone to install them for you. An important thing to keep in mind is that all things installed will cut down on the costs of heating and cooling if your home is more energy efficient and is not leaking heat.
According to Canada Business from the Canadian government website, those who install a solar water heating system in their homes can receive at least a 15% rebate for just installing a unit in your home. [5] Other such things include qualifying for a grant from the government up to $6,500 for making your home more energy efficient. [6]
References
- ↑ http://www.solarns.ca/index.php
- ↑ http://www.gov.ns.ca/energy/renewables/public-education/solar.asp
- ↑ http://www.solarns.ca/index.php
- ↑ http://www.advancedsolutions.ca/solar.html
- ↑ http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/summary/3773/
- ↑ http://www.ec.gc.ca/financement-funding/default.asp?lang=En&n=EF8AE9FC-1&offset=7&toc=show