The efforts of SolarBC were recognized with the Solar Advocate of the Year award at the Canadian Solar Industry Association’s annual gathering in Toronto this past week. SolarBC, spearheaded by Nitya Harris, aims to develop a concrete action plan to install 100,000 solar roofs throughout the province by 2020. It is sponsored by the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources, and is being developed by a diverse task team.
SolarBC, in partnership with BC communities and the federal and provincial governments, achieved its goal in 2005 of installing 50 solar hot water systems on roofs throughout the province. In addition:
Delivered homeowner rebates
Developed qualifications for solar energy systems and installers
Increased the awareness of building inspectors for this technology
Helped develop solar installer training
Provided solar assistance to First Nations communities
The project website, www.SolarBC.org, is in need of updating. The winning of the Solar Advocate of the Year award for 2005 is still up! This new boost of profile for Ms. Harris’ project should help remedy this, as well as prospects for the solar hot water industry in BC generally.
