M E M O R A N D U M

 

 

TO:                             General Committee

           

PREPARED BY:        V. Sawler, Manager, Markham Energy Conservation Office

 

DATE:                        May 25, 2009

 

SUBJECT:                 Solar Water Heating Pilot Project Partnership Opportunity with

                                    Enbridge Gas Inc. and York University

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

THAT Council support a partnership opportunity among the Town of Markham, Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. and York University to promote a solar water heating program to local residents:

 

THAT Council endorse the use of the Town of Markham’s logo on joint marketing material:

 

AND THAT Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

BACKGROUND:

 

Solar panels harness the sun’s energy, providing a clean and cost effective way to reduce water heating costs by up to 60%.[1]  In addition, solar water heating represents a significant way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.  Recently approached by Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge) and York University (York) to partner on a solar water heating program for local residents, the Town of Markham now has an opportunity to harness the power of the sun.  The program is being offered by Enbridge in collaboration with EnerWorks and Bullfrog Power. 

 

EnerWorks is the only CSA approved vendor of roof top solar systems in Canada.

 

Bullfrog Power is an Enbridge partner and was responsible for securing the initial funding support from Natural Resources Canada to pursue this pilot.  However, they required a qualified and appropriate lead (Enbridge) to work with to market, promote and install these systems. 

York University is involved with the pilot project from a research perspective and is interested in assisting the Town in the development of model municipal enabling policies and practices. 

 

OPTIONS/DISCUSSION:

 

Pilot Program Summary

Enbridge intends to install 1200 roof top solar thermal systems within their service territory across Ontario over the next year.  They have secured ‘at cost’ pricing with EnerWorks.  While the program will be available to all Enbridge customers, their preference is to work within a limited geographic community such as Markham, a leader and champion in environmental and conservation initiatives.  The aim is to secure participation from approximately 400 – 500 households within the Town, a reasonable study sample to collect a variety of data and ensure a smooth and seamless process for home owners wishing to invest in this solar water heating technology.

 

The two solar panel system will take up a roof space area of 5.95 m2.

 

While the details of the partnership arrangement are to be finalized, the Town of Markham would be involved from a marketing and promotion standpoint and would receive recognition for its involvement.  Participation in this pilot would offer the Town an opportunity to be seen as a community on the forefront of renewable energy opportunities, in line with the objectives of the new Green Energy Act and could be used as a benchmarking study for other municipalities in terms of permitting requirements, and other model municipal enabling policies and processes.

 

Cost

The estimated retail cost of this particular 2-panel solar water heating system would be $10,000 per household – but through this pilot program, the “at cost” pricing will be approximately $7,600.  This includes all taxes, shipping, installation, permit applications, scheduling of an energy audit and warranties.  In addition, several rebates and incentives, including the Home Renovation Tax Credit, NRCan ecoEnergy Rebate, PST Rebate and the ecoEnergy Audit incentive are available that the installers will assist home owners in accessing which will result in a final cost of approximately $4,300. 

 

Process and Timelines

The first step for the homeowner is to have a site evaluation completed to confirm that solar water heating is appropriate for their home.  A financing application is then completed if the homeowner is interested (if eligible rebates and incentives are put towards the principal, the system can be installed for a monthly charge of $47 on a 10-year amortization period).  Upon signing of the contract, an energy audit is completed and then a municipal permit is obtained.  After that, the installation will be scheduled and completed in one day.  The intent is to have the system installed within 4 weeks from the time the contract is signed.

 

 

 

MECO will lead this project for the Town and coordinate with Building Standards on the permitting side.  MECO will also work with Enbridge and York University directly to develop a Markham specific communication plan to ensure the success of this pilot program within our community.

 

  

RECOMMENDED

  BY:   ______________________                 _______________________

Viive Sawler                                         John Livey

            Manager, MECO                                 CAO

 

 

 

 

 


[1] Based on EnerWorks two-collector appliance installed on an average four-person home.  Average personal hot water usage of 75 L/day; family usage of 2,100 L/week assumed.