Solar Program to Assist Homeowners

SOUTHERN ONTARIO - Solar information sessions for consumers are scheduled for the first two weekends in October in the GTA and surrounding areas, bounded by Barrie, Orangeville, Newmarket, Ancaster and Whitby.

Go Solar is a Clean Air Foundation program providing a single stop source of information on current incentives for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems for heating water and generating electricity. The program is designed to assist Ontarians in achieving the Ontario government's goal of 100,000 solar roofs.

The Go Solar website, www.gosolarontario.ca, and the information hotline, 416-642-2896 or 1-866-922-2896, provide the information Ontarians need when they are considering a solar energy supply purchase. The information provided includes an overview of the technologies, prices, installation information, government incentives and rebates, and links to manufacturers, retailers and installers.

While the program is available province-wide, on the first two weekends in October there will be Go Solar information sessions at 20 Home Depot stores in the GTA and surrounding areas (Ancaster, Aurora, Barrie, Brampton, Misissauga, Newmarket, Oakville, Orangeville, Toronto, Whitby and Woodbridge). These Go Solar events are an opportunity to get answers to your questions from trained representatives and get a chance to win prizes that include a solar water heater. The exact locations of the workshops can be found on the Go Solar website.

New solar water heating incentives and rebates total more than $1,300 through provincial and federal government programs. Ontario's incentives for generating photovoltaic (PV) electricity are currently the most generous in Canada. The retail sales tax rebate on qualifying solar, wind, micro hydro-electric and geothermal equipment has also been extended to January 1, 2010.

Stephanie Thorson, the Clean Air Foundation's Director of Renewable Energy, says "the new $500 incentive and PST exemption on solar water heaters, the Ontario Power Authority's standard offer program on photovoltaic systems, zero-interest loans, and the federal $500 incentive all combine to make it easier for Ontarians to reach the 100,000 solar roofs target. This is the best time to go solar."