Take full advantage of the Winter Sun!
It feels like a strange time to think about renewable energy, but with the 2024 Solar Show, hosted by Solar Alberta, hitting our screens next week, we wanted to remind you why Alberta is such a great place for solar energy!
In 2023, renewables contributed only approximately 10% of Alberta's grid generating capacity. Therefore, the majority of Alberta's energy sources emit GHGs. Each kilowatt of energy generated from renewable sources, such as solar panels, offsets some of Alberta's electricity needs, reduces the need for carbon-emitting power plants and takes direct action to improve public health by reducing pollution from fossil fuels.
Alberta's wind-swept prairies and vast sunny skies position the province favourably as a leader in Canada in the wind and solar energy industries. As such, Alberta is on the path to becoming Canada's renewable energy capital, with more than three-quarters of wind and solar generation built in Canada in 2023. In fact, one of the largest solar farms in North America — the 465 megawatt (MW) Travers Solar Project in Vulcan County, which produces enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 150,000 homes is located in Alberta.
Solar Financing - There has never been a better time to go solar!
The Federal Government runs the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. This opportunity provides grant rebates of up to $5,000 for a solar installation and allows you to take out a 10-year interest-free loan of up to $40,000 to pay the upfront costs! You can also check with your local municipality to see if they offer additional solar rebates or financing through the Clean Energy Improvement Program.
After you install, check out Rocky Mountain Community Energy's Solar Club for an additional financial incentive. Those panels might pay for themselves quicker than you thought!
Not everyone can go solar...
We recognise installing solar panels on a property only works for some; if this is the case for you, there are still ways to support solar energy...
Sign up to Green Power - For a small additional fee, companies such as Bullfrog Power and Rocky Mountain Community Energy inject green electricity into the grid to match the amount of power your home or business uses. This encourages future development of renewable energy projects, which reduces our reliance on conventional methods of electricity generation.
Participate in local Community Generation initiatives - Community generation allows anyone to advance renewable energy through partial ownership of community-based projects. Bow Valley Green Energy Coop is a grassroots social enterprise working to facilitate community-owned renewable energy generation projects in the Bow Valley. You can become an Investor, Member or Friend of the coop today!
Already taken the leap?
Remember to change your habits to optimize your investment. There are many ways to reduce the payback period from an initial investment in renewable energy. For example, shift the bulk of your high-energy appliance usage to peak performance times for your system. Consider changing your heating system to one powered by electricity.
Are you ready to upgrade your car? A 4kW solar system can produce all of an electric vehicle's annual energy needs.
A little celebration ...
Impact Initiated!
Wow! We did it! Thanks to our generous community, we exceeded our goal of $10,000 and raised $11, 328.02 for our Future Leaders program in our holiday campaign this past month!
We are humbled and blown away by the ongoing support of our community to empower community leadership on environmental challenges, particularly our incredible Future Leaders and youth!
THANK YOU!
Congratulations BVGEC!
Congratulations once again to our friends and colleagues at the Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperative on being recognized as one of Alberta's leading environmental innovators! Bravo! Learn more about them in this short video featuring our Shift Program Coordinator, Jodi Conuel!
The Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperative is a leader in community-driven renewable energy solutions in Alberta. Uncover their philosophy of inclusivity and find out how you can contribute to the green revolution.
Upcoming Events!
Jan 29 - Feb 2 - Solar Show 2024
The Solar Show is Solar Alberta’s five-day annual online trade show and conference. The 10th Annual Solar Show will feature engaging content for the general public and energizing solar industry-oriented sessions. The week will finish with one big online networking evening to bring everyone together.
The Solar Show also includes a virtual trade show for members of the public to learn more about solar and solar-related businesses and nonprofits.
Many sessions are free, but registration is required.
Highlights will include:
Jan 30 - 12 pm - Solar 101 for Homes & Businesses - Are you an Albertan home or business owner contemplating purchasing a solar array? Presenters will review how solar installations typically work in Alberta, what the impacts of solar will be on your utility bills, how to find a solar installer, how to finance your solar project and much more!
Jan 31 - 12 pm - How to Electrify Your Home - Are you looking to make the most out of your solar system? This session will dive into appliances and techniques that can be used to reduce your electricity use and optimize the return from your solar system.
Feb 1 - 12 pm - Solar for Multi-Family Homes - Do you own a condo or rent a townhome/apartment? How can you benefit from solar power? The session will review solar adoption options available to those renting or owning multi-family housing units, discuss some of the available financial supports, and provide case study examples.
Feb 5, 2024 - Climate Champions
Join us in celebrating the initial launch of our Climate Champions Course!
The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley has recently developed a Climate Champions course for individuals interested in becoming climate leaders in their community.
Join us for the soft launch of this Climate Champions digital course on February 5, 2024, at the Canmore Brew Co from & - 9 pm.
Live music performance by the Digital Hobo and food will be provided!
We look forward to meeting you all and building a network of Climate Champions.
This is a free event, but you'll need to register here.
FEB 12 - Earth Talks
Build your own indoor air filter on-site to take home!
Join Karen Rollins, President of Bow Valley Clean Air Society, at the Canmore Public Library to learn how to Build Your Own Indoor Air Filter!
This Earth Talks event, in partnership with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, will take place on Monday, February 12th in the Friends Program Room at 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
Attendees will learn:
Learn why indoor air filtration is needed: to filter virus and wildfire smoke
Be shown three inexpensive designs of DIY indoor air filters
View a demonstration of how to build an indoor air filter
Build your own air filter on site to take home (Materials will be provided. Bring a Phillips screwdriver from home if you have one.)
Registration required. Limited spots are available. The fee covers all the building materials.
Register on Eventbrite here.
June 1, 2024 - Save the Date!
The Green Buildings Open House returns for 2024!
We are thrilled to announce that our 2024 Bow Valley-wide Green Buildings Open House will take place on Saturday, June 1, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Are you a homeowner in the Bow Valley who would like to showcase and share your efforts in high-performance or sustainable building design, construction, or homeowner practices?
We are currently seeking participants for this year's Green Buildings Open House!
To sign-up as a homeowner to be showcased, click here: https://su.vc/shhqpgkd
