XOLAR INC

Tag: Energy Efficiency

  • Xolar Announces Partnership With Harry’s Home Comfort

    Xolar Announces Partnership With Harry’s Home Comfort

    Xolar Announces Partnership With Harry’s Home Comfort

    Xolar Logo

    July 19, 2024
    Xolar Inc.
    877-965-2722
    info@xolar.ca

    Xolar Inc. Announces Partnership With Harry’s Home Comfort to Promote Residential Solar Installations in the Greater Ottawa Region.

    Campbellford, Ontario – Xolar Inc is pleased to announce our partnership with Harry’s Home Comfort, a premium provider of residential HVAC services for customers in the Greater Ottawa Region. Through this partnership, Harry’s Home Comfort will join us as the newest addition to our dealer network, as they work to promote renewable energy in the Ottawa area. Harry’s Home Comfort is committed to helping their local clients save on energy through the installation of energy efficient HVAC solutions, and now solar as well.

    “With their established residential client base and robust sales force, Harry’s Home Comfort is poised to become a leading provider of solar energy installations in the Ottawa area” says Christopher Ogilvie, CEO at Xolar Inc. “At the same time, this partnership further establishes Xolar Inc. as the obvious solution for any home service based business looking to participate in the solar energy industry.”

    Christopher Ogilvie – CEO Xolar Inc.

    Partnering with Xolar Inc.gives our dealers access to volume equipment pricing they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, and the ability to leverage our expert project management and engineering staff to get their projects installed at high quality and scale.

    Xolar Inc is a national Canadian solar EPC transitioning both residential and commercial clients to solar energy from project design all the way to construction.

    Harry’s Home Comfort has served over 1000 homeowners in Ottawa, building a reputation for heating and cooling solutions that prioritise quality and customer satisfaction, with the ultimate goal of providing every customer with peace of mind.

    To learn more about this dealer partner, visit their website: www.harryshome.ca

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  • New Brunswick Home Energy Savings

    New Brunswick Home Energy Savings

    New Brunswick Home Energy Savings

    Home Rebate

    New Brunswick Launches New Home Energy Savings Program

    As the Greener Homes Grant rebate phase concludes, New Brunswick is strengthening its sustainability commitment by launching a retrofit program for upcoming residential construction projects.

    The rebate incentive is a three-tiered program. The lowest tier provides $1000 in rebate money, the middle tier moves up to $9000, and the highest tier allots up to $15000. The rebate incentive requires criteria to be met in the building of the property.  The addition of renewable energy, like solar power, is the only way for the property to reach the 2nd or 3rd tier of the rebate incentive for the maximum possible rebate allowed. Lets take a look at what the program requires.

    Eligibility Requirements

    Either the builder or the homeowners can register for the rebate incentive. The incentive registration must be completed before the building permit is issued. Homes with building permits issued within 30 days of registration are able to participate. The eligible building types are listed as follows:

    • Homes located in New Brunswick heated by electricity, cord wood, pellets,
      natural gas, or propane
    • Single detached, semi-detached, and row houses
    • Semi-detached or row housing units must have party walls that extend from the
      slab to the attic and have separated heating and ventilation systems
    • Manufactured dwellings on a permanent foundation
    • Types of eligible foundations:
    • Basement foundation
    • Slab-on-grade with anchors
    • Concrete blocks on an engineered pad Verification purposes
    • Piers and beams
    • Must be a residential property as defined under Part 9 of the National Building
      Code of Canada 2015. Such properties would be no more than three (3) stories
      high and having a footprint of not more than 600 m2 (6,458 ft2).

    Note that the following buildings are ineligible:

    • Homes heated with oil
      natural gas, or propane
    • Mixed-use buildings with less than 50% Residential Occupancy
    • Multi-Unit Residential Buildings having two or more dwelling units. Note: Some
      two-unit buildings may be eligible if there is an interior unlocked doorway
      connecting the 2 units. In these cases, eligibility will be determined by your
      chosen Service Organization
    • Off-grid buildings
    • Cottages and camps not lived in year-round

    Performance Based Rebate Incentive

    The rebate categorizes 3 types of prescriptive upgrades you can incorporate into the building of your property: Building Envelope, Mechanical Systems, or Domestic Hot Water. You must complete at least five upgrades in total across the three categories to trigger an incentive.

    Building envelope is primarily concerned with upgrades related to insulation, air tightness, and roofing. Mechanical systems are related to specific types of heat pumps or boilers. Domestic Hot Water is concerned with having an energy efficient hot water heater as the name implies.

    Program details and types of upgrades can be referenced here.

    Achieve A Zero-Energy Rated Home

    Through the EnerGuide Rating System a residence can achieve a zero-energy rating, indicating that the yearly projected energy consumption is balanced by on-site renewable energy production, often utilizing solar photovoltaic technology. This means that by installing solar on your newly built home you will be instantly qualified for the middle-tier incentives of $9000. Depending on the prescriptive upgrades you chose from the incentive list you may also be qualified for the highest tier incentives of up to $15000.

    Get the most out of your rebate by installing Solar

    This incentive cuts the costs of going solar in the short run, and in the long run many thousands are saved from the solar system installation. Going solar instantly qualifies you for the mid-tier of incentives of up to $9000, making it easier for you to choose the upgrades that are best for your soon to be built home. It also makes it easier for you to reach the incentive ceiling of $15000. Opting for these upgrades not only guarantees long-term savings but also ensures low energy costs and enhances overall energy efficiency.

    Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what is required and make sure you maximize the value of the rebates you receive. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your residential project’s energy needs.

    Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.

    The official website for the program can be found here.
    Program details can be referenced here.

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  • NB Commercial Energy Efficiency Program

    NB Commercial Energy Efficiency Program

    NB Commercial Energy Efficiency Program

    NB Launches the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program and the New Construction Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program

    As the Greener Homes Grant rebate phase concludes, New Brunswick is strengthening its sustainability commitment with an enhanced retrofit program for existing commercial buildings. Furthermore, the province is launching a unique rebate initiative for upcoming commercial and industrial constructions and property additions. Installing solar is a great way to access the lion’s share of the available commercial rebates and tax credits. Whether your business is up and running or in development, either one of these programs can help create a sustainable facility, cut power costs, and get you the largest possible incentive for your commercial property. Let’s look at the details of the two programs.

    The Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program (Existing Commercial Projects)

    The Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program is a successful existing program that just received some more funding. The primary objective of the program is to assist owners and operators of commercial buildings to implement energy efficient projects such as solar power.

    The program incentive just doubled from $30/GJ to $60/GJ, and the electricity incentive cap has also increased to $250,000 per fiscal year. Upon completion of energy efficient retrofits, you will also be eligible for up to 100% of energy audit costs up to a maximum of $8,000 (based on the size of the property).

    The incentive calculation is derived from the annual kilowatt hours (kWh) saved by the installed solar PV system and any other installed retrofits. Businesses become eligible for a $60 rebate for every gigajoule (GJ) saved, with 1 GJ equivalent to 277.778 kWh. This retrofit program stacks with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), offering an additional 30% in savings.

    Further details on the program and eligible building types can be found here.

    The SaveEnergyNB website for the program can be found here.

    The New Construction Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program (NEW)

    New Brunswick’s commitment to sustainable development extends to new commercial buildings under construction. The introduction of the Commercial Energy Efficiency Program (NEW) aims to incentivize the incorporation of energy-efficient solutions right from the early stages of construction with a goal moving to net-zero energy ready buildings. Installing solar power is a great way to lower your energy costs while also reaching the greatest rebate amount possible for your new commercial project.

    Enterprises engaged in new construction projects stand to benefit from a rebate equivalent to 25% of the incremental costs, capped at a maximum of $250,000. It is worth highlighting that this rebate also applies for additions to existing building structures. This retrofit program stacks with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), offering an additional 30% in savings.

    The following types of commercial and industrial buildings are eligible:

    • Business and institutional buildings; including mixed use and multi-unit residential
    • Not-for-profit buildings
    • First Nations buildings
    • Buildings located in New Brunswick.

    Bear in consideration that if you seek this rebate, you should contact SaveEnergyNB before the project has been started and before you have incurred any costs to discuss the next steps.

    Further details on the program and eligible building types can be found here.
    The SaveEnergyNB website for the program can be found here.

    Getting the most out of the Commercial Incentives

    These incentives cut the costs of going solar in the short run, and in the long run many thousands are saved from the solar system installation. You get to stabilize and save money on your energy costs, New Brunswick gets closer to reaching its net-zero energy goals, and it’s great for the environment.

    It’s a win-win-win situation. Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what is required and make sure you maximize the value of the rebates you receive. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your commercial projects energy needs.

    Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.

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  • Guelph Homeowners Can Receive $25,600 for Green Renovations

    Guelph Homeowners Can Receive $25,600 for Green Renovations

    Guelph Homeowners Can Receive $25,600 for Green Renovations

    How Guelph homeowners can get colossal $25,600 in grant money to cover their energy efficient renovations

    There’s great news for residents in the Guelph area of Ontario with the new Guelph Greener Homes program.

    If you’ve read our article on the Canada Greener Homes Grant, then you know that there is already $10,600 on the table in rebate money for homeowners in Ontario for making energy efficient retrofits like solar panel installations. The Guelph Greener Homes program has been implemented to offer an additional up to $15,000 in grant money to applicants for installing an airsource heat pump. These two programs stack to a whopping $25,600 in potential rebate money that is available to you if you make the move to get a solar panel installation + a heat pump. Let’s take a look at the program details.

    Who’s eligible?

    • Residential low-rise buildings in Guelph with a property tax account with the City;
    • All registered owner(s) of the property must consent to participating in the Program;
    • Properties with no back taxes or liens or title disputes;
    • Property must be more than five (5) years old;
    • The home improvements haven’t started yet.
    • The Value Assessment of the property must be equal to or less than $350,000.

    There are also income qualifications for receiving the grant. You can see the income qualifications in the graph below. Qualifying is based on the number of people in the home and how much income the household makes

    Take advantage of the interest free loan opportunity

    There is also a loan aspect that is part of the Guelph Greener Homes program. The details of the loan program are listed below. It’s important to note this allows $10,000 more than is available under the Canada Greener Homes Loan.

    • 0% interest
    • Up to $50,000
    • 10-year payback (added to the property tax bill)
    • Lump sum repayments limited to one time in a year are allowed
    • A program administration fee of $500 will apply.

    Getting the most out of the Guelph Greener Homes Program

    Heat pumps can lower your energy bill by making your usage more efficient and solar panel installations are designed to eliminate the charges on your power bill by generating that energy yourself at home instead of buying it from the power company. These two retrofits work in tandem wonderfully. While everyone else is experiencing rising power costs year over year, you’ll be avoiding those costs by producing the energy yourself and then also using it more efficiently.

    Where do you start?

    The first step is to schedule a pre-property assessment with a Registered Energy Advisor. The program requires pre- and post- home energy assessments to measure how much more efficient your home will be after the retrofits are installed. After your pre-assessment is complete, you then gather your quotes and perform the upgrades. The retrofits that you choose to do and the equipment being installed will determine your total rebate size. If you’d like to take advantage of this amazing rebate program, we can help. Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers will guide you through the process and help you maximize the rebates you get back. If you are interested, let’s get started on the vital step of acquiring a tailor-made proposal for your personal energy needs at home.

     

    Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.

    For full program details of the federal grant, you may visit the Canada Greener Homes Grant website.

    For full program details of the regional grant, you may visit the Guelph Greener Homes website.

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  • Canada Greener Homes Grant

    Canada Greener Homes Grant

    Canada Greener Homes Grant

    Reduce your energy expenses and qualify for government grants of up to $5,600

    Save on your energy bills and get up to $5,600 in government grants

    In May 2021 the Government of Canada launched the Canada Greener Homes Initiative to help Canadians make energy-efficient home upgrades to combat climate change and create good jobs – all while helping homeowners save on their monthly energy bills. The Government of Canada has made a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and the Canada Greener Homes Grant lies at the core at the initiative to achieve this goal. The grant offers up to $5,000 for homeowners to make energy-efficient retrofits to their home such as a solar power installation or heat pumps.

    Outlining the requirements for the Canada Greener Homes Grant

    It’s important to note that the Canada Greener Homes Grant is a nationwide program which may have specific requirements based on the province in which you live; but, there are some base guidelines which are the same no matter where you live in the country. You will need to complete a pre-energy assessment before you make any changes to your property, and then also a post-energy assessment after your installations are finished. These assessments do have associated costs, but that depends on the province you reside in – fortunately, the grant also allocates up to $600 which you will receive to cover the costs of these assessments. Only one homeowner per home can register for the program, and to qualify you must:

    • prove ownership by providing a property tax bill number (This number can be found on municipal property tax documents.)
    • prove the property is your primary residence with a valid piece of government-issued ID with the matching address, such as a driver’s license. This residence must also be at least 6 months old.
    • Not begin your eligible retrofit until after you receive your EnerGuide home evaluation

    The grant applies to the following types of homes regardless of province:

    • Single and semi-detached houses
    • Permanently moored floating homes
    • Mobile homes on a permanent foundation
    • Townhomes and Row Housing
    • a multi-unit residential building (three storeys or less with a footprint of 600 m2 or less)
    • Mixed use buildings (residential portion only)

    The Program has been met with high demand

    Funding for the Canada Greener Homes Grant is limited to a value of 2.6 billion, good for 700,000 grants. The program ends 7 years from its inception date in 2021; however, with the number of applications, it is possible funding runs out before that timeline is up. We’re only about 2 years into the program and 381,000 grant applications have been received through the national portal as of August 2023. Now is a great time to take the first step to go solar since the program funding is limited and there is a queue of pending applications awaiting processing by the government. You do not want to put your renovations off, as you may find that the opportunity is gone sooner rather than later.

    The Canada Greener Homes Loan Criteria

    The Canada Greener Homes Loan has been coupled with the grant program to make it that much easier to renovate your home’s energy efficiency. It allows homeowners to apply for a 10-year interest-free loan for an amount between $5,000 and $40,000. The maximum eligible loan amount is based on the retrofits selected in the application and the quotes you have received to complete their installation. A maximum of one loan is available per eligible property and homeowner. A 15% portion of the loan is disbursed to you up front, to cover your project’s down payment. For all loan applicants the following eligibility requirements must be met before applying for the loan:

    • You must be eligible for and apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grant or the equivalent provincial program
    • You must be a Canadian homeowner, and your home must be your primary residence
    • You have completed a pre-retrofit evaluation of your home dated April 1, 2024, or later
    • You have a good credit history and aren’t under:
    • a consumer proposal
    • an orderly payment of debt program
    • a bankruptcy or equivalent insolvency proceeding

    Getting the most out of the Canada Greener Homes Grant

    If you are a resident of Ontario, the program is delivered by Enbridge as part of the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+). This provincial version of the program adds another $5,000 available for your solar power or heat pump retrofits, up to a maximum of $10,000 for grant recipients of this region. Check out our article on the Durham Region in the Greater Toronto Area if you are a resident of the region and want to benefit from their regional program which offers another $10,000 for energy-efficient home renovations when bundled with the national grant for a total of up to $20,000.

    For New Brunswick residents, you should take a look at our article on the province’s Total Home Energy Savings Program. Homeowners in New Brunswick can get up to $3,000 just for installing solar power for their home, and an additional $1,500 if you choose to add a heat pump to your renovation plans, for a combined total of up to $9,500 after factoring in both the provincial and federal rebates.

    Regardless of where you live in the country, our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what is required in your province and make sure you maximize the value of the rebates you get back. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your personal energy needs at home.

    Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.

    For full program details, you may visit the Canada Greener Homes Grant website.

    XOLAR INC.

    Xolar is a full service turn-key platform for transitioning both residential and commercial clients, book a free quote today!

    Fast Solar Quote

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