SAVE — Cont’d from page 53 “If you’re interested in installing solar for your home or business, the site of the solar PV system itself, including the orientation and shading, is the most significant factor that will affect how much electricity your solar PV system will generate over time,” Smith says. “South-facing panels with minimal shading provide the highest solar production,” she adds. If you’re building a new home, solar PV is one of many technologies that can be used to optimize overall energy efficiency and save on costs. Efficiency Manitoba’s New Homes Program provides guidance and energy modelling to help minimize your energy costs and maximize your rebate — up to $12,000 is available for new homes that incorporate solar PV in their overall energy-efficient design. You should apply in the design stage of your project to be eligible for a New Homes Program rebate.
SOUTH-FACING PANELS WITH MINIMAL SHADING PROVIDE THE HIGHEST SOLAR PRODUCTION.
Smith notes that the average price of installing a solar PV system in Manitoba is $3 per watt, so it can be quite a large investment. Some homeowners may qualify for incentives available through the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, administered by Natural Resources Canada. Visit nrcan.gc.ca to find information about that program. Efficiency Manitoba has more than 40 different offers for folks looking to make upgrades or incorporate energy- efficient systems into new builds. Visit efficiencymb.ca to learn more.
“If you live in an older home, we recommend evaluating all areas of opportunity — such as insulation, air sealing, and heating systems — before investing in a solar PV system,” says Allison Lund, energy-efficiency specialist for the New Homes and Home Energy Retrofit programs. “Upgrading the building enclosure first is often a more cost-effective way to reduce your home’s energy consumption. If you are considering a major energy-efficiency overhaul, our Home Energy Retrofit Program is a great place to begin,” she says.
54 Parade of Homes SPRING 2023
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