WHEREAS solar energy systems present real and proven environmental and economic efficiencies for both commercial and domestic applications; AND WHEREAS enabling programs promoting solar energy systems should be considered a necessary component to the Provinces initiatives to address climate change and meet the principles of the Climate Action Charter: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities appeal to the provincial and federal governments to immediately institute meaningful, effective programs that encourage homeowners and businesses to install solar energy systems in their homes and facilities to supplement their electrical consumption, thereby reducing their reliance upon and enabling them to contribute to the provincial power grid.
Ministry of Energy, Mines Petroleum Resources Currently, over 90 percent of BCs electricity comes from clean sources and the Province has the full range of renewable energy resources available for development, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, bioenergy, geothermal, wave and tidal. The BC Energy Plan commits BC Hydro to becoming electricity self-sufficient by 2016, while also requiring that all electricity generation in the Province has net zero greenhouse gas emissions. These goals will require the expanded development of a wide range of BCs clean energy resources. Currently, solar photovoltaic is not cost competitive compared to other available clean electricity resources. The heritage hydroelectric facilities that provide the majority of BCs clean power also support the Provinces low electricity rates, which have long been a competitive advantage in attracting industry. The Province is committed to maintaining its competitive rate advantage and, as it seeks to acquire new clean energy resources, will do so in a way that first targets low-cost clean power options. Both BC Hydro and FortisBC offer net metering programs, which provide homeowners who install solar panels or other clean electricity generators the opportunity to earn credits for power produced in excess of their needs at a rate based on the average price paid for electricity from commercial power projects. BC also encourages the installation of solar hot water systems through the SolarBC initiative. Solar hot water systems produce heat rather than electricity and are much less costly than similar-sized solar photovoltaic systems. Solar hot water can help homeowners significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when it displaces natural gas, which is used to heat water in 60 percent of BC homes. SolarBC offers a 1,000 rebate for solar hot water systems installed by installers registered with the program.