SYDNEY MINES, N.S. — A government program looks to help community organizations add solar energy to their buildings and Nova Scotia lead the fight against climate change.
This year, there are 26 successful applicants to the Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Program. These non-profit organizations can now add solar electricity systems to their buildings and sell the energy generated to their local electricity utility under a 20-year contract.
“Across the province, we are building a strong, green economy that creates jobs and benefits everyone,” Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette said in a release. “This program helps strengthen local organizations as we work towards some of the most ambitious climate change goals North America.”
Community buildings projects can generate up to 75 kilowatts of electricity. Applicants propose a price per kilowatt hour. Clean Foundation independently evaluates submissions and selects the successful projects.
“Munro Academy has always made environmental stewardship a priority. Support from the province through the Solar Community Buildings Program allows us to move forward on the path of clean energy and help us direct funds back to where it belongs — in the classroom,” said Scott Milligan, board chair of Munro Academy in Sydney Mines, a Solar for Community Buildings recipient.
Over the past three years, 71 projects totaling 3.8 megawatts of electricity have been approved over the past three years. Solar energy use in Nova Scotia has grown by about 300 per cent over the past two years.
Just over a year ago, there were 13 approved solar installers in the province. Today, there are 57 businesses and hundreds of new jobs.
“This program has been instrumental in our company expanding and creating new jobs in Cape Breton,” said David Angot, president of Doctor Solar. “Through this project we hope to demonstrate that government and private industry are working together on the front lines of climate change, and we are pleased that young people will see real progress and clean energy at their school.”
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