You may have heard about the Solar Neighbourhoods Project, a pilot program whose incentive payments and loan options are only open to residents of Riverdale's Ward 30 (Councillor Paula Fletcher's ward).

Don't despair if you are not in this area! ReAct's Project is valid anywhere in North America!

You will still receive generous ecoENERGY incentives for solar hot water, plus benefit from the bulk purchasing agreement with Globe Solar!

* Through the ecoENERGY program, you can qualify for up to $2500 in rebates for a solar hot water system anywhere in Ontario by undertaking an ecoENERGY assessment of your home. Your ecoENERGY assessment will also qualify you for rebates on other home upgrades, such as improved insulation, a new furnace or air conditioner, and new windows and doors. For details, visit http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/grants.cfm?attr=4

* An Ontario provincial sales tax rebate is currently available for systems installed before Jan. 1, 2010. We have the paperwork for applying for this rebate.

* The federal Home Renovation Tax Credit applies nationally to solar hot water systems and can provide a credit of up to $1350 on top of the ecoENERGY rebate. The HRTC is calculated on the full cost of the system and installation before any other credits or rebates. The HRTC is only available until January, 2010.

* A tankless (also called "on demand") hot water system will work well with a solar system and will eliminate the need for two water storage tanks. It is also a good option if you are not ready for solar but want to reduce your hot water heating bill. There are more than $600 in combined incentives available for these systems from Enbridge Gas and the ecoENERGY program. These systems also qualify for the HRTC incentive (see above).

If you are interested in commercial or multi-residential applications for solar hot water, there are significant incentives available. See the links below for details.

Remember to get your referral through me, Tracey TieF in order to have $300 per system donated to The Tooker Gomberg Greenspiration Fund!

ecoENERGY for Heat Program
http://ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/heat-chauffage/index-eng.cfm

Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive Program
www.mei.gov.on.ca/english/energy/conservation/?page=OSTHI

For other commercial energy-savings programs sponsored by the City of Toronto please visit: www.toronto.ca/energy/