Anarres is Wind Powered
As you may know, Anarres Natural Health is electrified 100% by wind turbines through two cooperatives I bought into more than a decade ago. Some folks expect to see a wind turbine on my roof, but that's not how Wind Share and other coops work. The wind turbine at the CNE, for example, contributes a measured amount of electricity into the grid, and members are supplied electricity from the grid, and dividends to compensate for the electricity we sold at the end of the year. Produced cooperatively, with a wind turbine in an ideally windy location, there's no interruption of electricity ever (except when the grid collapses!!!)
Solar Hot Water: The Final Frontier?
For six years now, I have contemplated and researched installing a solar hot water system for my home and clinic. The first solar hot water heating units I was offered came in flat 4x8 panels, and two are required. My south facing roof is small like my house and could only accommodate one panel.
Next, I looked into mounting the panels on racks on my flat roof or my porch roof, but the cost turned me off.
This past weekend at The Green Culture Festival, I found my solution:
Just yesterday, I ordered a solar water heater from Globe Solar Energy Inc. (GSE), one of Canada’s most successful solar companies. Manny Bade, GSE’s Ontario Area Sales Coordinator whom I met at the festival, came to my house to explain the advantages of GSE’s IP-195 Solar Water Heating System.
The Tube and Tank Sold Me!
Because this system uses tubes instead of flat panels, it captures the sun's rays at all angles - so I only need one! And because the heated weater tank is on top of the panel, I don't need to buy an additional tank next to my rented hot water heater, so it's affordable!
The IP-195 uses evacuated tubes that are over 90% efficient in capturing the radiant heat of the sun. A heat pipe inside each vacuum tube transfers this captured heat to the tip of the pipe that extends inside the integrated tank, thus heating the water inside the tank. The system is so simple it does not have any moving parts, I don’t need another tank in my basement, and it is safe as it uses no chemical such as glycol. In fact, it is the only evacuated tube system in Canada that is certified by the Canadian Safety Association.
The high efficiency of the IP-195 is such that one unit of the system is enough to serve the need of a household of 5 or more persons and the cost is less than $5,000.00. The Canadian Government contributes a $1,250.00 cash grant towards the installation of the system. The Ontario Government matches this grant for another $1,250.00. Revenue Canada will give me a tax refund of 15% of the amount over $1,000.00. In all, I will receive over $3,000.00 of government money, just by installing a solar hot water system on the roof of my house.
We Could Save $12,500 in Gas Costs!
The IP-195 will save my household over $500.00 off our gas bill every year for the 25 years of its expected life. If your house has an electric water heater, you could save up to twice as much!
So with all the government incentives, it will take less than 3 years for me to recover my investment. Then I'll have $500 extra per year to spend on fun... or maybe the RRRevolution!
Manny showed me how TD Canada Trust will finance the difference between the cost of the system and the government incentives for as low as $16.00 per month. But - clever me! - I am going to use my home's reserve fund to pay for the installation and system.
My System Will Help Save The Planet, Of Course!
The best part is the system will displace 2.2 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Mostly, I am doing this because generating the energy we want should be done without polluting our Planet! I look forward to the day when all my energy needs can be met renewably, from cooking to heating. Solar hot water heating is the next big step for me and I can't wait!
September 8 - The Big Day!
On Tuesday, September 8, an inspector will come in to do the required energy audit. Right afterwards, the solar hot water heating system will be installed on the roof!
What's My Big Idea? A New Community Initiative to Cool Down The Planet and Heat Ourselves Up!
The next step for me is obvious - spread the RRRevolution! I am organizing a community initiative to fight global warming with solar energy. I am looking for a non profit partner group with environmental, health and community goals and values. My plan is to negotiate special pricing with Globe Solar Energy - who are on board! - and share the outreach, coordination and a small commission with the partner group. Anyone interested in joining this RRRevolution, please call me at 416-535-9620 or email me through Anarres.