Solar systems to go on B.C. public buildings

Schools, universities and two hospitals in British Columbia have been given $2.8 million to install solar systems on their buildings. The grant from the B.C. government’s Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement (PSECA) and its partners has been made primarily to support the province’s solar technology industry, but there will also be energy savings for the buildings involved.
In 2008 the province committed $75 million to the PSCEA over three years to help public sector organizations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The goal is for all public buildings to be carbon neutral this year.
Twenty-four schools, including Vancouver School District #39 and Delta School District #37 will receive the PSECA solar energy funding, as will post-secondary education institutions such as buildings at Okanagan College and UBC’s MBA House. Three hospitals on Vancouver Island, and hospitals in Penticton and Summerland will also benefit from the program.
Nitya Harris, executive director of SolarBC, one of the partners in PSECA, said in an announcement: “This will help us realize our vision of a viable solar market with knowledgeable consumers and a network of skilled solar energy professionals throughout B.C.”
The partners of PSECA include BC Hydro, Terasen Gas, SolarBC and Natural Resources Canada.