Press Release
Installation of Solar Hot Air Panels in Rural Community Centres Continues
(Thursday, February 3, 2011) - Solar Hot Air installs were recently completed in the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre and the Harrietsfield/Williamswood Community Centre. This brings the total to four installations that HRM has completed in municipally owned/community operated buildings.
Solar hot air panels are designed for supplemental room heating when the sun is shining. Air is drawn through the unit, heated up and pushed back into the room without electrical assistance. The unit is self-powered. These panels do not heat domestic hot water and are different from the Solar City initiative.
Councillor Peter Lund, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, offered his endorsement of the project: "I really like seeing Community Groups being able to realize the benefits of renewable energy projects. With rising energy costs, these initiatives truly support communities. The new Environment and Sustainability Committee is supportive of ideas that demonstrate the blend of environmental and economic sustainability, and this installation does that."
"Residents in the Herring Cove/Spryfield Area are showing their interest in and support of solar projects. We had over 100 residents attend the Captain William Spry Centre Solar City Consultation session and after hearing about more Nova Scotia Power increases, becoming a customer of the sun is getting a lot more enticing", said Councillor Steve Adams.
With funding from the Sustainable Communities Reserve, the municipality intends to spend approximately $20,000 putting up Solar Hot Air Panels on a number of HRM owned Community Facilities. The intent of the project is to reduce the operating costs of the facilities for the community groups and to increase knowledge in the community of renewable energy solutions.
For more information visit www.halifax.ca/environment/semo
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Peter Lund, HRM Councillor District 23, phone 497-7508, email- peter.lund@halifax.ca
Steve Adams, HRM Councillor District 18, phone 497-8818, email- adamss@halifax.ca
Richard MacLellan, phone 490-6056, maclelri@halifax.ca
