Solar energy is a clean and abundant energy resource that can be used to supplement many of your energy needs. Solar energy can be utilized as a form of heat, such as solar water heating, and as electricity, such as solar photovoltaics. Solar water heating systems are commonly referred to in the industry as Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) systems.

Consumers often ask if there is enough sunlight in Canada to support solar applications such as water heating. In fact, there is enough solar energy to deliver an average of 2500 kWh of energy per year. This means that a solar water heater can provide enough solar energy to meet about one half of the water heating energy needs for a family of four.

Available Rebates:

• HAT Smart Rebate - up to $3,000 (50% of installed cost)
• Government of Alberta - no rebates at this time
• Government of Canada - $1,250 (program ends March 31, 2011)

To qualify for a HAT Smart Rebate and other Government offered Rebates:

• Attend an Energy Conservation Seminar at City Hall and receive a $100 HAT Smart discount on a residential energy assessment.
• Install a Solar Water Heating system that meets the City’s qualification standards:
  • Minimum rated energy production of 12 Gjs per year
  • Solar Thermal Collectors accepted by NRCan’s EcoEnergy for Renewable Heat program
• Complete any other qualifying home energy retrofits
• Schedule a post-retrofit residential energy assessment to confirm upgrades and update efficiency rating for your home with an NRCan-licensed advisor

How to receive your rebates:

• HAT Smart Renewable Energy Rebate Process:
  1. Solar Self Assessment – understand if your proposed location might be suitable
  2. Contact a Solar Installer for a quote – determine cost for an installed system.  Understand your projected annual savings.
  3. Confirm Availability of Rebate – complete HAT Smart rebate confirmation request.
  4. Complete Installation and the required Solar Hot Water Commissioning Report, then apply for the Solar Hot Water Rebate.
• Email: hatsmart@medicinehat.ca
• Mail: Environment Department
          580 – First Street SE
          Medicine Hat, AB  T1A 8E6
• Government of Alberta – no rebates offered at this time
• Government of Canada – your NRCan-licensed advisor will apply for the rebates as part of the final home energy audit process.

For more information:
HAT Smart Rebate Summary
National Resources Canada (NRCan)
Climate Change Central