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Positive feedback from solar proposal – Metro US

Positive feedback from solar proposal

Richard MacLellan is fielding hundreds of calls from residents eager to help make Halifax the country’s first “solar city.”

MacLellan, with the Sustainable Environment Management Office, presented a project to Halifax regional council earlier this month that would install solar panels to 500 houses to heat hot water. Since approving the $5-million idea in principle, MacLellan said his inbox has been full of Haligonians hoping to install the two panels on their properties.

“There’s been a very high level of interest,” said MacLellan.

On Thursday, the Nova Scotia government made amendments to the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter that will allow homeowners to finance the solar heating system through their tax bills, the first of its kind in Canada.

MacLellan said the program will put some extra change in the pockets of participants.

“Their savings will enhance particularly with the increased cost of energy,” he said, adding residents will see the biggest impact over the next five to 10 years.

If interest is sufficient and council approves the project, an online pre-screening registration will begin Dec. 15.