Global Warming And Canada's Solutions
Global warming and Canada's reaction to it is starting to bear fruit. Even in the oil-rich province of Alberta, realisation has set in that relying on fossil fuels is no longer sustainable. Climate Change Central's Alberta Solar Municipal Showcase has been granted up to C$350,000 in funding from Canada's Green Municipal Fund to support a 2 year project where solar panels will be installed on 20 municipal buildings across the oil-producing province of Alberta. "These installations will demonstrate to Alberta homeowners, businesses and municipal governments the technical viability of grid-connected solar panels, which are well established elsewhere in the world," said Edmonton Councillor Karen Leibovici. A one-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system - enough to supply up to 20% of a typical household's annual electrical needs - will be placed on each building. The Green Municipal Fund initiatives attempt to fight global warming and Canada's reliance on oil by reaching cleaner standards of air, water and soil quality, and improving climate protection through solar panels. "Municipal governments and their partners are vital as we work together to develop a strategy for renewable and emission free energy," a spokesperson said. "Getting these technologies into our communities will help Canadians reduce their energy costs." In the past, solar energy has not been required in oil-rich Alberta. But with global warming and Canada's dependence on oil high on the agenda, Albertans are switching to solar panels in their droves as the implications of reliance of traditional forms of energy start to set in. Medicine Hat, the sunniest city in Canada, is the first to activate one of the 20 installations in the Alberta Solar Municipal Showcase. "This project will help us better understand the long-term potential of this technology and help educate the public about alternatives to a sole reliance on nonrenewable sources for our energy needs," said Medicine Hat Mayor Garth Vallely. "The most important part of this project is the opportunity to provide training and public education about solar panels in each participating municipality," said Simon Knight, acting president and CEO of Climate Change Central, which is helping coordinate the project. "This project gives municipal governments the opportunity to influence by example," said Knight, "and to showcase a globally accepted renewable energy technology." To return to the solar power in canada page. To return to our main solar energy home page. PS. Are you worried about global warming? Would you like your very own solar power system for under $200/£100 that will save you 80% on your electricity bill and help the environment? If the answer is 'YES' then click here for more information. As seen on CNN.
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