What You Need to Know About The Tourism Relief Fund

Quick Case Study Of Our Client – Fernie Fox Hotel

Just recently we began working on a project for one of our clients who owns a Fernie Fox Hotel. Our main goal was to make the hotel self sustainable by installing solar panels which will allow the hotel to produce more renewable energy than it was consuming. The solar modules supply power to grid-tie inverters, which allow energy to be fed directly back to the power grid. When consumption on site is low, this will provide the customer with a credit on their utility bill. After learning about the Tourism Relief Fund, we started working with our client from Fernie Fox Hotel to see if he would like to make his hotel even more energy efficient as there is a new capital investment the government is offering which he would most likely be approved for. The owner of the hotel applied and successfully was able to receive the funding for his hotel, which allowed us to go ahead and create a Net Zero hotel, reducing their electrical bill and reducing the environmental footprint of every individual who is planning on staying there! Do you reside in a community or region that relies on tourism as an economic engine or one that is transitioning to being more tourism-oriented? Maybe your business activities support the transition to a greener economy… If you answered yes to one of these, you might want to read on. The reality is Canada’s economic recovery depends on the health of its businesses and communities as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, as we begin to see the travel industry rebound, it’s essential to strengthen and develop our tourism sector. To help advance these sectors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal government has created : The Tourism Relief Fund and the Jobs & Growth Fund in Western Canada. Also Read: Information About Greener Homes Incentive

Does This Article Pertain To Me?

Before you continue reading on, do you fall under one of these groups?
  • Businesses, including co-operatives
  • Not-for-profit organizations and community economic development partners
  • Incorporated businesses, primarily small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • Not-for-profit incorporated organizations (including tourism associations and destination marketing organizations)
  • A municipality, municipal organizations, Crown corporations and related parties
  • Indigenous/First Nation/Métis Settlement owned business
  • Indigenous organization
If so, then yes. This article is for you.

What Is The Tourism Relief Fund?

Within a two-year period, $500 million will be invested into the tourism sector by the TRF. Although it won’t solve all problems, the funding could be vital in allowing a business to remain in operation and employ staff during the long road to recovery. Its mission is to position Canada to be a destination of choice for domestic and international travel once again through:

Product Development

Providing tourism businesses with the resources and tools necessary to create and improve products and services to attract more local and domestic tourists.

Destination Development

Offering the best Canadian tourism experiences to the world by helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors.

Who Is Eligible?

For the Tourism Relief Fund, you must be one or more of the three: 1. A key supplier/operator in the visitor experience: You must aid the tourism economy by supplying critical infrastructure and services, connecting tourism products to potential markets, taking the initiative to build sustainable tourism projects, and supporting skill development in the tourism sector. 2. Part of a defined tourism cluster: You are part of a concentration of businesses that have complementary products and services and aim to support the main drivers of tourism in that area. You would have to reside in a local economy that is dependent on tourism or is transitioning to one that is more tourism-centric. 3. An anchor product in a destination: You are a motivator of travel to this region, and your business is a catalyst for tourists to choose your specific region of travel.

How Good Is My Eligibility?

For the Tourism Relief Fund, your project will be given priority consideration if it contributes to any of the following:
  • supports the Indigenous tourism sector
  • the business/organization is of strategic importance to the tourism sector in the region
  • contributes to the economic development of a region
  • contributes to job creation in the region
  • takes place in a tourism-dependent community/region, including projects supporting downtown cores
If your project falls under one of these, it’s highly suggested that you apply.

What Would Make Me Ineligible?

Businesses such as restaurants, those in the retail sector and hotel chains are not eligible for the Tourism Relief Fund.

How Much Can I Receive?

For the Tourism Relief Fund, for-profit organizations must specify whether they request a non-repayable contribution or a fully repayable contribution. Assistance is provided at the following rates and maximum amounts:
  • non-repayable contributions up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $100,000
  • repayable contributions up to 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of $500,000
It’s essential to note… contributions to a non-profit organization/Indigenous entity (not generating profits) will typically be non-repayable. In addition, contributions to projects usually do not exceed $500k, so don’t budget for more than that. And if you want to apply for a combination of non-repayable and repayable contributions? Just know it’s not going to be accepted. Please also checkout the range ofsolar system installation services that we offer to all of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.

What’s the Federal Greener Homes Incentive?

The Federal Greener Homes Initiative is a government incentive created to help reduce carbon emissions made by homes with an investment of $2.6 billion over seven years. Through this, homeowners can qualify for up to $5600 in grants to make their homes more energy-efficient. By making your home more energy-efficient you can effortlessly save money and live more comfortably. In this article, we’ll share why thousands of Canadians have made the switch to greener homes and how you can get started on reducing your energy bills.

How Does The Federal Greener Homes Incentive Work?

Did you know that your home accounts for 18% of emissions in Canada? Canadians use 5 times more energy than the world average and are large contributors to carbon emissions. The Canada Greener Homes incentive is a win-win for anyone who wants to help fight climate change and upgrade their home. Through this initiative, the government wants to help you make your home a greener place to live. Through offering incentives, the government plans to make greener homes all in an effort to bring carbon emissions down to Net-Zero by 2050.

What’s Included In The Greener Homes Incentive?

By creating greener homes around the country, Canadians are being incentivized with:
  • Up to 700,000 grants of up to $5,000 to help homeowners make energy-efficient retrofits to their homes, such as better insulation
  • EnerGuide evaluations (worth up to $600) and expert advice to homeowners so they can begin to plan their retrofits
  • Recruitment and training of EnerGuide energy advisors to meet the increased demand.

Why Should I Consider Making My Home Greener?

Since your home is one of your most valuable assets, it is important to invest wisely. Greener homes benefit from long-term energy savings, not only by using less energy but by ensuring the home needs less maintenance. By making your home greener; you’ll effortlessly be building value with the upgrades. Solar panels for example could potentially add 3-4% more value to your home instantly while saving you money.

How Do Greener Homes Benefit The Economy?

Aside from fighting climate change, the Canada Greener Homes Grant has created hundreds of new jobs for energy advisors and has allowed domestic green supply chains to thrive. Up to $10 million will be provided by the federal government to recruit, train, and mentor 2,000 people to conduct energy audits. By creating a cleaner, more sustainable Canada, future generations will be able to thrive and help build upon the foundation made by generations today.

Am I Eligible For The Greener Homes Grant?

Registration is limited to one homeowner per household. You will need to have documents proving that your residence is your “primary residence” with you, such as a government-issued ID or a utility bill. Landlords who live off-site will not be eligible. Local Indigenous governments and housing management agencies that partner with Indigenous organizations are also eligible for the program, but they may register more than one home.

Is My Home Eligible For The Greener Homes Grant?

According to Global News, eligible property types for the program include:
  • Single and semi-detached houses
  • Row housing and townhomes
  • All-season cottages
  • Mobile homes on a permanent foundation
  • Permanently-moored floating homes
  • Residential portions of mixed-use buildings
  • Small multi-unit residential buildings, which must be three stories or less and with a footprint no bigger than 600 m2.
New homes and highrise condos are not eligible.

How Can I Make My Home greener?

As per Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the federal government branch in charge of running the program, the following upgrades are eligible for grant funding:
  • Insulation (up to $5,000)
  • Sealing to improve airtightness (up to $1,000)
  • Replacement of windows and doors (up to $5,000)
  • Installation of heat pumps and hot water systems (up to $5,000)
  • Installation of solar panels (up to $5,000)
  • Measures like battery backup, waterproofing foundations, and roofing membranes (up to $2,625)
  • The installation of a smart thermostat (up to $50, but it must be combined with another retrofit)
According to NRCAN, materials and equipment must be purchased in Canada or from an online Canadian distributor.

How Can I Start Applying?

  1. You can apply at the government of Canada’s website under “NRCan- Greener Homes’. From there you will then be asked to log in to your GCKey or Sign-in Partner account before you can apply.
  2. Book your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation. Your EnerGuide will help you determine which area of your home will benefit the most from greener upgrades. It’s important to note you will be paying for this evaluation upfront.
  3. Start your upgrades and keep track of records for a seamless rebate.

How Long Could This Process Take?

Due to the high number of Canadians looking to make their homes cleaner, there has been a huge delay in the availability of EnerGuides available to audit homes. As mentioned, this is the required first step in the Greener Homes Initiative. Currently, there is a waitlist of 2-3 months to get started. Because there are only 700,000 grants available- if you are looking to make your home greener, it’s best to get started sooner rather than later.

What Are Some Drawbacks To The Greener Homes Grant?

A drawback that has some homeowners reconsidering is that you will not receive a federal grant for the upgrades upfront. This means at the start you will have to pay for all the upgrades out of pocket. Once the upgrades are approved and an audit is conducted, only then will you be able to receive a grant which can take about a month to process. It’s also important to note that not all upgrades qualify for the full grant of $5,600 and before applying to the program you should conduct thorough research and plan ahead.

How Much Will It Cost To Make My Home Greener?

Being that you do have to pay out of your pocket initially, the cost has become a top question amongst homeowners. On average the cost of upgrading a home depends on what work you’re doing and what season you’re doing it in as this can cause delays. Upgrading windows can cost on average $800 to $4000 while on the other hand installing solar panels can cost you approximately $12,000 to $25,000, fully installed. It’s best to familiarize yourself with these prices and create a budget with your household.

How Much Money Will I Be Saving By Making My Home Greener?

This again depends on the types of upgrades you are doing. Windows can save you about $126 to $465 a year, while solar panels can save you up to $1,200 per year. In addition, for every $10,000 for new windows; the asking price for a house can be bumped up by $8,500 higher on average. Solar studies show that property values can be bumped up as much as $6,000 for every 1 kW installed.

How Can I Get The Most Out Of The Greener Homes Grant?

Here are some valuable tips to help you get the most out of your grant:
  • Plan ahead: know which renovations are going to save you the most energy, and which ones are minor
  • Know what you’re working with: become familiar with the specific rebates on all your chosen updates (listed above) to ensure you can get the most bang for your buck
  • Take advantage of other programs offered municipally: programs such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) or Edmonton’s Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator (HERA) program

Summary

If you are looking to make your home greener, then the Greener Homes Grant may just be the push you need. However, homeowners need to understand that this is not free money, rather reimbursement for the upgrades you’ve done to make your home greener. While this reimbursement may not cover the full amount of upgrades done- these upgrades themselves will provide you savings for years to come. For homeowners looking to invest in their home and make it resilient for years to come, this is the perfect way to do so. Investing in your home will not only allow you to live comfortably but will bump up the property value on your home as well. There’s never a bad time to invest in your home but when looking into the Green Homes Grant, it’s important to take a look at your finances and understand what’s needed. For homeowners that do not have the money upfront or the eligibility- there are still tons of ways to save money on making your home efficient such as smart thermostats and upgraded LED light bulbs.

Off-Grid Solar and Heating Systems For Tiny Houses

Living in a tiny house is an appealing option for many. One of the most significant benefits of living in a tiny house is a lowered consumption of resources, especially electricity. Even in a cold Canadian climate, a tiny house can be completely self-sufficient and off-grid if you build it correctly. This can be accomplished by utilizing a combination of two things, creating your own electricity (via off-grid solar) and using less in the first place. Creating your own electricity allows you to be completely off-grid. In most applications, solar power is the easiest way to achieve self-sufficiency. We will focus mainly on solar power in this article. SOLAR MODULES AND BIFACIAL SOLAR When installing solar panels, there are a few things to consider. Solar panels are most efficient in northern climates with harsh winters when positioned on a steep angle. This helps the panels receive more sunlight when the sun stays close to the horizon during the winter. Additionally, the tilt of the solar panels will prevent snow from accumulating on top and obscuring sunlight. There is no reason to limit yourself to installing solar panels on the roof. Wall-mounted panels are a viable option for many. An exciting new technology, bifacial solar modules, can increase the production of solar power systems. Bifacial modules differ from standard modules because they can produce electricity from both sides of the module. If your roof is reflective, bifacial modules can significantly enhance the efficiency of your system. CHARGE CONTROLLER   MPPT, or maximum power point tracking, is a technique used to convert energy from solar panels to batteries. MPPT changes both the voltage and the current to maximize power output. Generally, MPPT is much more efficient than PWM.

LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES IN COLD

While cold weather can negatively affect all batteries, lithium batteries are more cold-resistant than other batteries. We recommend using lithium as an extra precaution in cold climates.

SPACE HEATING

Next, you need to figure out how best to heat your tiny house. There are a few methods. You can heat your home with propane, but this is expensive for a tiny house since you will need a propane tank. Plus, propane is not a renewable resource. Another option, an air-source heat pump, works by pumping air from outside and heating it through a method similar to air conditioning, but in reverse. Air-source heat pumps are one the most efficient ways to convert electricity to heat.  For a more rustic atmosphere, you can also use a wood-burning stove to heat your home. For a tiny home, using a real wood-burning stove is probably overkill and not the most efficient, but it has many other benefits. For example, you can cook on a wood-burning stove, which is arguably the “funnest” way to cook anything. Additionally, a wood-burning stove is not reliant on electricity, so in the case of an outage, you can keep your home warm.

PASSIVE SOLAR

If you design your home correctly, you can produce heat directly from sunlight, even in the winter. This is called “passive solar.” There are too many passive solar techniques to go over in this article, but we’ll cover the basics. The most important thing is to have large windows that face south to let in the sunlight. You also need to have a calculated overhang that will keep the sun out in the summer, when the sun is high in the sky, and let the sun in during the winter, when the sun hugs the horizon. It also helps to minimize windows on the north side of your house to help contain the heat. The final, and maybe the most important step, to have efficient heating is adequate insulation. If you are lucky enough to experience hot summers where you live, you can place one or two windows that open on the east and west side of your house to create a through-breeze. If you are lucky enough to have trees where you live (sorry, prairie provinces), then you can plant a few outside of your windows to provide shade in the summer and let light through in the winter.

SOLAR WATER HEATING

Unless you enjoy the splendours of hypothermia each time you take a shower, you will probably want to heat your water. You can use thermal solar collectors, a technology that collects heat directly from the sun. You can also simply heat your water with electricity and a hot water tank. A not so obvious use for hot water is to run it through pipes in your floor in order to help provide heating throughout your home. This sort of in-floor heating is very effective in tiny houses. A frequent problem with solar power systems is that once the batteries have been fully charged, all the generated power is left with nowhere to go and is discarded. A clever way to get around this issue is to transfer your excess electricity into hot water instead and store the heat rather. As an extra precaution, you should keep your water-related appliances near the centre of the home so that they are the last to freeze in the case of an outage. It is necessary to take all the extra measures if you plan to have your home off-grid. Water expands when it freezes, and copper pipes do not perform well under pressure, whereas PEX or plastic pipes can stretch a little and remain intact.

DC FRIDGE AND FREEZER

When choosing a fridge for your home, remember that DC fridges are more compatible with solar panels. Solar panels produce electricity in DC, and each time you convert DC into AC, you lose energy. Choosing DC appliances can significantly increase your efficiency. You should also consider the placement of your fridge. There is no need to heat your house and then use more electricity to cool your fridge. We would recommend placing your fridge on the fringes of your home, possibly even within your wall. Since sunlight is more abundant in the summer, your electricity will be worth more in the winter. It is more efficient thus to cool your fridge in the hot summer months than to heat it up and then cool it down in the winter.

BACK-UP POWER 

Building off-grid solar is all about risk management. We would recommend having a backup generator in the case that the weather is cloudier than usual or something else goes awry. A backup generator can be anything from a diesel or propane generator, a micro-hydro generator, or even a wind turbine. It does not have to be big, just enough to keep the necessities running. Diesel generators are more reliable in the cold Canadian winters; however, they also demand more maintenance. Micro-hydro and wind turbines are renewable, but they are also intermittent, just like solar. Depending on the day or season, the abundance of wind or water will fluctuate. Building a tiny house off-grid can be a daunting task. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how best to go about building one. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We wish you the best in your construction.   Building a tiny house off-grid can be a daunting task. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how best to go about building one. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We wish you the best in your construction.

Effects On The Range Of Electric Vehicles In Cold Weather

When you consider investing in an Electric Vehicle (EV), the first thing that comes to your mind is the range of the vehicle. Since the number of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in some areas is limited, most customers are concerned about how long they will be able to travel on one full charge.

At this point, it is imperative to understand that the officially listed range for the vehicle is nothing more than a guideline. The published range is based on standardized tests. However, there are many other factors that affect how long an EV can go without needing to be charged.

By far, the most concerning EV range-killer is cold weather. Since electric vehicles started to gain popularity and traction, one of the most common concerns and questions was, “how well will they perform in the winter”?

In this blog, we have discussed how cold temperatures can affect EVs, why cold temperatures have an adverse effect on the range, and what can be done to minimize the issue.

The Effects Of Cold Weather On EV Range Efficiency

Geotab recently conducted a study in which their team anonymized data from 5.2 million trips performed by 4200 EVs representing 102 different models. According to the study, both summer and winter conditions affected the range of the vehicles, however, the effect of winter weather conditions were more significant.

21° C is considered as the vehicle trip efficiency sweet spot. At this temperature, most EVs top the officially published range. However, as the temperature decreases or increases, there is a visible effect on the EVs range. At -15° C, the range of an EV can drop significantly. This all depends on the make and model of your electric vehicle. Some electric vehicles have been noted to lose as much as 30-40% of their range due to extreme cold temperatures.

Geotab has also created this online tool to help you find out how the range of your EV will be affected as the temperature increases or decreases.

Another study conducted by the INL details that their researchers found charging times increased significantly when the weather got cold. When a battery is charged at 25° C, a DC Fast Charger might charge the battery to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes. But at 0° C, the battery’s state of charge would be charged to 44 percent after the same amount of time.

What Causes The Reduction Of Range In The Winter?

Many factors play an important role when it comes to determining the range of an EV. However, in winter, the two factors that are most significant are:

Use Of Heating System

One of the primary reasons the day-to-day range of an EV is affected is because of auxiliary heating and cooling. Keeping the inside temperature of the car comfortable during the winter drains its battery faster. The battery in the car has to heat up the car and keep the electric motor running at the same time. Although this issue can be tackled by purchasing a vehicle with a longer range battery, this affects the weight, structure, and design of the car. Hence, manufacturers have to strike a balance between the structure of the car and the size of the battery. EVs with air source heat pumps substantially reduce the heating energy requirements.

Affect On Lithium-Ion Batteries

In addition to auxiliary heating, another factor that impacts the range of EVs is the effect of cold weather on Li-Ion batteries. As the temperature lowers, the chemical and physical reactions – especially conductivity and diffusivity – are slowed down.

As a result, the batteries have increased impedance (longer charging time) and a reduced range. However, these changes in the composition of the battery are not permanent. As temperatures increase, the changes are reversed.

What Can You Do?

To prevent your EVs range from tanking in the winter, you can follow these recommendations.

Use Eco Mode

All EVs come with an Eco mode. Make sure you charge your EV’s batteries up to 100 percent and then opt for Eco mode before starting your journey. This will optimize energy consumption by regulating heating, acceleration, cruising speed, and braking. Eco-mode can help you gain up to 10% more range.

Prevent Sudden Stops And Starts

As surprising as this may sound, adopting a smoother driving style can help you conserve battery. The more you avoid sudden stops and starts, the more you will save your battery’s energy. If you have several stops to make, plan your trip beforehand. Moreover, try to take roads where you can avoid traffic.

Parking

If there is a choice, park EV in the heated spaces to keep the battery warm. That wil reduce the energy required for warming the battery, when you start the next trip.

Regenerative Braking

Last but not least is regenerative braking. Despite the weather, this feature allows you to minimize the electricity consumption of your car by storing energy when braking and during periods of significant deceleration.

About Us

Dandelion Renewables contributes to the planet’s sustainable energy future by offering healthy environmental solutions. We aim to reduce carbon footprints and offer our clients consultation, feasibility studies, knowledge, and complete installation services regarding energy-efficient upgrades and solar. We are proud to be one of the top-rated solar and renewable energy contractors in Western Canada. Contact us for more information.

Sheep Prove To Be A Tech Lawn Mowing Alternative For Solar Farms

In August 2020, Dandelion Renewables installed a Municipal Solar Farm in Bon Accord with 1728 x LONGi, 375W bifacial solar modules, and 648kW DC Power Rating.

The farm was built to be large enough to produce enough power to make the community a net-zero community. In 10 year’s time, Ken Reil, operations manager for the Town of Bon Accord, believes that the farm will help put approximately $65,000 back into their revenue stream as opposed to having to pay a power bill. After the 10 years of payback, the solar farm will provide at least 15 years of revenue generation. Since the start of the 2021 year, the farm had produced more than 636 megawatt-hours of electricity.

The solar farm is spread over acres of green land, although mowing the grass a couple times a year is not that expensive, but it requires fuel-based options with a high carbon footprint that nullify the point of a net-zero community for which the solar farm was installed.

A Sheep Solution

During the summer, the grass around Bon Accord can grow to about one meter high. Although this does not sound like an issue, it could cast a shadow over the panels affecting the total energy production.

Naturally, solar farms produce the most energy during the summer months, hence why the municipality was looking for a viable solution that would help them to manage vegetation without conflicting with the net-zero community ideology.

The idea of sheep grazing came as a natural solution for the project. Unlike cows and goats, sheep can be trusted to eat the grass without chewing on or rubbing against the solar equipment.

The Town of Bon Accord called Morinville Colony manager John Wurz, who agreed to provide the sheep for free.

Team Of 30 No-Tech “Lawnmowers”

A team of 30 sheep from Morinville Colony arrived at the Bon Accord Solar Farm on June 16, 2021. These sheep were recruited by the town to cut/eat the grass around its 648 kWp solar array.

The 30 sheep were selected from a list of 650 sheep bred in the Morinville Colony. The sheep the colony used for lawn care were all purebred females that were kept for up to 10 years for breeding purposes. Four different breeds of sheep were selected from the flock. Among the four breeds of sheep include Suffolks and North Country Cheviots.

The team was also accompanied by two dogs for protection purposes. According to Wurz, this was actually the second time in about 15 years that the colony had used sheep to mow grass around Bon Accord.

Morinville is also providing paid lawn-care services in a forestry cut-block near Peace River, Alberta. These mowing jobs are a win-win for sheep and clients, as they provide lawn care for the customer and food for the sheep.

Project Success & Future

Due to the success of the mowing by the sheep the Town of Bon Accord has stated that they plan on bringing back the sheep for as long as the colony can provide them.

If you are looking for creative, out of the box, renewable energy solutions like the one displayed above then do not hesitate to reach out to us by clicking the contact button below to start your solar journey with Dandelion Renewables – The Renewable Energy Experts.

About Us

Dandelion Renewables contributes to the planet’s sustainable energy future by offering healthy environmental solutions. We aim to reduce carbon footprints and offer our clients consultation, feasibility studies, knowledge, and complete installation services regarding energy-efficient upgrades and solar. We are proud to be one of the top-rated solar and renewable energy contractors in Western Canada. Contact us for more information.

Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program: An Initiative To Help Canada Go Green

On June 2, 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) in order to support the country’s ongoing effort to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Under the new program, $964 million will be invested over a time period of four years for smart renewable energy and grid modernization projects. With the program, the authorities expect to significantly reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions by incentivizing the replacement of fossil-fuel generation with renewables.

The program will incorporate funding requirements that are intended to foster an equitable transition to a more sustainable and green generation. Moreover, since the project has been launched on a federal level it is applicable to many provinces in the country including Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

In this blog, we have discussed the main rules of the program and have also explained the application process for your ease.

Eligibility

SREPs define four funding streams, each of which has distinct requirements that projects must meet in order to be eligible for funding. These streams have been defined based on certain available technologies, market maturity, and project types. The eligible projects for this new initiative include:

  • Established renewables: These include onshore wind power or solar photovoltaic plants. Renewables projects must have a minimum 4MW of net installed capacity to be eligible.
  • Emerging technologies: These include energy storage, geothermal energy, tidal energy, non-utility led grid modernization projects, and retrofits to enable grid services on existing renewable energy plants.
  • Grid modernization: These include microgrids, virtual power plants, data management and communication, hardware or software retrofits to existing renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) integration.
  • Strategic Dialogue Linked Projects (SDLPs): These include projects that fall into any of the other three streams, but that are a part of an established federal-provincial/territorial dialogue.

Funding Limit

Each defined stream has a funding limit based on a percentage of total project cost. This percentage varies according to project stream, with a $50-million cap on any single project.

The maximum eligible percentage of the project cost for every stream is:

  • 10 percent of established renewables
  • 30 percent of emerging technologies
  • 50 percent of grid modernization

In addition to this, the maximum funding percentage for a project that falls under more than one stream will be determined according to the proportion of eligible expenditures in each program stream.

Indigenous-Owned Projects

To help Indigenous recipients and projects that may benefit Indigenous communities, the Canadian government has announced that the program will evaluate and provide a greater percentage of funding to Indigenous-owned projects. In addition to this, smaller-sized projects are encouraged to apply. They will also receive more funding.

However, Indigenous-owned projects must represent meaningful ownership according to the following criteria:

  • Indigenous ownership of 25% to 49.9% – They will receive 50% of the total project cost.
  • Indigenous Recipient (ownership 50% to 100%) – They will receive 75% of the total project cost.

The minimum System Size that is required by indigenous-owned projects to be eligible is 500KW compared to the 4MW minimum for non-indigenous-owned projects.

Stacking Financial Assistance

Before the contribution agreement for the project is signed on an annual basis, the applicant will be required to disclose all the funding sources whether they are Canadian or Non-Canadian. This also includes the industry’s sources, approved in-kind funding, and contributions from other Canadian government sources.

While the SREP program allows stacking, note that the maximum level of total Canadian government funding authorized under SREPs is 75 percent of total project costs when the applicant is a for-profit organization.

Application Process

The application process includes a total of three steps:

  1. Project registration
  2. Technical and Financial Project Application
  3. Project Evaluation

To apply for the funding formally you have to complete and submit a Project Registration Form as outlined in Appendix A. After you have a confirmed receipt of the Project Registration Form and eligibility for the proposed project, you will receive a notification whether you are eligible to apply or not.

After this, you must demonstrate that the proposed project is:

  • At a sufficiently advanced stage of planning and development
  • In accordance with grid service capability requirements
  • Provides information required for the contribution agreement

You must meet the requirements outlined in Appendix B as applicable to your project. If the review for the Technical and Financial Project Application is positive you will be notified about the availability of funding and the approval of your application.

How Dandelion Renewables can help

If you are not sure about your project eligibility, or need a financial feasibility study, or front-end engineering completed for your renewable project, feel free to reach out to our highly skilled team in Dandelion Renewables. We will be happy to help you to make an educated choice and optimize your project!

Finally, Dandelion Renewables is open to partner on some of our own ongoing projects with First Nation communities.

About Us

Dandelion Renewables contributes to the planet’s sustainable energy future by offering healthy environmental solutions. We aim to reduce carbon footprints and offear our clients consultation, feasibility studies, knowledge, and complete installation services regarding energy-efficient upgrades and solar. We are proud to be one of the top-rated solar and renewable energy contractors in Western Canada. Contact us for more information.

Adoption Of Electric Vehicles In Canada And Their Charging Requirements

Over the past decade, Electric Vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly common around the world as well as in Canada. The Global EV industry is evolving fast with policy regulations, proposed phaseouts of internal combustion engines, infrastructure investments, and customer acceptance all converging to support adoption.

Canada has now moved past the early adoption phase and the industry is now ready to fully commercialize the market. The country has identified EVs as a key contributor to achieving the transportation sector’s greenhouse gas emission reduction target. Hence, it has become a part of the ongoing 2050 net-zero community project. In addition to this, the government has set a federal target that by the year 2040, all light-duty vehicle sales will be zero-emission vehicles.

EV Charging System Levels

For new or potential EV owners, one of the most confusing aspects is charging. Hence, let’s start with the basics. An EV charger is designed in such a way that it can charge both EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

There are two main types of EV chargers:

  • Alternating current (AC) chargers, where an EV utilizes its own AC to DC converter and on-board charger for charging;
  • Direct current (DC) chargers, where the AC to DC converter provided by the EV charger is utilized.

In alternating current chargers the EV receives alternating current (AC) and correspondent, in direct current chargers the EV receives direct current (DC).

These chargers are further divided into three levels. The level 1 and level 2 chargers are AC chargers while the level 3 chargers are DC chargers. As compared to AC chargers, DC chargers offer a faster charging rate and are usually installed in public charging stations.

The level 1 chargers are the slowest. Most EVs come with level 1 chargers, they provide upto 8 kilometers of range per hour of charging time. Level 2 chargers, on the other hand, are faster and can provide 16 to 97 kilometers of range per hour of charging time.

Level 2 chargers are the most common choice for home installations we complete. These chargers use a 240 volt similar to other high-power appliances like dryers, ovens, and air conditioners. You will also find level 2 chargers in some public and business charging stations.

Level 3 chargers are the fastest and are usually found in public charging stations. They provide the maximum range per hour of charging.

Now there are ENERGY STAR® certified Level 3 chargers that are currently in production and will be made available in the market in the coming months. ENERGY STAR chargers use 40 percent less energy in standby mode. On average, a charger remains on standby mode 85% of the time during its lifetime.

Level Amps Voltage Power (kW) Approximate Charging Time
1 15A 120V 1 20 hours for 200 Kilometers
2 20A – 60A 240V 7.6-11.5 5 hours for 200 Kilometers
3 <125A 480V Over 50 30 minutes for 200 Kilometers

More voltage means more power for your vehicle and shorter charge times. However, this also depends on the acceptance rate of a specific vehicle. Moreover, batteries tend to charge slower from 80% to 100%.

What Should You Consider Before Installing An EV Charger At Home?

If you are planning on buying an EV or have already bought one, you are probably thinking of installing an EV charger at home. Before you decide on a charger, consider the following factors:

  • Is your parking place outdoors? If yes, you have to invest in a charger with an outdoor rating.
  • Driving requirements: if you drive long distances frequently, you should invest in a level 2 charger as it will take you too long to complete a charge with a level 1 charger.
  • Safety Certification: the charger has to be safety certified. An uncertified charger can lead to major damages to your car, accidents in your home, and at the worst case start a fire. At Dandelion Renewables we only install CSA approved Chargers.
  • Do you need a portable charger? A portable charger will be slower than a permanent wall-mounted one.

Is Charging Cost-Effective?

According to a recent report, the average cost of charging an electric vehicle in Canada is around $277.19 CAD per year. This is pretty reasonable considering the cost of gasoline to operate an ICE (internal combustion engine) each year of about $1510/yr per person.

However, if you wonder whether it is more cost-effective to charge your vehicle at home or at a public station the answer will always be more cost effective at home!

This is probably why 80% of EV owners opt for home charging since it is by far more cost-effective and considerably more convenient.

In addition to this, if you work at a location where they provide EV charging services, it can prove to be quite cost-effective especially if you have to travel a long distance to your workplace.

Residential EV Charger Costs

If you own an EV, having a residential charger is a necessity especially if you drive your car every day. Driving to a public charging station every day to recharge your vehicle for a few hours simply would not make sense, nor is it practical.

On average, residential EV charger installations can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000. The cost depends on the size of the charger and the complexity of installation. NOTE: You should always get a licensed electrician like our electricians to perform any electrical work.

Commercial EV Charger Adoption

More and more we see commercial places and businesses are trying to enhance their property and attract people by installing EV charging stations.

In Canada, many commercial areas including Apartments, Event Venues, Hospitals, Hotels, Malls/Shopping Centres, Parking Garages, Restaurants, Sports Facilities, and Universities/Colleges/Campuses already have EV chargers installed or are planning to install public charging stations in the upcoming years.

Across British Columbia, there are more than 2,500 electric vehicles (EV) public charging stations. There are several EV charging networks operating in Canada, these include BC Hydro, ChargePoint, Flo, Greenlots (for fast chargers), Petro-Canada, and Tesla (for Tesla vehicles).

This means that whether you are at home or out and about you should have access to a good charging station in Canada, as long as you are prepared and plan your trip ahead of time and account for charging breaks.

Future EV Adoption In Canada

According to a recent report by KPMG, 62% of 2,000 Canadians polled indicated they plan on buying a new vehicle in the next five years. A strong majority of that group — 68% — say they are likely or very likely to choose an EV for their next vehicle purchase.

Peter Hatges, a partner and national sector leader at KPMG Canada, explains,

“Canada’s automotive industry is nearing the tipping point, with nearly 70% of Canadians indicating that they’re looking to buy an electric vehicle in the next five years. Our poll research illustrates huge consumer demand in Canada for EVs, putting the onus on manufacturers and governments alike to shift gears not only to meet the expected surge in EV sales but to invest heavily in the necessary infrastructure.”

In addition to this, KPMG Canada statistics also show that young people are more likely to buy EVs. Among individuals aged 18 to 44 who are planning to purchase a vehicle in the next five years, 79% said that it’s likely to be an EV. That figure drops to 58% for those aged 45 and older.

About Us

Dandelion Renewables contributes to the planet’s sustainable energy future by offering healthy environmental solutions. We aim to reduce carbon footprints and offer our clients consultation, feasibility studies, knowledge, and complete installation services regarding energy-efficient upgrades and solar. We are proud to be one of the top-rated solar and renewable energy contractors in Western Canada. Contact us for more information.

What Is Net-Zero and Sustainable Farming And How Can It Help The Environment?

Farms Contribution to Greenhouse Gases

Farming is known to produce significant amounts of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed by growing plants and slowly released as it decays.

Nitrous oxide is produced in the soil from the breakdown of synthetic fertilizers and animal manure. Methane comes from manure as well as enteric fermentation.

Net-Zero farming refers to practices that will allow farmers to move towards net-zero carbon emissions. Farming has been a huge contributor to the emission of climate change gases. Between 10 and 20% of all greenhouse emissions worldwide (around 12 billion tons CO₂ equivalent) have been laid at the feet of farmers.

For modern societies, an increasing proportion of power requirements are being fulfilled by sustainable and renewable energy technologies. The potential of many different types of renewable energy remains largely untapped, but the technology used to harness solar, wind, geothermal energy has become very vast and effective. Particularly, energy efficiency and solar energy are becoming the leading solutions that have the potential and feasibility in the current market to achieve Canada’s Net-Zero Farming initiative target.

Solar Systems For Net-Zero Farming

Companies like Dandelion Renewables are trying to deliver better and cost-effective solar energy solutions. Our main aim is to enable more people to experience the benefits of solar systems, especially farmers.

Dandelion Renewables president Mikhail Ivanchikov has built solar farms in Alberta and is now working with the provincial government to propose the conversion of farm buildings to net-zero energy.

In a recent event, Ivanchikov talked about how the company – in collaboration with the opposition – aims to help the province’s farmers and ranchers turn a symbol of their past into an emblem of their future.

At an event that took place in front of the 112-year-old former Stewart livery stable in inner-city Inglewood in Calgary, he said,

“Designing and upgrading Alberta agricultural facilities toward net-zero not only helps the environment but also helps to reduce dependency on the (current energy) system and puts control back into the farmers’ hands. As Alberta electricity and transmission distribution charges continue to rise, it allows farmers to generate their own renewable energy, store that energy, and implement savings to minimize that green costs and the exposure to volatile energy prices.”

It is essential to convert farm buildings to net-zero energy, and with the help of Dandelion Renewables, you can achieve this with affordable solutions and government incentives.

Conversion To Net-Zero Farming

Contrary to the common misconception, to convert your farm to net-zero does not require you to give it up. The government has employed $55 billion to help Canada achieve net-zero by 2050.

With the help of this government initiative, we can achieve net-zero by shifting to more renewable sources of energy – the best option being solar energy. Farmers also need to reduce fertilizer use, maintain high levels of soil health, and change to grazing systems that help retain biodiversity and reduce emissions associated with livestock.

At Dandelion Renewables, we have studied more than 100 agricultural facilities, including pork farms, greenhouses, dairy farms, grain elevators, and bee-keeping facilities. Based on this, we have designed a net-zero solar process that keeps the key aspects of any business, including resources, revenue sources, and growth expectations, intact.

Barns and grain elevators, and other agricultural buildings have been part of our landscape for generations; hence, we want to help convert them to a sustainable and Net-zero operation while still preserving them.

About Us

Dandelion Renewables contributes to the planet’s sustainable energy future by offering healthy environmental solutions. We aim to reduce carbon footprints and offer our clients consultation, feasibility studies, knowledge, and complete installation services regarding energy-efficient upgrades and solar. We are proud to be one of the top-rated solar and renewable energy contractors in Western Canada. Contact us for more information.

How Much Solar Rebates Can You Receive In Edmonton?

The cost of solar panels in Canada has seen a dramatic decrease in recent years. More efficient installation methods, increased government rebates and incentives, and enhanced technological innovations have steadily driven solar panels’ prices down.

To further reduce your residential solar costs, learn more about the City of Edmonton’s new municipal solar power rebate program for homeowners wanting to install solar panels here.

With 2,300 hours of direct sunlight in an average year, Edmonton is one of Canada’s sunniest cities. While electricity only accounts for 16% of Edmonton’s total energy, it does produce around 40% of the overall Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

With rooftop solar panels, you can protect yourself from fluctuating energy rates. You can also help limit your home and your community’s carbon emissions footprint by investing in roof solar panels.

Edmonton and Federal Rebates

If your house is well-positioned for solar energy, the following example will help you to quantify roughly the amount for Edmonton and Federal Rebates you could qualify for:

Dandelion Renewables would install an 8KW solar PV system for roughly $18,000 (this price is subject to the site assessment); The City of Edmonton Solar Rebate would pay $0.4/W up to $4,000, which in this example will be $3,200. The new Canada Greener Home Grant can fund up to $5,000 towards energy-efficiency upgrades or Solar PV installation. Combining together the City of Edmonton Rebate and Canada Greener Home Grant leaves you to cover: $18,000 – $3,200 – $5,000 or only $9,800.

What Is The “Change Homes For Climate – Solar Program” CHCSP?

Edmonton offers homeowners an incentive to get solar energy systems put on their roofs. The Edmonton incentive only applies to residential buildings and not commercial or industrial properties. The city of Edmonton helps its residents install solar power systems in their homes to produce renewable energy.

Producing local renewable energy is one of the most practical ways to take action on climate change. “The city is offering Edmontonians $0.40/watt towards the system’s cost, roughly 15% of the cost of going solar”.

Who Is Eligible For Edmonton’s Solar Rebate Program?

Anyone who proposes to install a solar photovoltaic PV system on their residential property in Edmonton is eligible to apply for this program. Residential property includes a building located within the municipal boundaries of Edmonton having one of the following residential uses under Edmonton’s City zoning bylaw #12800:

  • Apartment housing
  • Duplex housing
  • Row housing
  • Semi-detached housing
  • Single-detached housing
  • Stacked row housing

Which Solar Projects Are Eligible For CHCSP?

To qualify for this program, you need to have installed a grid-tied solar system compliant with the Alberta Government’s Micro-generation Regulation (AR27/2008). You must have installed your system through a qualified solar installer only. All of its parts must meet the requirements of the Canadian Standards Association CSA for electrical safety.

Hire Expert Solar Energy Contractors

The city of Edmonton will pay a rate of $0.40 per watt according to your total installed solar systems capacity up to a maximum amount of $4000. Contact your expert solar energy contractors to know about eligible costs and other related concerns.

To take full advantage of the Edmonton solar rebate program, you should hire a qualified solar energy contractor in your area. An experienced solar panel installer can answer all of your queries regarding the solar panel economics for your home, technical aspects of how solar panels operate, and provide updated information about available solar rebates and eligibility concerns.

Dandelion Renewables provides its residential clients with highly efficient grid-tied solar power systems across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Visit our website to learn more about our solar services or contact us for personalized service.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Switching To Solar Energy

Installing a solar power system at your residential or commercial property is a significant way of reducing your bills over the long term. When switching to solar energy, you might be tempted to install and power up your solar panels in a hurry, resulting in some costly mistakes. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes you should avoid when switching to solar energy:

Incorrect Number of Solar Panels

One of the primary mistakes homeowners or businesses often make is selecting the wrong size of the solar power system to achieve their energy production goals. Some of them consider their past energy bills to figure out their solar energy needs without considering other factors that impact solar productivity for the site. These factors include air temperatures, snowfall, the tilt and direction of their roof, and shading. Therefore, it’s essential to consider all variables when consulting with your solar installation expert. It will be helpful to size your solar panel system based on your current energy usage, your goals for decreasing your energy bills, your desired level of dependence on the power grid, and other objectives. Always hire a professional solar installer who can guide you through their entire process and help you find the most appropriately sized solar panel system.

Choosing Cheap Solar Options

This is one of the most common and costly mistakes that solar clients make. It’s increasingly important not to go too far when searching the market for the lowest cost system. A solar energy system is a significant piece of investment that should be taken as a valued addition to your residential property. When choosing a solar system, find the balance between price and quality to achieve the highest value. Reach out to solar experts who can introduce you to the most valuable solar options out there, and compare options for higher and lower cost options based on your solar energy needs and desired level of up-front cost, and long-term durability, and performance from the system.

Not Considering Solar Rebates And Incentives

It’s vital to understand various solar rebates and incentives your local government offers when calculating your solar energy needs and affordability regarding system size and type. There are several variations of solar systems that you can get, including Grid-tied, Off-Grid system, Grid-tied plus storage, Off-Grid with energy storage and backup, and more. The financial incentives and rebates related to these solar options can vary as well. Besides, many other factors, including location and electricity rates, can impact the solar refunds and incentive levels you can access.

Ignoring Multiple Quotes

No matter what service you get, you should always ask for multiple quotes before purchasing and switching to solar energy. Some services might charge you excessively for solar panels and installation. This can result in you losing a significant return on your investment by paying too much for the same energy savings. It’s favorable to get estimates from multiple solar companies. Ask them to break down each part of the power home or office solar costs to understand what you will pay for and what you will get. Ensure that each potential solar installer evaluates your roof orientation, shading, and snow impact, and current electricity bills to estimate your solar system size and installation costs. No two solar installers will provide estimates with identical listed costs. However, the more specific information you ask for, the better they will provide you with clear cost lists when receiving estimates. Dandelion Renewables offers highly-efficient solar energy solutions to its residential and commercial clients across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC. Visit our website to learn more about our expert solar services, or contact us for personalized service.