During construction, houses will be built to accommodate future installation of a renewable energy system. This includes having an area designated for a solar collector. Buildings will not be required to have the solar components installed. Local governments can choose to adopt the regulation. It is not a requirement under the building code, as not all communities can benefit from solar power.

The changes will come into effect on June 21, 2011. Solar Hot Water Ready homes support the Province's commitment to promote clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build sustainable communities.

Quick Facts:

• Making a house solar ready will add approximately $200 to $500 to the cost of a new home.
• A solar hot water system can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one to two tonnes per year for a single-family home using natural gas for water heating.

Learn More:

Visit: www.housing.gov.bc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Communities adopting the Solar Hot Water Ready regulation

1. Village of Ashcroft

2. City of Campbell River

3. Cariboo Regional District

4. City of Chilliwack

5. City of Colwood

6. Cowichan Valley Regional District

7. City of Cranbrook

8. City of Dawson Creek

9. Corporation of Delta

10. City of Duncan

11. Township of Esquimalt

12. City of Fernie

13. City of Fort St. John

14. Greater Vancouver Regional District

15. District of Invermere

16. Village of Kaslo

17. City of Kelowna

18. Township of Langley

19. District of Maple Ridge

20. District of Metchosin

21. Village of Midway

22. City of New Westminster

23. Municipality of North Cowichan

24. City of North Vancouver

25. District of North Vancouver

26. District of Peachland

27. City of Pitt Meadows

28. City of Port Coquitlam

29. City of Port Moody

30. City of Richmond

31. District of Sparwood

32. Squamish Lillooet Regional District

33. District of Tofino

34. Town of View Royal

35. District of West Vancouver

36. Resort Municipality of Whistler

Media Contact:

Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0628