The mass of solar arrays mounted on the International Space Station (ISS) is as big as a football field. All eight arrays provide the ISS with around 110 kW of solar energy. In contrast, solar panels installed on a typical home generate between 2 kW and 6 kW, depending on the system installed. At least [...]
In Canada, where efforts are being made to cut down on cities’ carbon footprints, recent developments surrounding coal mining in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia are being compared. Mike Chisholm reports on this for the Vancouver Observer. It may be the industrial heartland of Canada, but Ontario took a major step forward this [...]
With energy prices continuing to increase Canadian Property Management published an article on Solar Energy’s Return on Investment. To read the full article click here.
It is official - BC Hydro rates are increasing significantly over the next decade. As of April next year there will be an increase of 9%, followed by a further 6% in 2015 and resulting with a total increase of 28% over the next 5 years. To read more on the increased rates click here.
It might come as a surprise to you but Geoexchange systems are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home. The system works by utilizing the naturally constant temperature of the earth, or a body of water in combination with a ground source heat pump. Put simply, by using the same [...]
Did you know that in Canada, hot water is the second highest energy demand in an average household? According to Environment Canada it represents about 25-35% of total energy consumption in BC homes. That’s a lot of hot water! Installing a solar hot water system offers one of the most cost-effective renewable energy solutions to [...]
When John and Colette Van Aerde, from Nanaimo, BC, decided it was time to build their dream home, they hired local developer Emauel Hajek (Emanuel Homes) to help them design and construct their dream house. With a passion for sustainable building practices, the driving force behind the construction of the house came from Hajek’s desire [...]
Following today’s news of BC Hydro’s proposed rate increase of 26% within the next few years, Chek News interviewed Terratek to find out more about alternative energy solutions. For the full story see the attached video here.
The Victoria General Hospital made excellent use of their solar hot water system this summer. According to the SunReports renewable energy monitor that was installed on the system, theperformance for July 3 shows a production of 583.79 Kilowatt hours (kWhs). This translates into an energy savings big enough to power 23 homes for a day, [...]
A contemporary new show home in North Vancouver is on track to be one of the greenest in Canada; the result of a two-year project for Naikoon Contracting's Joe Geluch. The house, known as Midori Uchi, which means "green home" in Japanese, is certainly living up to its name. The building incorporates the most advanced [...]
