Government helps cut cost of eco-friendly solar power

The Department of Energy is offering to help fund the appliances through a rebate scheme.

It estimates the average household spends between $400 and $1000 per year on heating water, based on energy and water consumption figures provided by BELCO.

The cost of installing a solar heater is steep — purchase and fitting of a residential system can set you back $6,000 to $12,000.

But Government is now offering aid of up to $1,500 per household.

Systems

The Solar Water Heater Rebate Initiative is intended for residential properties and only one application can be made per assessment number.

Money will only be given to applicants whose systems are installed by a recognized authority, solar manufacturer or dealer who has also been approved to participate in the initiative by the Department of Energy. A well-designed solar water heater can heat most of a household’s water and requires minimal maintenance.

They use energy from the sun instead of electricity, so cut power bills and are good for the environment as fewer fossil fuels have to be burned.

Energy Minister Michael Scott said: “The initiative will continue as long as there is funding in the budget.

“In addition to encouraging hundreds of homeowners to install solar water heaters on their property, I hope this rebate will stimulate the local solar installation market with the intent of driving down the cost of this technology.

“Government alone cannot reduce Bermuda’s dependence on fossil fuels — we need the public to step up and take advantage of this rebate so that together we can achieve a secure and sustainable energy supply for Bermuda.”

For more details about the initiative and application forms, visit www.energy.gov.bm.

Guidance on the planning process can be obtained by visiting www.planning.gov.bm/2008_GuidanceNotes.aspx.