Solar

Net metering: Nova Scotians can install a source of renewable energy such as a wind turbine or set of solar panels – or even a small hydro or biomass generator - to help power their home or business. If your generating unit produces more energy than you use at any one time, the extra electricity will flow onto the local grid for others to use. On the other hand, if your generator isn’t producing as much as you need, you can still draw from the grid to make up the difference.

Community Solar program: The Solar for Community Buildings Program enables eligible community groups and organizations to generate solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity on their roofs or properties and sell it to their utility under a 20-year contract.

COMFIT: The Nova Scotia Community Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) program is part of Nova Scotia’s ongoing efforts to move away from carbon-based electricity to achieve 40% renewable energy sources by 2020. The program is no longer accepting applications and solar installations were not eligible under the COMFIT program.

As with any major investment, you should thoroughly research and evaluate your options before choosing the company that will sell and/or install your solar system. We recommend that you receive quotes from at least three different contractors. Besides price, the quality of the product and installation are also key when it comes to ensuring that the solar panel performs to your expectations.

• Check licensing and references of the vendor
• Assess the cost of the installation
• Select the site of the panel carefully
• Ask for performance projections to ensure you understand benefits versus costs

The Atlantic Canada Solar Directory is made up of organizations, mostly businesses, which supply solar and alternative energy goods and services, and who are "Corporate" members of Solar Nova Scotia, paying annual dues and agreeing to follow the Solar Nova Scotia Code of Ethics.

Halifax Regional Municipality offers the Halifax Solar City Program to property owners within the region enabling access to multiple solar energy options. Property owners can finance the project through a solar collector account with the Halifax Regional Municipality.