Port Hawkesbury, NS - Solar savings are in the forecast for the participants of The Solar Seminar held at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Center on January 25th. Over 55 engaged participants from the local area as well as outside the region, gathered to hear expert insights into the world of solar energy. The Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency (S-HRDA) teamed up with local energy experts to host the educational seminar: Brian Rose (Appleseed Energy), John Ross (Sunross Energy Systems Ltd.), Karlena Johnson (Mi’kmaw Alternative Energy), and Roland Bathen (Power, Strength, and Energy Solutions Ltd.) addressed the crowd with valuable information on the three main types of solar systems; Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Solar Hot Air, and Solar Hot Water including discussion of cost/benefit and rebate incentives

The event, which was opened to the general public (homeowners, businesses, and Municipalities), was supported in part by 101.5 The Hawk and was the second of a series of three sessions aimed at providing attendees with the information required to make wise energy decisions within their homes, businesses and organizations.

The event kicked off with a short period of networking between the attendees and speakers, and then John Beaton and Katelyn MacDonald from the S-HRDA took the floor and provided an introduction into the solar industry and indicated why the time to invest in solar technology is now. “Oil and electricity prices are continuously increasing and are unstable at best” noted John Beaton, Energy and Sustainability Consultant to the Strait-Highlands RDA. Beaton added that “Solar technology prices have dropped significantly over the past number of years and when we combine these two factors it makes sense to invest now and begin the cycle of circulating local dollars locally. If that isn’t enough reason to pursue a solar project, there are also solar rebates provided by Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation which also help to shorten the payback period” says Beaton.

The presenters each took turns and shared their knowledge with the crowd including how each system works, the cost/benefit analysis, local examples, and possible funding sources that are available to help cover costs. Lastly, the presenters sat at a panel to offer the crowd a chance to ask questions.

The Seminar, which was an initiative of the Strait-Highlands Green Action plan to reach reduction targets of greenhouse gases, was a great success. “We were extremely pleased with how the event went over and the involvement that the participants engaged in during the panel questioning period was fantastic”, says Katelyn MacDonald, S-HRDA Marketing Assistant. “The interest that people have shown toward the solar industry is phenomenal and indicative of its growth locally”, she notes. For more information on Strait-Highlands Green Action, visit www.straithighlandsgreenaction.ca.

The next major event hosted by the S-HRDA will be the 2012 Harvest the Wind (HTW) Conference in late April at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Center. Similar to last year, the conference will focus on providing information to individuals or business owners who are interested in installing wind turbines on their property or leasing land to wind developers. The event will also offer an opportunity for providers of goods and services in the renewable energy sector to talk to potential clients during the HTW Tradeshow. Harvest the Wind 2011, held in April of last year, attracted over 100 participants. “The Strait-Highlands RDA as part of its current Business Plan and economic development vision for the region will continue to host events that are tuned into the needs of renewable energy developers as well as consumers” says Blaine Gillis, CEO, Strait-Highlands RDA. “The renewable energy sector is growing quickly here because people are engaged with the opportunities and concerned about rising energy prices”, added Gillis.

Strait-Highlands RDA is accountable to three Municipal Councils (County of Inverness, Town of Port Hawkesbury, and County of Richmond), Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development, Nova Scotia Community Services and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation. Find out about our latest projects and activities at www.strait-highlands.ns.ca or subscribe to our monthly newsletter, email info@strait-highlands.ns.ca.

Media Contacts:

John Beaton
Strait- Highlands Regional Development Agency
Phone: 902.625.3929 ext. 5
Email: john.beaton@strait-highlands.ns.ca

Katelyn MacDonald
Strait- Highlands Regional Development Agency
Phone: 902.625.3928 ext. 8
Email: katelyn.macdonald@strait-highlands.ns.ca