New Nanaimo homes could soon come fitted with roof supports and plumbing to easily add a solar heating system.
Campbell River now requires all new homes to be "solar ready" so homeowners can add the green technology whenever they like.
Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan wants a similar program here.
Several years ago, the province gave individual municipalities the authority to require lowflow toilets and taps in all new construction to conserve water. After most municipalities made the switch, it was written into the B.C. Building Code. A similar pattern is expected with rooftop solar energy. Such systems need a reinforced roof, which costs consumers less included in the original construction than to retrofit.
Solar hot water systems can cost $5,000 or more.
It isn't clear if, or when solar ready will be required under the building code but more than a dozen municipalities now require it. Solar systems are catching on with consumers wanting to cut their energy costs.
"We've been selling them, mostly lately to (customers in) places like Mudge Island," said Joe Gilbert, heating specialist with Nanaimo plumbing supplier Andrew Sheret. Hot water is a major energy gobbler, and the new systems absorb heat from ultraviolet light, even on a cloudy day. The Regional District of Nanaimo offers $250 rebates on solar hot water systems but a solar ready requirement will have to wait. A study is now underway to determine which geographic areas are best suited for solar heating and solar-powered electrical systems.
"It's going to take another year or so," said Paul Thorkelsson, RDN development services general manager. Campbell River launched its program about three weeks ago. Nanaimo is now updating its general design guidelines to include wording that encourages commercial and industrial buildings "to go down that road, but it's very early right now," said Rob Lawrence, city of Nanaimo environmental planner.
The city isn't planning to include residential systems, but "it doesn't mean we couldn't. It sounds like a cool idea."
After discussing the program with Campbell River Mayor Charlie Cornfield at this week's Union of B.C. Municipalities conference, Ruttan plans to make it a priority for Nanaimo.
"When I get back I want to take it up with council and embark on a similar program," Ruttan said.
"It makes so much sense."
DBellaart@nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4235