Solar hot water heater installed as part of town’s rebate initiative

A little piece of history was made in Jasper on Saturday April 4 as the first solar hot water heater, which will reduce CO2 emissions by one tonne per year by not using gas, was installed atop Michal Wasuita’s roof.

Wasuita had two solar panels, which were 4 ft. by 8 ft. in size, installed and operating by late Saturday afternoon by David Kelly from Sedmek Renewable Energy in Calgary.

According to Kelly, the system works as the solar panels on the roof heat up and an anti-freeze solution is circulated through a pipe attached to the back of the panels, taking away the heat.

The solution runs down to the heat exchanger which then transfers the heat from the anti-freeze into the water which feeds into the existing hot water tank.

While the system can’t use 100 per cent solar power year-round, it will account for at least 50 per cent, said Kelly, adding that he has seen 45C come off the panels on a –25C day.

In an effort to get local contractors up to speed with the technology, about 15 tradespeople were participants in the installation that Kelly ran so they can install similar kits into other Jasper homes.

The event was primarily organized by Cynthia Ball, who has volunteered her time towards the Community Solar Hot Water Heater Project which is supported by the municipality, and offers Jasperites a rebate of $500 on the installation.

This rebate, coupled with the recently increased EcoEnergy incentive of $1,250 and the prospect of a 15 per cent Home Renovation Tax Credit on any costs between $1,000 and $10,000, may make the installation more attractive.

To fully install a two panel system similar to Wasuita’s would cost about $7,500. Thus, with all rebates and incentives the cost was about $4,775.

Ball would like to see Jasper purchase the solar water heater kits in bulk, so that the environmentally conscious way of heating water would become even more feasible.

Currently, Kelly predicts that a system like Wasuita’s would take less than 15 years to pay for itself.

Ball would like any Jasperites who are interested in participating in a bulk buy for solar hot water systems to contact her at 780-852-7054.