Do you want to install solar panels, but can’t afford the up-front cost?

Do you want to install solar panels, but don’t have a roof or land to use?

Approximate cost to install 10 kW of solar energy on a home: $30,000

Cost to join BREP(Burlington Renewable Energy Project) and contribute to 250 kW of solar energy: minimum $500

The Burlington Renewable Energy Project is the perfect opportunity for you!

The Vision: The Burlington Renewable Energy Project (BREP) is envisioned to be a collaborative group of businesses, non-profit agencies, and individuals that share a common goal of developing locally sited and owned, renewable energy generation projects.

Individual projects will be sized 10 kW – 500 kW and will qualify for a 20 year Feed‑In‑Tariff (FIT) contract program from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) at a rate of about 72 cents/kWh. All of the electricity generated will sold to the OPA. Profits from electricity projects will be used to develop addition projects, fund educational initiatives and local research into renewable energy development, and to pay annual dividends to members of the enterprise.

How do we plan to achieve our vision? We will start by installing about 250 kW of solar panels on a large commercial roof in Burlington. Burlingtonians (including small businesses, non-profit agencies, and anyone!) will be able to  invest in the project. In return, investors will get paid dividends from the project (about 6% annually) and be able to participate in decision-making related to renewable energy in Burlington.

To help achieve this goal we have partnered with the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, who has successfully been working with other communities across the province to create robust community power projects.
                                                                                                               
 Why does Burlington need a community-based renewable energy project? The Ontario Government’s recently adopted Green Energy and Green Economy Act places emphasis on developing small scale renewable energy projects distributed across the province. To encourage this, the Ontario Power Authority pays attractive rates for energy produced by locally-owned renewable energy projects. While individuals can set-up these projects independently, it is an expensive up-front cost (~ $30,000) and many Burlingtonians do not own land on which to install renewable energy generating equipment. Many people want to participate in renewable energy development but simply cannot.

A community-based renewable energy project allows individuals, small businesses, non-profit agencies, and local institutions to collectively contribute to renewable energy projects at a very affordable price (minimum $500 per member). It is also a way for Burlingtonians to participate in, and have decision-making power over renewable energy in our community. This is because all members of BREP will have a vote in how the project moves ahead.

For more information on this exciting initiative, please contact: Harris Switzman This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Click here to view our Summer Issue:

• Advocating for Change
• Youth In Action
• Municipal Election 2010
• Kids Go Green Program
• Second Annual Youth Eco-Conference
• Celebrate 2010 International Year of Biodiversity with BurlingtonGreen!
• 2010 Eco-Wards -nominate someone today
• Volunteer Corner
• Event Greening and more.....

The OMB (Ontario Municipal Board) could overrule the City of Burlington, Region of Halton as well as The Niagara Escarpment Commission's decisions that said "NO" to a new quarry in the Mount Nemo area.

Mount Nemo is Burlington's backyard. Don't let open pit mining destroy this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that's home to threatened species, valuable woodlands and wetlands.
Help to protect the home of the threatened Jefferson Salamanders : Don't let the OMB overrule your local government's decision to reject open pit mining on Mount Nemo.

By adopting a salamander you can help PERL (Protecting Escarpment Rural Lands) hire experts to prove to the Province that Mount Nemo is worth protecting. Learn more here.

Did you know that the value of the ecosystem services provided by the Greenbelt’s natural capital, is an estimated $2.6 billion annually; an average value of $3,487 per hectare!The Greenbelt’s wetlands and forests hold the greatest value, worth over $2.3 billion.Wetlands are worth an estimated $1.3 billion per year ($14,153/hectare) because of their high value for water regulation, water filtration, flood control, waste treatment, recreation,and wildlife habitat. Forests provide key services worth $989 million each year because oftheir importance for water filtration services, carbon storage services, habitat for pollinators,wildlife, and recreation.

Check out this excellent report produced by the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation and the David Suzuki Foundation to learn more about"Ontario's Wealth -Canada's Future - Appreciating the Value of the Greenbelt's Eco-Services"