On November 2, the Government of Alberta announced it is funding Energy Efficiency Alberta (ERA) Energy Savings for Business program. This program will target small and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities with the Alberta Solar Rebate. The Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Fund (TIER), is funding the program from large emitters of carbon dioxide in the province.
Through the initiative, businesses such as manufacturing, fabrication, agriculture and those who operate out of office buildings can cut costs and reduce emissions by installing solar power and updating their facilities with energy-efficient equipment.
Projects eligible for this program will solely use local contractors and skilled trades, above all resulting in more jobs and opportunities for Alberta businesses to grow.
More details regarding the ERA Alberta solar rebate will be released in January 2021. Businesses will be eligible for funding to cover a portion of their project costs for cost-savings and emission reduction projects. Up to $250,000 will be available per project to a maximum of $500,000 per company. The funding is first-come, first-served, and shovel-ready projects in January and February stand the highest chance of securing the funding. However, we assume it’s sure to be a frantic scramble for capital.
“The projects are anticipated to account for lifetime greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of 1.1 million tonnes of CO₂, create about 1,400 (direct and indirect) jobs and drive $300 million in economic activity. Therefore providing a positive five times benefit to Alberta’s GDP.”
Who can use the Alberta Solar Rebate?
Alberta has over 160,000 small- and medium-scale enterprises, found in every community in the province. They include many diverse business types, including (but not limited to):
– Manufacturing Operations
– Food Processing
– Agriculture Sector
– Warehouse / Wholesale Trade
– Retail and Food Services
– Building Management Companies
– Accommodation Sector
– Energy (oil and gas)
– Forestry / paper
– Waste Management
Will your project will be eligible?
Some of the examples of project types that can qualify for the ERA Investment include (but not limited to):
– HVAC projects such as installation of efficient boilers, hot water tanks, furnaces, pipe insulation
– Upgrades to fan and pump motors, including the installation of variable frequency drive units
– Installation of electronic building automation systems to control temperature, airflow, and even lighting across the facility
– Lighting projects such as replacement of outdated lighting systems, the addition of automation, etc.
– Installation of alternate on-site power sources such as solar photovoltaic and combined heat and power systems
– May also include measures specific to industry/facility needs (e.g., restaurant, manufacturing)
– Insulation/building envelope/air sealing.
Inferno Solar is your one-stop-shop for solar systems in Alberta, therefore we are ready to help you navigate the solar rebates application process and access this funding. Interested? Sign up for our newsletter or drop us a line, and we will be in touch shortly.
