The $4,300 incentive is available on a first-come, first-serve basis to 30 Vancouver homeowners who install a solar hot water system before December 31, 2010, and is made possible through a collaborative pilot program between Terasen Gas, the City of Vancouver, Solar BC and Offsetters.

"Terasen Gas is always looking for ways to help customers conserve energy and save on their gas bill," says Doug Stout, Vice President, Energy Solutions and External Relations, Terasen Gas and FortisBC. "This is an important pilot initiative that will allow us to gather real data on the performance and energy savings of solar hot water systems within B.C."

Solar thermal power is becoming a very real and attractive option for many people to heat their home's water. Energy-efficient and reliable, solar hot water systems are well suited for B.C.'s climate. While the heat output of the solar collector is reduced on overcast days, a conventional natural gas hot water heating system operates as a back-up to ensure hot water can be supplied when needed.

"This is a fantastic savings for homeowners interested in installing solar hot water," says Liz Kelly, SolarBC Project Manager. "We've had a 30 per cent uptake in the program, and we encourage homeowners to take advantage of the incentive before December 31. This limited time offer should help tip the scales in favour of installing solar hot water for those homeowners who've only been thinking about it at this point."

"The City of Vancouver, Terasen Gas, SolarBC and Offsetters are providing this limited time offer in order to accelerate uptake of solar technology in Vancouver's residential market," says Rachel Moscovich, Sustainable Development Planner with the City. "This pilot program will make solar more accessible to homeowners in Vancouver, prove the viability of solar in our climate, build capacity and create new green jobs."

www.solarbc.ca