Unlocking behind-the-meter solar in Atlantic Canada

Originally published on LinkedIn. This article reflects the information and perspective at the time of the original post.

Enjoyed being a part of this Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)-moderated panel discussion at Smart Energy | Halifax on unlocking behind-the-meter solar in Atlantic Canada. Key takeaways for me:

Equitable access to low-interest, long-term financing for homeowners is becoming increasingly important now that the interest-free Canada Greener Homes Loan Program has ended. Nova Scotia is home to Canada’s first PACE program through Halifax Regional Municipality’s Solar City, and I hope we see renewed momentum for PACE-style financing or effective alternatives.

Nova Scotia needs to unlock customer-sited battery storage. The SolarHomes program showed how a well-designed incentive can help launch an industry, then gradually step back as costs fall. We now need to do something similar for batteries, which have growing potential to provide real value to both customers and the grid.

Strategic electrification, done in a way that benefits ratepayers, will be important to help reduce future summer curtailment. Given Nova Scotia’s heavy reliance on imported oil, electrification paired with renewable energy development represents a real economic opportunity for the province, while also supporting energy security, emissions reductions and affordability.

Distributed energy resources must play a key role if Nova Scotia is going to fulfill the promise of becoming a clean energy superpower.

Thanks to the event organizers. Smart Energy Halifax is always a top-notch event!

Thanks to Rob Milliken Shahid Pasha Phil McKay Eddie Oldfield Carl Duivenvoorden Charge Solar CIMA+ Solar NB Solaire Solar Nova Scotia