Canadian's Bright on Solar

Nine in ten Canadian homeowners are aware that using green energy reduces a household’s environmental impact, yet only five per cent are generating electricity by installing rooftop solar panels, according to a new survey from TD Canada Trust.

The survey reveals one in three homeowners (33%) have considered installing solar panels, however three-quarters (76%) of them say expense is the number one deterrent.
“The gap between awareness and action is mainly due to concerns about cost,” says Karen Clarke-Whistler, chief environment officer, TD. “But Canadians have shown that those concerns can be overcome. A decade ago, hybrid vehicles were a novelty, but today there are a growing number on our roads. We believe the future for rooftop solar panels is just as bright.”
According to the report, only 47% of Canadian homeowners surveyed are aware that solar power reduces home energy costs and less than 5% know that in some provinces, solar panels can provide a new revenue stream.
Installing solar panels means reducing the amount of energy required from the electrical grid, which means buying less. In some provinces solar-produced power can be sold to local utility providers, earning money for the energy produced.
To help Canadians understand renewable energy, TD is offering Going Green: A homeowner’s guide to solar energy. For more information or to obtain a copy, visit www.td.com.