THE GREENZINE Article

Transition Energy Systems (TES) is a volunteer initiative of Transition Town Peterborough. It is designed to promote the installation of residential and light commercial alternative green energy systems in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to build energy security and create and help sustain jobs for people living in our community.

The TES Solar Discount Buying Pool is a partnership with Real Energy Alternatives to bring residential and light commercial customers substantial bulk buying discounts.

Despite the many marquee solar installations throughout our area, we are lagging behind other towns and cities in the province with the installation of small roof top residential and light commercial systems. The idea behind the Solar Discount Buying Pool is to simplify the process for a quality and timely installation and improve the economics for home owners and small business owners.

Solar Energy is a clean and abundant energy source that can meet two distinct applications: generating electricity (photovoltaic) and heating water (solar-thermal).
Photovoltaic Systems consist of solar panels and converters and can be mounted on south-facing roof spaces or on the ground. The Ontario Feed-In Tariff program offers guaranteed 20 year contract rates that generate returns of well over 10% per year.

Solar Thermal systems are designed to harvest, store and distribute heat from the sun. Water heating typically accounts for about ¼ of household energy costs. These systems consist of a solar collector, a heat exchanger/pump and a storage tank. They are eligible for substantial rebates from both Federal and Provincial governments.

Real Energy Alternatives Limited (REAL) is a Peterborough based family owned business. They design and install renewable energy systems using the most up to date technologies and the best available components. REAL's engineering and fabrication expertise allows them to develop effective and economic solutions to unconventional mounting situations. They work closely with clients to ensure positive communication and customer satisfaction from planning through to the commissioning of systems.

REAL has installed residential and commercial Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic systems on many buildings in the area. A highly visible example of their work is evident on the roof of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce located on the historic Peterborough Railway Station. This fall REAL will be completing a 10 Kw system at Westdale United Church.

So what are the discounts that you might expect by being a part of the TES Solar Discount Buying Pool and what donation amounts does TTP's Transition Energy Systems receive?

As an example, a $70,000 10 Kw photovoltaic system contracted with the TES Discount Buying Pool (allowing REAL to bulk buy components and to organize the work for quality installations), would yield a discount of 6% or $4200 to the customer and a donation of 1% or $700 to TES when the total Pool combined equals or exceeds one hundred kilowatts of multiple jobs.

The complete discount and donation schedule is shown in the advertisement in this publication and is available directly from TES or REAL.

It's a simple process to become a member of the Solar Discount Buying Pool. The first step is to register your name and site in the Pool by contacting TES at 705 932-7592. The condition of registration is that you are prepared to have a site visit by REAL at a cost of $100 within 10 days of registration. The $100 is applied to your contract if and when you decide to proceed and enter the Pool. Within 10 days of the site visit you will be advised of the feasibility of your site for a solar installation and be given a job quotation. Lastly, you then have 30 days to firm up the quotation and make a down payment, entering your job into the Pool.

The first Pool Group is for installation in the Spring and Summer of 2012 and will be closed March 31, 2012. Pool Discounts will be paid by REAL after all the jobs are installed, no later than Sept. 30, 2012.

Transition Energy Systems