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The power of sunshine
Governments in Canada are big believers in solar energy. For example, the federal government now powers all its lighthouse beacons with solar panels. And Hydro-Québec actually paid the cost of converting one rural Quebec home to solar energy because it was costing them too much money to repair the power lines leading to its isolated location. The problem, says Greenpeace's Stephen Guilbault, is that our governments refuse to share solar energy with their citizens. "Canada is one of the only industrialized nations in the world that doesn't offer tax breaks for citizens who convert to solar power," says Guilbault. Greenpeace's lobbying efforts for said tax breaks have thus far fallen on deaf ears. So they're trying to start a grassroots movement instead: they've launched the Montreal Solar Panel Buyers' Club, and are looking to sign up 100 members. For about $200, members will get 200 watts' worth of solar panels installed on their balconies and rooftops. Says Guilbault: "We're powering our office fridge with solar panels right now. The system is easy to install and it's dependable." Refrigerators, by the way, are notorious energy pigs.
Anyone interested in joining the Club should contact Greenpeace at --Philip Preville |