Innovation, Energy and Mines
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Solar Energy
Manitoba receives abundant solar energy. Direct solar radiation received in Manitoba is equal to almost 2 billion terajoules of energy per year. If only 1% of this energy was converted into electricity, it would be equal to almost 200 times the annual output of all the hydroelectric dams in Manitoba. Solar heating and photovoltaic systems are clean and non-polluting energy sources, which can reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy resources. Harnessing the Sun's Energy
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A typical PV cell contains two very thin layers of silicon with a wire attached to each layer. Each PV cell measures from 8 to 15 centimetres (3 - 6 inches) in diameter with the thickness of a human hair.
When very small bundles of light energy from the sun called Photons strike the cell, they cause electrons to flow from the bottom layer of the cell to the top layer.
Freed electrons are forced to flow through the wire, and any electrical load connected to it, towards the bottom layer producing an electric current. The current will continue as long as sunlight falls on the PV cell.
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Information and statistics excerpted from:
Photovoltaic Systems in Manitoba
download the pdf (1.5 MB) english | french
Solar Thermal Energy
Solar radiation can be 'captured' and converted into useful energy. The simplest systems convert solar energy into low-grade heat (temperatures below the boiling point) for space and water heating.
A solar heating system consists of collectors, a storage unit, a circulation system and controls.
The key element is the solar collector. Its absorbs the maximum incoming solar energy and transfers this energy to the heat transfer medium with a minimum of loss due to reflection, conduction and re-radiation.
Currently, the most popular form of heat transfer medium for solar heating systems is a water and antifreeze mixture, although water and air are also commonly used.
When the medium is a liquid, the storage unit can be a tank that stands alone, or is connected to an existing conventional gas or electric hot water tank. When the medium is air, the storage unit consists of an enclosed container full of rocks or other suitable material to absorb heat.
All but the most simple types of solar heating systems have a circulation system to keep the heat-transfer continually moving from collector to storage unit.
Unless the flow is by natural convection, a pump or fan is needed to force the heat-transfer medium on its way. A control unit, with a temperature sensor, turns the pump or fan on and off as required to maintain temperatures in the system.
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Information and statistics excerpted from:
Solar Heating Systems in Manitoba
download the pdf (1.5 MB) english | french
Incentives – Solar Thermal Energy
Manitoba Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit
The Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit* is extended to SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY systems purchased for use in Manitoba starting in 2009. Purchasers who install specified solar heating equipment in Manitoba will qualify for a refundable 10% Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit on the eligible capital costs.
Capital costs include invoiced costs of the solar heating system, as well as taxes – Manitoba sales tax, federal Goods and Services Tax, excise and customs taxes – and other costs related to acquiring and making the system operational – such as insurance, freight, installation and design. The costs must be incurred and paid. Any other government assistance received for purchasing or installing the system will reduce the amount claimable under the tax credit. Borrowing costs are not eligible.
Specified equipment must be conventional active solar heating equipment that is or will be used primarily for the purpose of heating liquid or gas but not including:
- a building or part of a building (other than a solar collector that is not a window and that is integrated into a building),
- equipment used to heat water for use in a swimming pool, or
- equipment that distributes heated air or water in a building.
Acceptable new solar collectors must meet CSA Standard F378-87 or equivalent in order to qualify for the credit. It is not necessary to install a complete heating system in order to qualify for the credit.
For eligible solar thermal energy equipment, the system must have a signed commissioning report approved by a professional engineer, unless the system is for an owner-occupied residence.
* Where information does not correspond to the governing legislation and regulation, the latter prevails.
Solar Water Heating Grant
A solar domestic hot water grant may be available if you participate in the Natural Resources Canada ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes Program.
This Solar Domestic Hot Water Grant can range from $1250 for a single-family home to a maximum of $12,500 for a 20-unit multi-unit residential building or mixed-use building. Save NOW with a home retrofit grant – Save later on your energy bills.
News Releases
April 27, 2009
Province Extends Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit to Solar Thermal Systems: Rondeau
News Articles
Solar wall provides valuable renewable-resource lessons
by Nick Martin, Winnipeg Free Press, January 20, 2011
Contacts
For additional information on Solar Thermal Energy or to discuss your solar thermal/solar heat project, including possible integration with geothermal technologies, contact: Robert Walger |
For information on solar photovoltaic, contact:
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