Solar Energy

By Jamie Beliveau

We all agree that greener energy is necessary for the sustainability of the planet. But looking at all the green options that are available what is best for you and your family? Solar energy is a subject that often comes up. According to BC Hydro the average BC household uses 122.2kw of energy per day.

There are two options when it comes to solar energy. Photovoltaic, which converts solar energy into electricity, and Solar Hot Water Heat, this takes solar energy to heat your water. The first one is the one that is most thought of; photovoltaic panels. These panels are the ones that we hope will get us “off the grid.” Great idea but the typical problem that occurs is the cost of these panels. For a family of 4 these panels can cost about $30 000 and take close to 100 years for the panels to pay for themselves. Also, with the way we consume energy, the panels do not provide enough energy to for us to rely on them independently.

Another issue photovolatic’s have is that you need about a 12 panel system for a family of 4. They need to be installed at a specific angle on your roof, which makes them very visible from the ground. This takes away from the overall design of the house.

Still want to do your part for the environment? An alternative to photovoltaic panels is Solar Hot Water Panels. These cost about $8000 and will pay themselves off in approx 6 years. In the first year of installation homeowners’ noticed a reduction of 30-35% in their energy bills.

These panels do not take away from the design of your home because they can be mounted directly onto your roof without you able to see them from the ground. For a family of 4 members, you only need to install two 4 X 8 ft panels. The solar hot water panels can be used year round even during the winter months. The Canadian government has also made this process a little less painful by adding a $1750 rebate to those that complete their project.

Keith Kinvig from Absolute Roof Solutions, who has being installing Enerworks Solar Hot Water Systems in the lower mainland says, “It is the only panel that is CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved and there is no permit needed if you follow your roof line. As well it only takes 3 people to install and 1.5 days to complete it.”

So if you are thinking about reducing your carbon footprint, Doug Kerr, a local contractor from Kerr Construction says, “There are lots of incentives from the government for home energy improvements. The 2009 Budget is offering up to $1350 in tax credits on top of the LiveSmart BC and SolarBC rebate programs. We also make it easier for the homeowner by taking care of the energy audits.” This makes it a perfect time to build you and your family a health and sustainable home.

Government Savings for Vancouver Home Owners

With the economy still in recession Stephen Harper’s 2009 Budget gives Vancouverites a positive reason to invest in their homes.

Starting January 28, 2009 for 1 year the government is offering tax credits to homeowners of 15 per cent on all spending over $1 000 to a maximum of $10 000, giving homeowners a maximum tax credit of $1 350.

“We have not only been pummeled by the snow. Throw in the suffering economy and you get job losses and a decline in building projects throughout the construction industry in the lower mainland,” says Doug Kerr, president of Absolute Roof Solutions. “ This has made it tough on homeowners to do the up-grades and repairs that they need.”

Now with the new budget out and the industry slowdown it is a prime opportunity for the homeowner to take advantage of the tax credit offers. The government is also offering up to $12 325 in rebates for home energy improvements. Additionally, in your favour the projects will take less time with trades more available. According to the budget report the offer lasts one year.

“This is a great time for those homeowners looking to do necessary up-grades to their homes,” says Kerr. “ The basic Vancouver roof will cost about $5 000 with this tax credit you will save yourself $600.”

Absolute Roof Solutions celebrated its 10th year as one of Vancouver and surrounding areas leading roofing contractors and publishes the “Roofer Madness Booklet” for homeowners.



For Further Details
Please contact Jamie Beliveau
Telephone 604.263.0343
Fax 604.263.1501
www.absoluteroof.ca
www.kerrconstruction.ca
Jamie@kerrconstruction.ca

Roofs Feeling Weight

Jan 7/09 from 24hours

Heavy rains are wreaking
havoc on roofs around the
region.
A warehouse in Burnaby
collapsed on itself yesterday
and a townhouse complex in
Port Moody was evacuated
because of a partial roof collapse.
Kerr Roofing operations
manager Keith Kinvig said
snow on rooftops would
increase in weight as it sops
up a steady supply of rain
over the next couple of days.
A roof covered with 25 cm
of snow can weigh upwards
of 300 kilograms per cubic
metre.
“If people have a lot of
snow on their roof and it continues
to rain, they should be
concerned,” he said of homes
30 years in age or older.
Environment Canada predicts
up to 50 mm of rain
today followed by another 10
mm of rain tomorrow.
On the bright side, temperatures
could climb as high as
7 C over the next two days,
causing snow to melt rather
than stick around and pose a
risk.
- Dharm Makwana, 24 hours

Roof Collapsing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jamie Beliveau
604.263.0343
Jamie@kerrconstruction.ca


COLLAPSING ROOFS

Vancouver is now being pelted with rain after weeks of heavy snow and ice. Media has already reported roofs collapsing under the weight of the snow. Meteorologist state that up to 40mm of rain could fall in the next 24 hours; this makes the snow and ice on your roof even heavier.

This brings to mind the question about your roof – what do you do?

One experienced roofing contractor and author of “Roofer Madness”, Doug Kerr president of Absolute Roof Solutions warns of the legal liabilities on dealing with your snowy or icy roofs.

“Do handle your roof, but don’t take risks. Injuries can happen when you least expect it causing broken bones or worse. A fall from a roof can be fatal. Only professionals with the correct safety gear should be anywhere near your roof,” says Kerr. “Following these tips will safeguard you from injury or suits.”

Absolute Roof Solutions celebrated its 10th year as one of Vancouver and surrounding areas best roofing contractor. “Our dedication to superior workmanship and quality products has been our promise to our customers,” added Kerr. “

Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts:
-Don’t let the snow cause you legal litigation
-Don’t shovel the roof yourself it could cause damage to your roof
-Don’t go on a roof without proper safety gear you could cause serious injuries
-Don’t hire the neighbour’s son, you will be liable if they injure themselves on your property
-Do call a professional roofer for consultation and handling your roof

For more tips on how to deal with your roof and find a roofer you can call Absolute Roof Solutions (604.263.0334) and get a FREE copy of “Roofer Madness.” Or click on their website to order a booklet www.absoluteroof.ca
This informative booklet exposes you to all the in’s and out’s of how to hire the right roofing contractor – education material for the home owner.