Examples of Solar Water Heating in Nova Scotia

Solar panels at Joggins fossil interpretation centre

Joggins Fossil Centre The Joggins fossil interpretation centre is a green marvel located above a former coal mine in northern Nova Scotia's Chignecto bay area. The site itself is famous for its rich deposits of fossils held within the cliffs that overlook the shoreline. Amidst the long list of eco-friendly design features are several solar thermal and photovoltaic panels and a 50kW wind turbine. Altogether, over 60% of the building's energy use is met with renewable energy. Other features include a vegetated roof, locally acquired building materials, and an extensive use of natural daylighting. The building may showcase some of the earliest remnants of life, but there's certainly nothing archaic about its design! More Details

Solar panels at Yarmouth YMCA

Yarmouth YMCA Since 2004 the Yarmouth YMCA has been sporting a sizable 40 panel solar thermal array to heat their swimming pool. To harness the sun's energy, a glycol solution is pumped through the panels and into heat exchangers. The entire system is powered by the sun, even the pumps, which run from the photovoltaic panels seen on top of the thermal collectors in the photo. With solar energy the Yarmouth YMCA is successfully avoiding the rising cost of fuel oil. In four years they have saved tens of thousands of dollars, and they will keep on saving for decades into the future. More Details

Solar panels on a private home in Hubley, Nova Scotia

A private home in Hubley, Nova Scotia The owners of this home installed a solar water heating system to supply hot water for radiant in-floor heating and domestic hot water. Backup heat is provided by an oil-fired boiler. The solar heating system was installed in October of 2006. It is expected to save the owners $1600 to $2000 per year on energy costs for the next 20 years. More Details

Solar panels at Chanterelle Inn, Cape Breton

Chanterelle Country Inn and Cottages Earlene Busch, owner of the Chanterelle Inn, built a solar hot water system into her business from the start. The solar heater provides hot water for Earlene's many guests in summer. When the inn is closed for the winter season, the panels provide heat to the radiant in-floor heating system that keeps the building warm. When the sun is not enough, electric backup heaters provide the rest. The solar heater is a useful marketing feature for the inn. Earlene says, "We get people coming here because they like our environmental policies, and the solar panels are front and centre in that." The Chanterelle Inn is located in North River, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. More Details

Solar panels at Ecology Action Centre, Halifax

Ecology Action Centre The Ecology Action Centre, Nova Scotia's largest environmental organization, installed solar hot water panels on its new office building on Fern Lane in Halifax. The 12 panels contribute energy to the in-floor radiant heating system in the building, and preheat water for the washrooms and kitchen. The solar energy system was installed in 2006 as part of the Fern Lane Eco-Renovation. Before installing solar panels, the Ecology Action Centre installed more insulation in the walls and attic, stopped cold drafts in the building, and installed more and better windows on the southeast and southwest walls to reduce heat loss and increase passive solar gain in winter. Other features of the renovated office include interior windows for daylighting, low-flush toilets, and examples of natural clay plaster on several interior walls. More Details

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Find more examples at Solar Nova Scotia: Solar Nova Scotia - Solar Homes Inventory Project