Waterloo's Earth Day Eco-Showcase will help residents save energy

WATERLOO - Local area residents will be able to learn about how solar power can make their homes more energy efficient at a free community event Saturday to celebrate Earth Day.

The Earth Day Eco-Showcase, presented by the University of Waterloo and the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), will highlight solar success stories with three home and business owners in Waterloo Region. The event, took place at Kitchener City Hall's Rotunda Gallery yesterday from 1 to 5 p.m., explored solar power with expert panel discussions.

Other activities include solar demonstrations, eco exhibitors, solar installers, free bike tune-ups and a tour of the REEP House, a green demonstration home.

"Earth Day is a perfect time to reflect and learn about what you can do to help protect the environment," said Mark Seasons, incoming interim dean of the faculty of environment at Waterloo, who will speak at the event. "Hearing how other people use alternate energy sources, seeing solar demonstrations and exploring the resources available in our Region will inspire people to take action."

Tim Barrie is one of the featured home and business owners at Eco-Showcase 2010, who discussed how they benefit from solar technologies including photovoltaic (electricity-generating) panels, solar water heaters and solar air heaters.

Barrie has generated solar power on his Cambridge asparagus farm since 2007. He will speak about the new Green Energy Act and a government program that doubles the revenue generated by the solar panels on his barn.

Leo Tasca, manager of the renewable energy unit, Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, will speak on how home and business owners can benefit from solar power. He will talk about the Ontario microFIT program, which pays home and business owners to generate renewable energy.

As well, Dave Klassen of REEP discussed solar options and opportunities for the local community.

Other speakers include Rolf Thiessen, owner of the Waterloo Green Home, who will provide insight into the energy efficient design of his residence, the Waterloo Region Green Home; and David MacKay, an UpTown Waterloo resident, who will relate the solar air heating, photovoltaic and geothermal technologies in his 1940s home.

For more details on Earth Day Eco-Showcase 2010, go to www.ecoshowcase2010.ca.