Spot A Solar Project and Win

Summer is here and the longer hours of sunlight could help Nova Scotians win solar energy prizes.

The Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Solar Nova Scotia, and the Ecology Action Centre, launched a contest and campaign today, June 21, to get Nova Scotians to identify solar energy projects across the province.

"Nova Scotia has one of the best climates in Canada for solar energy," said Andy O'Brien, Solar Homes inventory co-ordinator for the Ecology Action Centre. "We often forget that the coldest days in winter are usually the sunniest."

Contest entries can be made by clicking on the Solar Homes Inventory Project (SHIP) logo at www.solarns.ca and reporting solar and renewable energy installations made anywhere in the province. Feature case studies and photographs will be available on the Solar Nova Scotia website to help home and business owners understand the equipment and architecture used to harness renewable energy.

The Department of Energy is providing $25,000 for the project. Funding will allow Solar Nova Scotia and the Ecology Action Centre to update the solar database, expand the website, and promote renewable energy buildings across the province. The original database was created in 1979.

Contest winners will be determined from entries received between June 21 and Aug. 6. Winners will be announced on Sept. 23.