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Why these technologies, why now?
As ENMAX Corporation strives to become “The Utility Company That Everyone Follows”, there are few reasons that ENMAX Energy is working to offer customers alternative energy technologies:
Alternative energy technologies allow homeowners to offset a portion of the energy they use that is generated from non-renewable fossil fuels with renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This can reduce reliance on fossil fuel generated energy and could result in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Some alternative energy technologies such as the solar photovoltaic and micro-wind turbines may reduce the need to build additional to carry electricity. Instead of all electricity having to be transported from the source of generation, some of your electricity could be made right at your home from these technologies.
As an industry leader and innovator, ENMAX Energy is committed to providing Albertans with simple and affordable energy solutions. We believe that an investment in alternative energy technologies is an investment in the future. To that end, we will be offering our customers innovative alternative energy products that will help them generate their own electricity.
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What are the costs associated with installing these alternative energy products?
Home generation is available for a small up-front installation fee, and a monthly rental fee. We will take care of the permitting process as well as maintenance.
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When will these products be available to the public?
ENMAX is working with like-minded environmental organizations to make home generation possible. Special funding from Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation helps make home generation affordable, and Climate Change Central is facilitating this process to help make it easier. These new generation technologies should become available thru ENMAX Energy across Alberta in 2011.
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Who will these alternative energy products be available to?
ENMAX Energy is leading the way with making solar technologies available to customer across Alberta; while we will offer our micro-wind turbines to acreage and small farm owners in Alberta.
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I’m interested in installing one or more of ENMAX Energy’s alternative energy product offerings. What are the criteria to be eligible for these products?
The alternative energy products we are offering are available to customers across the province of Alberta. We invite you to complete our mailing list that will require you to answer a few preliminary screening questions to determine your eligibility for installing these products in your home.
In addition to other requirements, you may be eligible for solar technologies if you own your home and your home:
- Is a single family detached house;
Has a south-facing roof exposed to full sunlight during the day; and
Has asphalt shingles on the roof.
You may be eligible for installing micro-wind turbines, if:
- You are an acreage or small farm owner; and
You have unobstructed areas in a rural setting with high average wind speeds.
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If I am successful in the preliminary screening process for these products, what can I expect to happen next?
Here is what you can expect next to further determine your eligibility for installing these products in your home.
- Someone from ENMAX Energy will call you to find out more details about your home to determine further eligibility.
- If your home appears to be suitable for one of these products, an ENMAX Energy representative will come to your home for a site visit to confirm eligibility.
- If, as a result of the site visit, your home is deemed eligible and you still would like the alternative energy products installed, you will need to sign an agreement.
- ENMAX Energy will complete the permitting process.
- ENMAX Energy will install the alternative energy technologies in your home.
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Who will install and maintain these alternative energy products?
ENMAX Energy or its authorized agent will install and perform regular maintenance on these alternative energy products on your behalf. We will also take care of the permitting process, and any technology upgrades of these products.
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What kind of modifications will be made to my home if I have one of the solar technologies installed in my home?
An ENMAX Energy’s representative will give you a better idea at the time of the site visit; however, with that in mind, typically you can expect:
- Holes drilled into your rooftop to mount the technology which will be sealed weather tight.
- Hidden wires or pipes routed to your utility room or electrical panel (for example, through your attic or chimney vent).
- An inverter or controller system.
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What is a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panel and how does it work?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are panels that convert the sun’s energy into electricity. There are different types of PV panels, differentiated largely by the manufacturing process, materials used, and end function (i.e., PV panels that are designed to replace roofing shingles, etc).
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What is a Micro-Wind Turbine and how does it work?
Micro-wind turbines are small-scale wind turbines that convert wind energy into electricity. The micro-wind turbines that ENMAX Energy is installing are 12 feet in diameter and are mounted on a 33 foot pole. Unobstructed areas in a rural setting with high average wind speeds tend to be good for micro-wind sites. We will offer our micro-wind turbines to acreage and small farm owners.
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Can I receive a credit for any excess electricity generated at my home that is delivered to the electricity grid?
Yes. Starting January 1, 2009, Albertans can receive credit for any excess electricity they generate that is delivered to the electricity grid.
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Are any of these technologies already functional in Alberta or elsewhere in Canada?
Yes, and some of these technologies are operating worldwide. ENMAX Energy has set up field testing sites for these technologies and has been tracking and evaluating their performance to identify and bring the best options to Albertans.
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Who can I contact for more information?
To join the list of people interested in making a difference sign up for our mailing list. We will send you regular updates and additional information on these generation technologies. Together, we can create a brighter energy future for everyone.
If you have technical questions about these technologies, please e-mail dg@enmax.com
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If you know anyone interested in receiving more information about the alternative energy technologies ENMAX Energy is exploring, refer them to add their names on our mailing list. |