Projects

This project is Phase 1 of the Town of Bauline’s renewable energy micro-grid plan. The 40 solar panels installed in the fall of 2020 are the first of over 200 panels that will eventually cover the roof of the town hall and community center building, built in 2016. The full system, which will also include a wind turbine, will produce all of the building’s energy needs, and will be accompanied by a battery bank to provide back-up power – since the building acts as an emergency warming center for the region, this project is not only a financially sound energy plan, but a community resilience plan as well. Subsequent phases will be completed as funds are available, and the current installation will generate savings for the Town in the meantime. Phase 1 was funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities via the Transition 2050 program.

This project is one of many parts of Bauline’s ambitious climate action plan. The long term goal is to power all municipal infrastructure with locally generated renewable energy, and to encourage residents to do the same for their home’s energy needs. Strategies relating to electric vehicles, waste reduction, and food security are also in the plan. The Town is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with what has been deemed necessary by climate scientists.

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The Town of Torbay has begun working toward a low-carbon and resilient future. Having recently upgraded insulation and windows in their Town Hall building, the time was right to begin considering renewable energy. 36 solar panels were installed in the fall of 2020, and there is still room for more. Eventual addition of a wind turbine and batteries will allow the Town Hall to be 100% energy self-sufficient, even in the face of grid power outages, ensuring that critical communication pathways remain open during emergencies. Phase 1 of this renewable energy initiative was funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities via the Transition 2050 program. Subsequent phases will be completed as funds are available, and the current installation will generate savings for the Town in the meantime.

The Town of Torbay has been active in both climate change mitigation and adaptation planning. From sustainable waste management and wastewater treatment, to storm surge and flooding preparedness, Torbay is tackling this global issue from all sides. Net-zero emissions by 2050 is the goal, while reducing spending, increasing safety, and improving resident well-being.

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The Town of Baie Verte is saving money while working toward a more robust emergency response system. By installing a solar panel demonstration on the Fire Department building, the Town is reducing energy bills and raising awareness of renewable energy in the short-term, but also planning for reliable essential services in the long-term. The demonstration system has been designed to allow for future expansion – additional renewable energy generators and battery storage could be incorporated later to give the Fire Department everything it needs to support the community in any situation. This project was funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities via the Transition 2050 program.

Baie Verte’s climate leadership doesn’t end here – they are actively developing strategies to push beyond traditional approaches and improve municipal services in low-carbon and resilient ways. By addressing current challenges and vulnerabilities with a sustainability lens, they are investing in a strong and healthy community.

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Our Torbay client is a young, growing family. They plan to go all in, targeting 100% coverage of their home’s energy needs with their own renewable energy. Like most of us, they’re on a budget, so their project is being completed in phases. They’ll need more panels, and probably a wind turbine too. Batteries will likely be the last thing to add. Starting now means that they’ll begin generating cost savings that can go towards the next phases.

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Our client in Avondale is a single senior on a fixed-income. Installing solar panels on her home was her way of protecting herself financially. Instead of having to deal with an unstable and potentially increasing power bill, she chose fixed-financing for her solar system. Her system is very close to covering her entire energy load, so she’s paying almost nothing in electricity bills, and knows exactly what to expect each month for her fixed loan payment. This security, on top of the value she has added to her property, give her peace of mind that she won’t have to worry about unexpected changes in monthly energy expenses and being a burden on her family.

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Our client in St. John’s is a couple who were moving into their first home. Barrett&Kin provided a review of the roofs of the homes they liked based on solar exposure. Once their home was selected, Barrett&Kin provided a quote for them to secure a Mortgage + Improvements type mortgage for the property. When they took possession, we ordered the materials, applied to the Net Metering program and completed the installation. We also coordinated all City inspections and permitting. This is a small system, which was all the couple could afford at the time. Knowing they plan to add to the system in a few years as their budget allows, the solar array was designed to easily accommodate additional panels.

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