The City of London is launching a new online map to support residents in making their homes more resilient to climate change and using renewable energy.
The new map is called MyHEAT Solar, and it helps residents identify the financial and environmental benefits solar panels would have on their roof. It was developed by MyHEAT and Google, and it uses Google Maps and Google’s Project Sunroof technology to quickly calculate a roof’s estimated solar potential and recommended panel size. The tool also accounts for factors that affect solar energy production like average annual weather patterns and nearby objects casting shade.
With this data, residents can evaluate the potential financial and environmental benefits of solar panels for their homes, along with information about incentives to install panels. The platform estimates potential savings over a 25-year life span of the panels and shares the estimated number of years until upfront costs are recovered. MyHEAT Solar also calculates the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that can be avoided if solar panels are installed on a home. Incentives up to $5,000 are available through the Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
MyHEAT Solar can be viewed online at solar.myheat.ca/london. Residents can input their address to view their home’s solar panel potential and learn about available incentives.
In Ontario, eligible homeowners can use solar power in a net metering arrangement where excess solar power is credited to residents for use at other times. Residents who are seriously considering an investment in solar should refer to the London Hydro website for additional information.
Residents can also learn more about home energy retrofits and other incentives, local programs, and tips at london.ca/climateaction.
MyHEAT’s development of this platform was made possible by a financial contribution from Natural Resources Canada.
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“London is one of the first cities in Canada to have access to this information,” says Jay Stanford, Director, Climate Change, Environment, and Waste Management at the City of London. “London’s Climate Emergency Action Plan identifies single-family housing as the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the city. Renovating existing homes with energy-saving and zero-emission improvements like solar panels is a priority included in London’s plan.”
“There are incredible opportunities for Londoners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and access potential savings with new solar panels,” says James Henry, Director of Growth & Sustainability at MyHEAT. “MyHEAT Solar quickly creates personalized evaluations that can help homeowners plan for the future and learn about available incentives.”