Village of Stirling a hotspot for solar energy
Global News
The Village of Stirling says it is the first net-zero village in Canada. The municipality’s solar journey started in 2018, and now the community is reaping the financial benefits
The Village of Stirling is home to roughly 1,200 residents — a small community setting a big example with its use of solar energy.
Mayor Trevor Lewington said before going solar the village spent roughly $30,000 a year running public infrastructure, such as the village office and street lights, but now they’re making money — almost $8,000 in 2022.
“Rather than an expense we now have a revenue stream, so that’s $40,000 a year we can invest in things like our volunteer fire department, or the pool, or parks, so for us, it was a no-brainer.”
Jim Seely owns an installation company called Solar Seeker. He added that green energy source is growing in popularity.
“As electrical prices go up, everybody is wanting to know more about it,” Seely said.
He added there are government grants and incentives to help people make the transition, and it doesn’t take long to have the system paid for.
“On an average house, if you can make yourself net-zero, your return is about seven to eight years.”
Some residents in Stirling are following the village’s lead and installing their own panels to cut costs.
