Solar water heaters will enable Markham homeowners to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact by harnessing the sun's energy to heat their water.

This residential program is one of many initiatives the Town of Markham has undertaken in its support for renewable energy.

Markham uses solar thermal and solar PV technology at its various facilities. In 2010, it will be installing a 10kw grid-tied solar PV system at its Civic Centre office and investing $3.2M in energy saving retrofits to many of its facilities.

"I'm thrilled that Markham can make programs like this available to our residents," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

"In all of our actions and planning, Markham remains focused on becoming a more sustainable community. It's a great achievement when our residents get involved and see first-hand the value of renewable technology. Community-based programs like this generate a lot of local interest and serve to encourage others to adopt the same practices. And, that's a great step forward," Scarpitti added.

Through the Solar Water Heating Program, qualifying homeowners will receive a substantial savings on the purchase and installation of their own solar water heating systems at the time of purchase.

These savings are made possible through the Government of Canada's ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program and volume discounts from EnerWorks.

Interested homeowners may also qualify for further rebates and credits through the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program, provincial rebates and the new Home Renovation Tax Credit.

This limited-time offer will give homeowners in the Enbridge Gas Distribution franchise area the opportunity to save up to 57 per cent on their own solar water heating systems. They may also reduce their ongoing water heating energy costs by up to 60 per cent and attractive financing for the installation is available.

The program uses solar water heating systems manufactured in Ontario by EnerWorks.

The systems are Canada's first solar water heaters to receive all-season CSA certification. Local, trained contractors will professionally install each unit purchased.

The integrated system is composed of three parts - solar panels, an energy pack and a solar storage tank - that work together to meet a household's primary demand for hot water, while the existing water heater provides a secondary heating source.

Solar water heating does not affect the quality or the availability of the hot water. The systems provide a clean, cost-effective way to reduce water heating costs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Homeowners can arrange for a free site inspection to determine if the system is right for their home. EnerWorks-trained contractors will professionally install the systems quickly and efficiently, and help book the ecoENERGY Home Retrofit audits for further rebates and incentives.

More information about the installation steps and pricing is available at www.bullfrogpower.com/solar or call 1-866-775-8808.