Technological advances are coming fast and furious these days in all areas of life.
Homes and cars are no exception — heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs) offer great energy and greenhouse gas emission savings. Not only are these technologies good for the climate, but they’re also good for the home — effective, quiet and efficient.
The Home Energy and EV Expo, taking place at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre June 14, aims to demystify these technologies and help answer residents’ questions. Cohosted by the City of Peterborough, For Our Grandchildren, the Electric Vehicle Society and GreenUP, this event combines two popular events held last year in Peterborough — the Home Energy Expo and the Electric Vehicle Show.
Westend Peterborough homeowner Ray Scott has gone all in on electrification. After purchasing his first EV in 2019, he now has a 14 kilowatt solar system with battery backup, installed by local company Generation Solar (who will be represented at the June 14 event), a second EV purchased in 2022 and a cold climate electric heat pump for heating and cooling the home. The only gas still left in his home is for the water heater, which he plans to replace soon.
Scott proudly showed GreenUP around his home on a recent visit.
“The car is now charging at a speed of nearly seven kilowatts per hour, and it’s all coming from sunlight — it’s free!” he said as the sun beat down on his large rooftop solar system.
New technology can be intimidating — while some early adopters embrace it right away, others need more convincing to make the switch. Investing in a new home heating system, renewable energy or a new vehicle means a significant expenditure, not to mention a potential learning curve.
A key element of the event is the inclusion of people like Scott, who have completed home retrofits, installed heat pumps and solar panels, and drive EVs (or maybe all of the above). Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with fellow residents to hear about their experiences on their electrification journeys.
The trade show also includes exhibitors from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry, renewable energy and building trades, as well as energy advisers and incentive program representatives.
Better Homes Peterborough, the newly launched loan program for home energy efficiency upgrades in the City of Peterborough, will also be featured at the event.
In the parking area, EV drivers will be on hand with their vehicles to answer questions about performance, winter driving, athome charging and public infrastructure. Local car dealerships have been invited to attend as well.
Inside the hall, homeowners who have completed retrofits will show photos and talk about their costs and energy savings, as well as any pitfalls they may have experienced.
Scott said his decision to electrify was driven by a desire to tackle climate change, but he’s been thrilled with the results.
“The heat pump is a dream,” he said. “It has a large electric backup system built in, but it has actually never had to come on. Two years ago, we had two full days where the temperature never got above minus 31 degrees, and the heat pump was still able to keep up.”
He added that neighbours have noticed — one asked about installing solar panels after seeing Scott’s array, while another commented on how much quieter his heat pump is compared to a standard air conditioner.
Find out how to get started on home electrification by stopping by the Home Energy and EV Expo at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre (577 McDonnel St.) on June 14 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sign up for the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ events/1737294150505788, or just drop in.
Learn more about GreenUP home energy services at greenup.on.ca/homeenergy.
This article first appeared in the Peterborough Examiner and is reporoduced here with permission from Greenup.
