Red tape casting shadow over solar projects in city

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This article was published 31/03/2021 (1794 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Those who wish to go green by adding solar panels to their homes are facing lengthy delays and extra red tape in Winnipeg, according to a local business owner.

Lorena Mitchell, president of Evolve Green, said it can take four to six months to complete a solar installation process within Winnipeg, while the timeline is closer to six to eight weeks outside the Manitoba capital.

“I see an average of about six months for getting a solar system on a house in Winnipeg. You don’t see this anywhere else,” said Mitchell, whose Marchand-based company sells solar power systems.

She said the delays are largely linked to the city’s permitting process.

For example, Mitchell said Winnipeg requires an electrical engineer’s stamp of approval on drawings for even the smallest solar panel projects, which can add two to three weeks and $1,500 to $2,000 to a project.

She noted that could raise the price to install a $12,000 solar power system to as high as $14,000, which she suspects could price some residents out of pursuing the environmentally friendly option.

“I think the cost is deterring people from installing solar systems, absolutely.”

The business owner also believes Winnipeg is unique in requiring the stamp for drawings on 10-kilowatt or less solar power systems, which she said isn’t required for projects that small in Ontario, Saskatchewan or other Manitoba municipalities.

She believes other inspections the City of Winnipeg requires before a new solar system can operate would prevent any safety risks, should the step be removed.

Mitchell said the city also lacks a clear outline of which documents it requires for each solar project, which can cause additional delays. She stressed she has no complaints about civic employees, but feels the process itself must improve.

One councillor now hopes to speed up the permitting process by exploring some of Mitchell’s suggestions.

A new motion from Coun. Matt Allard calls for the city to study options to remove the engineering stamp requirement to get a permit for solar photovoltaic systems below 10 kW in residential buildings. It also calls on the public service to suggest other ways to expedite the installation process for those projects.

“I think promoting green energy is a good thing, and if the city is causing delays or costs that are prohibitive, then I think we should be looking at that,” said Allard (St. Boniface).

The motion would also explore the enforcement process for contractors who don’t follow proper solar installation protocols.

The councillor said he hopes to find ways to fast-track some solar permits as a cost-neutral way to encourage the switch to green energy, which could also help the city’s effort to combat climate change.

“The more we convert to green energy, like solar, to heat our buildings, the more we will reduce those (greenhouse gas) emissions,” said Allard.

In an email, a city spokesman said Winnipeg’s requirement to have a professional certify designs should actually expedite the review process, as that person would take “full responsibility” for the plan.

Kalen Qually said Winnipeg’s building bylaw notes the city may request that level of certification for construction that requires special technical knowledge. He said skipping that step could introduce new risks.

“Risks of not using a design professional include concerns with electrical work and proper structural installation,” said Qually.

As for the length of the permit process, timely approvals are “commonly achieved” when all application requirements are met.

The Riel community committee is expected to vote on Allard’s motion at its April 6 meeting.

Joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga