Steps to Apply for the ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program under the New Terms and Conditions.

The following steps will guide you through the application process for the ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program.  Its purpose is to clarify the steps and explain how funding works.

Application Period

October 1, 2010: Last date for NRCan to receive an application.

December 31, 2010: Last date for project commissioning.

January 31, 2011: Last date for NRCan to receive payment requests.

March 31, 2011: Program ends.

1. Access the latest version of the Terms and Conditions, Application and Guidance document.  Make sure you meet all of the eligibility criteria.

2. Complete and sign the application form. Submit your application by October 1, 2010, send it by post, fax or email along with supporting documents such as; proof of business registration, Output Report from a simulation program, and Sketch of the system to be installed. Note: any missing information will delay the processing of your application. We suggest using our Guidance document to help you complete your application.

3. Our program works on a first come first serve basis.  Applications are reviewed by NRCan in the order they are received. If your application is incomplete, we will contact you.

4. Once the application has been evaluated and deemed eligible, NRCan will draft a Contribution Agreement. The Contribution Agreement will be sent (priority post) in duplicate for you to sign, and return to us. (this can take up to 2 weeks or longer).

5. Once we receive both copies of your Contribution Agreement signed, they will then be signed by NRCan. One original (signed by both parties) will be sent (express post) back to you for your records; along with documents which are required when you submit your claim for payment.

6. These documents include a cover letter and the Contribution Agreement indicating the start and end dates of construction.

7. Upon receipt of the Contribution Agreement signed by NRCan you may then begin installation of your solar system, but not before! Your project must be completed by December 31, 2010, (installed and commissioned) prior to the end date indicated on the Contribution Agreement.

8. Once your system has been installed and commissioned, send us by January 31, 2011, a completed and signed Payment Request form, Commissioning report, and Schedule D, as well as photos and, in some cases, warranties of authenticity. These documents must be submitted no later than 30 days following your project end date. Note: Any missing information will delay the processing of your payment. Your Commissioning report MUST be signed by a professional engineer, Certified Engineering Technologist, or a CanSIA solar installer who has a valid certification in Canada, stipulating that the Project meets the prescribed technical criteria, is found to be fully operational, and has been installed in accordance with the current installation code (CAN/CSA F-383 - if a water heater) and good engineering practices. Note: Engineers in training are not authorised to sign the Commissioning report.
   

9. Your claim for payment, it will be reviewed by NRCan. If all of the forms are complete and the project installation meets the program's criteria, we will issue a cheque. Note: The amount issued is based on the information provided on the Commissioning report and cannot exceed the amount indicated on the Contribution Agreement.

10. You and ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat may now celebrate your success. If you are planning on a public announcement of your project, please contact NRCan well in advance so that we can coordinate our involvement.

Your completed project may be subject to an audit. You must, therefore, retain all documents as specified in articles number 7 and 9.3 of the Contribution Agreement.

For more details, please refer to the Terms and Conditions and the Guidance Document. After you have thoroughly read these documents, you may contact us, if you have questions.