The Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS® (ASR) has taken a step toward environmental responsibility by installing a 10 kW photovoltaic grid tied solar panel system on their office building at 2811 Estey Drive in Saskatoon.  The system, installed by Solar Outpost of Saskatoon, is expected to produce approximately 15,000 kWh of electricity per year which is equal to around $1,800 worth of power at current Saskatoon Light and Power rates. Saskatoon is one of the sunniest cities in the country and will produce more power here than a similar system installed in Vancouver, Toronto, or Los Angeles.

The ASR installed the system under the Province of Saskatchewan’s “Net Metering Program” which provides a grant of up to 35% of eligible costs. Bill Madder, Executive Vice President of the ASR said “We made the decision to install this system based on economics and to show leadership in environmental responsibility. Existing office buildings are among the largest users/wasters of energy and we decided to take steps to offset that. In addition to the installation of the solar panels, we added additional insulation to the roof of the building and also had an energy audit on our building done by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. We have implemented a number of their recommendations and will be looking at additional ways to reduce our energy use in the future.”

Here are a couple of photos of the building and the system:

For more photos of the construction process, check out our Facebook page: ASR Facebook Page - Construction Photos

ePro Course coming to Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's REALTORS® will have a great opportunity to improve their social media and technology skills when the highly touted ePro® course comes to our province next month. The new e-PRO® gives agents a roadmap to build their business and serve the hyper-connected consumers of today and tomorrow. The course will be presented by REBAC Hall of Fame instructor Doug Devitre and will be offered in Saskatoon on November 29th and in Regina on November 30th. The registration fee for this course is just $155 and seating is limited.

For more details and registration information go to: ePro Saskatchewan - November, 2011