Energy security - reliable supply of clean and affordable energy - has become a critical issue because of fluctuating conventional energy prices, depleting fossil fuel resources, and aging energy distribution infrastructure. Turning to indigenous energy sources is essential to achieve energy security for many regions in the world. Solar energy - the most abundant energy resource available – plays a critical role in addressing energy security issues.

Energy security is about focusing on the most important energy needs. In Canada, residential and commercial/institutional sectors represent over 30% of national secondary energy use, and over 80% of this energy is spent on space and water heating. Solar water and air heating technologies can dramatically reduce this demand. Solar backup power technologies can secure critical power supply making businesses and homes unaffected by utility grid failures.

The cost efficiency of applying solar technologies critically depends though on the suitability of commercial and residential buildings and houses to solar energy generation. Green Power Labs’ TruSolarShare Assessment and SolarStar Rating services provide unbiased information on the applicability of solar technologies, return on investment and positive environmental impacts/benefits. If public funding for incentives or rebates is involved, these services provide comprehensive rebate/incentive program metrics ensuring solar systems performance is maximized and giving the buyer and the funding agency confidence that public money is being well invested.