Wednesday March 30, 2016

Vancouver—Today, Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading green energy provider, and Solshare Energy are celebrating the launch of BC’s first co-operatively owned community solar project. The project is located on the rooftop of the Vancouver Co-housing in East Vancouver, which is Vancouver’s first co-housing site. Today’s community launch event at Vancouver Co-housing, running from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, is open to the public.

“The financial support we received from Bullfrog Power was an important factor in being able to move forward with the development of the first co-operatively owned community solar project,” said Solshare Energy Co-Founder Rob Baxter. “Community ownership is important because it gives people the ability to support solar energy who otherwise cannot because they don’t own a suitable house or cannot afford the up-front investment.”

The 23 kW photovoltaic plant, recently installed on the roof of a multi-family residential complex in East Vancouver, officially began generating clean, pollution-free electricity at the end of January 2016. Bullfrog Power provided construction financing to complete the development, which allowed Solshare Energy to offer ownership in the completed project to local Vancouver residents. The project is one of the first leasing projects under BC Hydro’s Net Metering Program.

“Vancouver is a city that increasingly has a reputation as a leader on sustainability and so it is no surprise that Solshare Energy was able to move this important, community owned solar project forward,” said Ron Seftel, CEO, Bullfrog Power. “Our support of community based projects like this one are a testament to the change that bullfrogpowered individuals and businesses across Canada are making in moving toward our goal of a 100 per cent renewably-powered future.”

Bullfrog Power has supported a number of community renewable energy projects throughout British Columbia, including solar projects with the Tsleil-Waututh and Kitasoo/Xai’Xais First Nations as well as Gulf Islands Secondary School on Salt Spring Island where a Solar Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing an interest in renewable energy. For an interactive map of all of Bullfrog Power’s community projects and sources visit bullfrogpower.com.

About Bullfrog Power
Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading green energy provider, offers renewable energy solutions that enable individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact, support the development of green energy projects in Canada and help create a cleaner, healthier world. As a Certified B Corporation, Bullfrog Power meets higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Thousands of individuals and businesses in Canada are doing their part to address climate change and air pollution by choosing green energy with Bullfrog Power. Sign up easily, quickly and affordably at bullfrogpower.com.

Join the bullfrogpowered community online on Facebook (facebook.com/BullfrogPower), Instagram (@bullfrogpower) and Twitter (@bullfrogpower).

About Solshare Energy
Solshare Energy is BC’s first cooperatively owned community solar energy project.  Solshare’s plan is to own a portfolio of renewable energy installations throughout BC that will engage BC residents and  offer financial, social, and environmental returns. Solshare Energy is a project of Vancouver Renewable Energy Co-operative (VREC).

Contact Bullfrog Power
Jon McKay
Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: 416.360.3464 ext 239
jon.mckay@bullfrogpower.com

Contact Solshare Energy
Rob Baxter
Tel: 778-869-8333
robert@vrec.ca