4-minute read 

Written by Casey Clair, Energy & Climate Advocate 

Community-based sustainability is a key strategy in developing flourishing eco-conscious businesses. At The Chamber, it is important for us to promote sustainable businesses and their green initiatives. In our Sustainability Spotlights, we shift our focus towards sustainable practices and the people that adopt and amplify them. 

This month, we sat down with Daniel Hartley, President and Founder of Powertec Solar to learn about the energy source that helps make the world go ’round and see how Manitobans like you can use it to save on your power bill.

Powertec Solar Inc. is a division of Powertec Electric Inc., which, according to their website means they’re an electrical company that does solar, not a solar company trying to do electrical based work. This is an especially important distinction, as work is done by trained electricians educated in professional aspects of great service and dependable work.

They operate throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nunavut to provide electrical services such as solar photovoltaic (PV) system and electric vehicle charging station installations. Powertec Solar can help install these solar PV systems commercially/industrially, residentially, grid-tied or off-grid and is happy to help Indigenous communities with their solar projects. Daniel mentions the ease when installing solar PV systems as an electric company.  

“All of it is done in-house. You need electricians to do a large part of the solar installation. So, it means that we can bring all the design and all the engineering, all the electrical construction, all that in-house, so we don’t have to sub out any electricians.” 

Photo provided by Daniel Hartley, Powertec Solar.

So, what is there to like about solar? What could hold you back? Daniel was perfectly candid about the potential benefits and drawbacks of solar power. For instance, the upfront cost is what usually deters people from purchasing solar PV systems. However, Daniel notes that having a consistently low energy bill as well as doing something good for the environment are the biggest benefits to solar energy.

Additionally, there are still rebates available for homeowners through the Canada Greener Homes Loan as well as rebates available commercially and residentially through Efficiency Manitoba’s Solar Rebate Program.

Powertec Solar works beyond solar PV systems; they also install EV charging stations, commercially and residentially. Level 1 charging involves plugging into a standard outlet like you have at home. However, this charges vehicles very slowly. What’s most commonly installed in people’s homes and outside businesses are Level 2 charging stations. These will charge your car in a few hours. The fastest available charger is the Level 3 charging stations, which act similarly to gas stations with the ability to ‘fuel’ your EV in approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on your vehicle and type of charger. 

“We’ve been around for 10 years. We’re here for the foreseeable future so…I think we’ve built a fairly solid reputation with the community in terms of our ability to complete projects and our expertise.”

So, brighten up your autumn days this season and consider getting a solar PV system for your home or business.  

Want to learn more about Efficiency Manitoba’s Solar Rebate Program for your business? Click here to message our energy and climate advocate, Casey Clair for more details, or feel free to book some time with her to hear more in-person!