Empowering New Brunswick

Educating, Inspiring, and Transforming Energy
for an Affordable, Renewable Future

Who We Are

Brief Overview of SNBS:

Mission: Solar New Brunswick’s mission is to advocate for widespread adoption of solar energy in the province. We strive to educate the public, engage with stakeholders, and promote sustainable energy practices that beneﬁt everyone.

Membership: Our membership includes a diverse group of stakeholders, such as solar installers, suppliers, system owners, and renewable energy advocates. Together, we work to build a uniﬁed voice for solar energy in New Brunswick.

Organizational Milestones: Since our incorporation, SNBS has achieved signiﬁcant milestones, including the establishment of a dedicated board of directors, successful community outreach programs, and collaborations with industry leaders.

Solar Potential in New Brunswick

Economic Case:
Solar energy offers a practical way to reduce energy costs for both homeowners and businesses in New Brunswick. By generating electricity locally, solar keeps energy dollars within the province, fostering economic growth and supporting local job creation.

Environmental Impact:
Adopting solar energy plays a key role in helping New Brunswick meet its emissions reduction targets. By transitioning from fossil-fuel-based power to renewable sources, the province can mitigate climate change and preserve its natural environment for future generations.

Energy Independence:
Solar energy reduces New Brunswick’s reliance on imported electricity and centralized grids. By empowering communities to generate their own power, solar enhances energy security and resilience, especially during disruptions to traditional energy systems.

Current Challenges

100 kW Net-Metering Cap:
The current net-metering cap of 100 kW restricts the development of
larger-scale solar projects. This limitation hinders opportunities for commercial and community-scale installations that could deliver substantial economic and environmental beneﬁts.

Inconsistent Policies:
Policy inconsistencies across utilities, such as St. John Energy and NB Power, create uncertainty for stakeholders. Standardized policies are essential to fostering a predictable and equitable environment for solar development.

Limited Financial Incentives:
New Brunswick lags behind neighboring provinces in offering robust ﬁnancial incentives for solar adoption. Addressing this gap would make solar energy more accessible and attractive to residents and businesses alike.

Case Studies and Data
Story

Success Stories

Nova Scotia’s Solar Homes program demonstrates the transformative potential of robust solar policies. The program has enabled widespread adoption, resulting in signiﬁcant energy savings and environmental beneﬁts.

Local Data:

Data from existing solar installations in New Brunswick highlights the tangible beneﬁts of solar energy, including reduced energy costs, job creation in the renewable energy sector, and measurable emissions reductions that contribute to provincial climate goals.

Vision for the Future

SNBS envisions a future where solar energy powers a signiﬁcant portion of New Brunswick’s energy needs. By setting ambitious but achievable targets, such as generating 30% of the province’s energy from solar by 2030, we aim to position New Brunswick as a leader in renewable energy innovation. This vision includes integrating solar technology with energy storage systems and creating
solar-powered microgrid communities to enhance energy independence and resilience.