Alternative Energy Lifestyles in Saskatchewan

In 1999, Rolf Heckmann and his wife Gundel Minarch were on a world tour promoting renewable energy systems. After making their way across Africa in a bio-fueled RV, they traveled through Canada on their way to Central America. While crossing the prairies, they stumbled upon Grasslands National Park in south central Saskatchewan. They both fell in love with the park’s scenic beauty, and agreed that when their tour was over, they would return.

One year later they did return, and moved into an old church in the small community of Rosefield, near Val Marie. After some minor retrofits and installing a 1 Kilowatt wind turbine, Rolf and Gundel were able to meet all of their own electrical needs. The couple was not a stranger to alternative energy. In Rolf’s hometown of St. Georgen, Germany, over 80% of homes use some form of alternative energy. Alternative energy is a bit more of a novelty on the prairies. A carpenter working on the Heckman’s house was so inspired by their operation that he decided to get involved. “He couldn’t believe that all of his tools and all his saws could run on renewable energy,” explains Rolf, “he decided that he should get into the business of selling this stuff.” Rolf and Gundel put him in contact with their suppliers, and thus started Enerwest Renewable Systems. Soon after, the couple applied for working permits and became Operational Managers of the new company.

As Enerwest grew, they started to explore new markets and went into exports, satisfying the needs of remote power users in the province of BC, in cottage country in the United States, and overseas. Before long the 1 Kilowatt wind turbine system at Rosefield was expanded to a 7 Kilowatt system with four wind generators, plus16 solar panels, solar thermal heating systems, solar water heating systems, and air heating systems. A guest house was also added for the many people who came to see their operation and wanted to try living the renewable way.

It wasn’t long before people were coming from miles around to experience the alternative energy systems in action. A few even flew in from as far away as Vancouver and Toronto, using a nearby grid road as a runway. Rolf explains that a common misconception about living off renewable energy is it means great sacrifice to a person’s lifestyle and comfort, something that just isn’t true for the Heckmanns. “People would come in and see the wind generators and solar panels and would ask if it could run their computer. I would tell them it actually runs our whole house. Not only one computer, we have four! I found out that people have to see it to believe it.”

For many of Rolf and Gundel’s customers, renewable energy systems, such as remote watering pumps for cattle, and photovoltaic electric cells for remote cabins, are the most cost effective solutions to their unique electricity needs; however for many others alternative energy is a lifestyle choice. “A very high end solar system is about the same cost as a new truck” explains Rolf. “Not everyone buys a truck because it is the cheapest way to get around. Instead, many people drive a truck because it is a lifestyle choice. The same is true for many people who choose to live their life alternative energy. The only difference is that solar is an investment. That means it produces financial offset the minute you buy it and put it to work. And if energy prices are on the rise, your investment payback rate is faster. If the price of energy goes up, the cost of your car goes up, whereas with a solar system it just means you are saving more money.”

This is just one of the many new companies springing up across the province to support the growing demand for alternative energy. As for Rolf and Gundel, they will make the company their own this spring, and change the name to Truewest Solar Solutions. The couple hopes to expand the business, focusing on the many applications for renewable energy in the developing world. Heckmann is convinced that there is a real potential for renewable energy right here in Saskatchewan as well. Many people are already on board, and as knowledge of the systems expands, many more are sure to follow.