Operations Centre PV System – Town of Okotoks

Overview

The Town of Okotoks successfully completed the installation of a 149.6 kW solar PV system at the Town Operations Centre through the Municipal Electricity Generation (MEG) program. The Town received a $74,607 rebate from the MCCAC to help offset the cost of the project. This is the Town’s fourth major solar energy initiative, reinforcing the Town’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Approach

Energy consumption from Town-owned and operated buildings accounts for approximately 35% of Okotoks’ corporate greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, the Town invested in an on-site renewable energy generation system to reduce reliance on grid electricity, lowering emissions and operational costs. Inferno Solar completed the installation, which is designed to have a lifespan of at least 25 years. The system’s capacity and design enable it to meet roughly 90% of the Operation Centre’s annual electricity needs.

Results

The 149.6 kW solar PV system produces an estimated 175,032 kWh annually, resulting in approximately $12,252 in yearly energy cost savings for the Town while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 91.47 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent each year. To put this into perspective, this reduction is comparable to the emissions from burning about 39,600 litres of gasoline each year. The Town of Okotoks is making significant progress toward its sustainability and carbon neutrality targets through this initiative.

“These solar installations reflect our commitment to meaningful climate action that saves our residents money and improves our resilience. When we invest in renewable energy, we’re investing in a cleaner, healthier future for Okotoks—and for the generations to come.”

Tanya Thorn, Mayor

“Not only did we achieve our energy use reduction targets for this project, but it was a real pleasure to work on a project that sets a strong example of sustainability in action. I’m incredibly proud of the teamwork that made these solar projects a success. Thanks to the MEG Program funding, the Fire Hall and Operations Centre will now operate at a significantly lower cost and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Nick Ginakos, Okotoks Facilities Team Leader