2021Completion Year
115.2kWInstalled Capacity
$167,377Project Cost
$12,210Cost Savings
$50,213MCCAC Funding
122,100kWh/yearElectrical Energy Generation
69.6tonnes CO2e/yearGHG Reductions
Greenhouse gas emissions reductions for this project are calculated based on Alberta’s Carbon Offset Emission Factors Handbook Version 2.0
OVERVIEW
In spring 2021, Lacombe County installed a 115.2 kW solar PV system on the roof of their public works building. The system is made up of 288 solar modules, 144 DC optimizers, and 2 inverters, and is conservatively estimated to produce 122,100 kWh/year of electricity in Year 1. The power generated will offset the electricity usage between the administration and shop buildings by approximately 17% annually. It will also allow Lacombe County to produce renewable energy, lower their carbon footprint, and lead by example in the community. The system was designed and installed by SkyFire Energy and received a rebate through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s Alberta Municipal Solar Program for $50,213.09 which covered 30% of the project costs.
APPROACH
The project is the second completed by Lacombe County through the Alberta Municipal Solar Program. The first project was completed in 2017 on two remote shops in the County. This Public Works Building project was first initiated in the winter of 2021 and was fully completed in the fall of the same year.
RESULTS
The electricity produced will offset 100% of the annual use at the Haskayne Legacy Park Pavilion and is expected to The project will reduce the municipality’s greenhouse gas emissions by 69.60 tonnes of CO2e per year, equivalent to removing 19 passenger vehicles from the road.
“As we encourage our community members to be environmentally responsible, Lacombe County, in turn, focuses our efforts on internal County operations in order to conserve, protect and enhance the environment in balance with social and economic needs. A project such as the solar energy project enshrines Lacombe County’s commitment to ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.”
Paula Law, Reeve