2021Completion Year
101.2kWInstalled Capacity
$151,650Project Cost
$12,610Cost Savings
$70,795MCCAC Funding
126,105kWh/yearElectrical Energy Generation
72tonnes 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
As part of the MCCAC’s Alberta Municipal Solar Program (AMSP), the Town of Devon installed a 101.2 kW solar PV system on the Town’s Dale Fisher Arena. The goal of the solar array is to reduce electricity costs and reduce the Town’s greenhouse gas emissions. The system will offset about 25% of the annual electricity consumed at the arena and is the second solar project completed on a Town of Devon facility. The Dale Fisher Arena project was completed in 2021.
APPROACH
The solar PV array mounted on the roof of the Arena is made up of 253 x 400 watt DC solar modules (panels) and two 45 kW AC string inverters. It is expected to produce 126,105 kWh of electricity per year (which is enough to power 18 average Albertan homes). The total system cost was $151,650. Including the first-time applicant bonus, just over 46% of the total cost was covered by the $70,795 rebate from the Alberta Municipal Solar Program. The expected annual electrical cost savings and rebate result in a simple payback period of between 6 and 7 years against the 25-year minimum lifecycle of the solar array. Without the AMSP rebate, the simple payback period would have been over 12 years.
RESULTS
The electricity produced will offset just over 25% of the annual use at the Dale Fisher Arena and is expected to reduce annual electricity costs for the facility by over $12,000. As electricity on the Alberta electrical grid is currently produced mostly by natural gas and coal generators, reducing the Town’s grid electricity consumption will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 72 tonnes CO2e per year, which is equivalent to removing 22 passenger vehicles from the road each year of the system’s minimum 25 year expected lifespan.
“Looking at green and renewable energy solutions for our facilities remains a priority for our Town as we continue to work with our partners at the municipal and federal level to find ways to implement these solutions in a cost-effective way for our residents. With MCCAC’s contributions to this project, we have a double win as we do our part to foster environmental stewardship while reducing our long-term power costs for the facility.”
Ray Ralph, Mayor
