Today, The City of Calgary and ENMAX celebrated the installation of the city’s largest solar electricity system. Six hundred solar panels spread across the roof of the Southland Leisure Centre will offset a portion of the facility’s electricity usage and support The City’s continued commitment to reduce greenhouse emissions from City infrastructure.
The 1,740 square metre panel array, about the size of one NHL sized hockey rink, will produce enough electricity to offset electricity usage and GHG emissions equivalent of up to 24 average Calgary homes in a year. The new solar electricity system will produce up to 184,000 kWh annually. At that rate, the estimated annual cost savings will ensure the system is paid off in less than 14 years.
“Initiatives like these are important in creating a healthy and green Calgary,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi, “Not only are there environmental benefits associated with this initiative but there will also be financial savings to The City.”
Nenshi explained further that investing in sustainability and working with partners who share a vision for a greener Calgary, are critical to achieving The City’s long term targets.
“This solar project is just one example of how ENMAX's Enhanced Energy Services Program is helping municipalities across the province meet their environmental goals,” said Gianna Manes, ENMAX President and CEO. “We’re pleased to work with many Alberta cities, companies and individuals to harness the sun to satisfy a portion of their electricity needs, and further reduce their GHG footprint.”
In support of The City’s commitment to improve the efficiency of City operations, ENMAX and The City are exploring other solar opportunities. Other recent sustainable initiatives implemented by The City include:
- The connection of City facilities, including the Calgary Municipal Building, the Alberta Trade Centre and the Andrew Davidson Building to
ENMAX’s District Energy Centre;
- A solar thermal project at Southland Leisure Centre which contributes to displacing natural gas in heating water;
- A 50kW solar power plant at Bearspaw Occupational Work Centre;
- A city wide LED street lighting program that will reduce operating costs by an average of $5M annually when completed in 2018; and
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Dozens of facility retrofits, sub-metering and energy audits at Recreation facilities to support energy conservation and efficiency.