The Town of Westlock is exploring the potential for solar energy at the Rotary Spirit Centre which could help offset the costs of powering the recreational facility by about half.
Councillors heard from ENMAX account manager Kelly Lenyk at their June 17 committee of the whole meeting, who took them through the features, benefits and costs of installing a solar power micro-generation system on the rooftop of the Spirit Centre and curling rink.
Council ultimately accepted the presentation for information with a 5-0 vote, but had a laundry list of questions for Lenyk about his pitch before doing so. Mayor Ralph Leriger and Coun. Clem Fagnan were not in attendance and deputy mayor David Truckey chaired the meeting.
“When you’re generating solar, you’re using it for the onsite consumption first, so you’re reducing your consumption and then whenever you’re over-harvesting, for example when the ice surface is out in the arena, you sell back to the market and you receive a credit on your invoice,” Lenyk told council of Alberta’s micro-generation regulations, adding that buildings like arenas, high energy users with inconsistent usage patterns, are in a position to take the most advantage of a solar array.
The total cost of the set-up comes in at $1.184 million, with a $511,000 contribution (43 per cent) coming from a Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) grant through the province, provided the grant is available, as it, like many other grants are over-prescribed.
With a 15-year financing term with ENMAX and a three per cent APR, the monthly cost would be $4,646, but would save the town $600,000 over the course of its lifetime, said Lenyk.
Coun. Murtaza Jamaly did some quick math and came back noting the $600,000 would be a savings to the municipality, but average taxpayers would only see $89,000 of that savings.
The 1,623 roof-mounted solar panels would generate 631 MWh of energy annually for a building that historically consumes about 1,356 MWh, or roughly 47 percent.
Lenyk pointed out the Calgary-based energy company also guarantees production levels and warranties the system for 25 years, though they are expected to last much longer. They operate in the wind, snow and rain and are resistant to hail, he said.
Environmentally, said Lenyk, the array would help reduce carbon emissions by about 6,000 tonnes, equivalent to powering 88 homes or taking 85 cars off the road. It could also save the town $55,000 per year.
Coun. John Shoemaker expressed concern the grant may not come through, putting the town on the hook for the entire cost of the project. Lenyk responded that if the grant does not come through they don’t proceed with the project. The numbers are based on the assumption the grant will be received by the municipality.
ENMAX has already submitted an expression of interest for the grant money, at the request of the town, just to get the ball rolling, as the grants are handed out on a first-come-first serve basis. There is no commitment to the town until the day something is actually installed.
Interim CAO Simone Wiley told council ENMAX had looked at the solar potential of the Aquatic Centre and the Westlock and District Community Hall, but both were deemed unsuitable and not financially viable.
