PENHOLD – The town’s first solar panel project is nearing completion.
A total of 1,092 solar panels are being installed on the roof of the Penhold Regional Multiplex.
The installation began in early July and is being done by CBI Solar in Red Deer.
“Everything’s been going really well. CBI Solar’s doing a great job so far and we’re really happy with it,” said Mike Yargeau, Penhold mayor.
The project is expected to take about four weeks to complete and will cost a total of $739, 990, he noted.
Penhold council approved the solar project earlier this year in April.
The town took advantage of a rebate with the Alberta Municipal Solar Program offered by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre.
“This project creates an opportunity for a green energy focus on an existing building, reducing our carbon footprint while also reducing operating costs for our facility,” said Yargeau, noting the project’s positive impact.
“That’s why the solar panels were an attractive option for us. It’s a proven technology,” he said. “We know it works to produce electricity and we know that some (other) buildings, even in Alberta, are successfully producing enough electricity to offset their operating costs.”
The town has partnered with Enmax for the project.
“The estimated costs versus revenues for the system will see the town receiving energy savings and dollars within the first year of operation going forward,” said Yargeau,
The solar panels come with a 25-year warranty, he noted.
The use of solar energy is expected to begin immediately after the installation is complete.
“People are excited about it and think it’s a good project for the town,” said Yargeau. “We’re really excited to turn those panels on and make some electricity.”
