Claresholm Arena solar power project approved

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A $500,000 solar power project has been approved for installation on the Claresholm Arena roof.
The Town of Claresholm council voted unanimously at its April 28 meeting to approve the $513,498 project. The solar power installation has an estimated payback period of 10 years and could realize annual utility savings of $75,387 at the arena.
Council voted to award D-Com Energy Solutions the contract to design, supply and install a solar photovoltaic system on the arena roof.
The Lethbridge-based company made a presentation to council in early spring outlining expected costs, utility savings and the possibility of available specific grant money for the industrial project.
Following D-Com’s presentation, council directed town administration to prepare and submit a request for proposals for a solar project on the arena.
“The town received 15 proposals and administration has conducted a review of the proposals,” said Abe Tinney, the town’s chief administrative officer.
The town also hired a utility management company, to provide a solar feasibility study, along with an independent review of the proposals.
Based on that feasibility study and the criteria in the requests for proposals, administration shortlisted five proposals from the 15 received. Of the five, two proposals were for large microgeneration system, that is more than 150 kilowatts, and three for micro microgeneration system.
Tinney explained the feasibility study analysis of a solar project at the arena explored the feasibility of a rooftop solar PV system for Claresholm and considered various factors such as electricity consumption profiles, roof size and capacity, site location, regulatory conditions and requirements, various costs, and the environmental impact.
“The town’s electricity consumption profile and hourly demand profile aligns well with the monthly solar production profile and hourly solar generation, respectively,” the company’s analysis stated. “A solar array around 134 kW can fully offset the arena’s annual electricity use.
“It is expected that the installation of a solar system can be a viable option for the town, offering significant benefits in terms of energy and cost savings, and reduced environmental impact.”
Overall, (the) recommendation is to review…proposals for final selection. It is advised to design the solar array with minimal environmental impact, apply risk management strategies, ensure regular monitoring, and secure funding or financing. We suggest the risks associated with potential changes to Alberta’s electricity market be evaluated against the project’s benefits, the company said in its analysis.
“The small micro-generation projects are eligible for Solar Club pricing, with current pricing at $0.30 kWh, which provides significantly more credits to the town’s accounts, leading to shorter payback periods and more annual savings. It should be noted that the estimated payback periods are assuming the town pays for this project in cash. However, we do not have the reserves to fully fund this project and will have to borrow, which will add to the payback period. If the council approves this project, administration will prepare possible funding scenarios for discussion at a future meeting,” Tinney said.
“Administration and (the consultant) are recommending that council proceed with a small micro-generation solar project,” Tinney said.
Administration is applying to the Municipal Energy Generation Program, which can offset total project costs by 30 per cent. The application requires an assessment by a structural engineer to confirm that the building can support the weight of the proposed project.
“This is never easy to crunch these numbers. My initial thought is that we’re a pretty pragmatic council,” offered Coun. Rod Kettles. “We haven’t done a great number of renewable initiatives in our term. I think this is an opportunity for us to move a little bit down that path. But, again, in a very pragmatic way, we look at 10-year paybacks, we look at something that’’s going to specifically reduce our overall costs over time. A structural assessment of the main roof is not a bad thing either way. I guess I would speak fairly strongly in favour of proceeding down this path.”
Coun. Mike Cutler said he is also in favour.
“I think it is a great opportunity to enhance what we have and if we get 30 percent coverage from grants that cuts it down. We got the money in reserves; we need to look at the roof anyhow so I am all in favour of going ahead with D-Com,” he said.
Kettles made the motion award the solar project to D-Com Energy Solutions in the amount of $513,498.
“My rationale there is though it’s a bit expensive it provides us with the most annual savings and after the initial cost of the project is covered, I think the most annual savings moving forward,” he said.
Cutler amended the motion to remove the stipulation that the project only move forward upon funding approval.
“I think we should just follow through with it on a no-matter-what basis,” he said. “It’s something we’re looking into. It’s something we want to do. We got the money. I think it’s something we should move forward with without the hesitation.”