Banff Town Hall Goes Solar

The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) President & CEO, John Gorman joined Banff Mayor, Karen Sorensen today to officially inaugurate the new rooftop solar photovoltaic system on the Banff Town Hall.

The project is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by municipal operations, and to inspire local businesses and residents to convert their own electricity source to solar. With a 72 Conergy panel system the Town Hall solar project is the most extensive photovoltaic panel installation in the Bow Valley to date.

“Solar energy is the dominant renewable energy globally,” said Gorman. “With the unveiling of this clean energy project, the town of Banff is demonstrating once again that it is a Canadian leader in sustainable practices. I’m thrilled to be here with Mayor Sorensen to mark this initiative.”

In addition to environmental benefits, solar energy supports more jobs than any other energy source, and with continued investment in solar technology, electricity consumers of tomorrow will be able to interactively manage their electricity consumption through smart grid and smart home technologies.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption are Community Plan objectives”, said Mayor Karen Sorensen. “We have an obligation as a national park community to be a model in environmental management. We value our beautiful Rocky Mountain environment and we will do what we should to preserve it for future generations.”

Developed by Calgary’s SkyFire Energy, the system is expected to generate about 17,109 kilowatts per year, which would fully power at least three Banff households a year. A monitor in the lobby of Town Hall will display real-time readings of electricity generated, equivalent uses, and emissions saved.

Chad Townsend, the town’s environmental coordinator estimates they will save about 11 tonnes in C02 emissions per year, compared to electricity generated by fossil fuels in Alberta. “The Town will receive a monthly utility bill with the amount of power generated subtracted from the amount of power used”, said Townsend. “In a typical household, solar panels pay for themselves after about 10 years, but with a lifespan of at least 20 years, solar is a very worthwhile investment not only environmentally but also economically.”

The total project cost, including all equipment, installation and permits, is $53,000, funded through the Fortis municipal rate rider on electricity.

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The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) President & CEO, John Gorman joined Banff Mayor, Karen Sorensen today to officially inaugurate the new rooftop solar photovoltaic system on the Banff Town Hall.

The project is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by municipal operations, and to inspire local businesses and residents to convert their own electricity source to solar. With a 72 Conergy panel system the Town Hall solar project is the most extensive photovoltaic panel installation in the Bow Valley to date.

“Solar energy is the dominant renewable energy globally,” said Gorman. “With the unveiling of this clean energy project, the town of Banff is demonstrating once again that it is a Canadian leader in sustainable practices. I’m thrilled to be here with Mayor Sorensen to mark this initiative.”

In addition to environmental benefits, solar energy supports more jobs than any other energy source, and with continued investment in solar technology, electricity consumers of tomorrow will be able to interactively manage their electricity consumption through smart grid and smart home technologies.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption are Community Plan objectives”, said Mayor Karen Sorensen. “We have an obligation as a national park community to be a model in environmental management. We value our beautiful Rocky Mountain environment and we will do what we should to preserve it for future generations.”

Developed by Calgary’s SkyFire Energy, the system is expected to generate about 17,109 kilowatts per year, which would fully power at least three Banff households a year. A monitor in the lobby of Town Hall will display real-time readings of electricity generated, equivalent uses, and emissions saved.

Chad Townsend, the town's environmental coordinator estimates they will save about 11 tonnes in C02 emissions per year, compared to electricity generated by fossil fuels in Alberta. “The Town will receive a monthly utility bill with the amount of power generated subtracted from the amount of power used”, said Townsend. “In a typical household, solar panels pay for themselves after about 10 years, but with a lifespan of at least 20 years, solar is a very worthwhile investment not only environmentally but also economically.”

The total project cost, including all equipment, installation and permits, is $53,000, funded through the Fortis municipal rate rider on electricity.