Alberta Solar Review 2021 - Inaugural

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW INAUGURAL

2021

CATCHING

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40934510

BIG RAYS Canada’s largest solar farm

Construction begins on the largest First Nations solar project in Canada Micro-generators paid for surplus electricity Clean Energy Improvement Program coming to Alberta

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CONTENTS Message from the editor............................................................ 4 Greening of the pipeline grid...................................................... 5 The Clean Energy Improvement Program

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW IS PUBLISHED BY DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, MB R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com

is coming to particpating Alberta municipalities........................ 6

PRESIDENT & CEO

Medicine Hat offers incentives to promote solar power.............. 8

MANAGING EDITOR

What is the Smart Renewables and

Electrification Pathways Program.............................................10 Solar Club helps micro-generators get

more for their solar electricity.................................................. 14 Catching sun

Southern Alberta home to Canada’s largest solar facility...........16

DAVID LANGSTAFF

TAMMY SCHUSTER tammy@delcommunications.com ADVERTISING MANAGER

DAYNA OULION ADVERTISING SALES

COLIN JAMES ANTHONY ROMEO GARY SEAMANS

Professional solar energy training with Solar Alberta.................18

PRODUCTION SERVICES P ROVIDED BY

Solaré Canada Inc.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR / LAYOUT & DESIGN

Advancing the energy transition in Alberta.............................. 20

KATHLEEN CABLE

Sunny side up

© COPYRIGHT 2021 DEL Communications Inc. All rights reserved.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of the publisher.

Alberta business installs solar panels to its facilities............... 22 Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation building

the largest First Nation solar project in Canada....................... 24 EQUS corporate office solar.....................................................26 Environmental stewardship at the

Edmonton Convention Centre................................................. 28 Index to advertisers................................................................. 30

On the cover: The Edmonton Convention Centre harnesses the sun on Canada’s largest building-integrated photovoltaic display on the venue’s atrium roof. Photo courtesy of Explore Edmonton. Story on page 28.

S.G. Bennett Marketing Services

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in and the reliability of the source, the publisher and/or the Idaho Associated General Contractors in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers.

Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.

PRINTED IN CANADA 07/2021

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 3

Message from the editor Hello and welcome to the inaugural edition of the Alberta Solar Review, a publication promoting the solar energy industry in the sunny province of Alberta.

In this issue, we look at the Clean Energy Improvement Program that is being introduced in Alberta as a new way to grow the renewable energy industry. We highlight Medicine Hat’s HAT Smart program, which provides a rebate program for customers purchasing and installing solar systems on their homes, along with the Solar Club, launched by locallyowned energy retailer that pays micro-generators for their surplus electricity.

In support of Canada’s ongoing effort to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, Bennett Jones provides information regarding the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program. We have updates on the Alberta Solar One Project, Enbridge’s first solar powered project, and

the Claresholm Solar Project, Canada’s largest solar farm located in Alberta. In a joint venture with Concord Green Energy, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation begins construction on the largest First Nations solar project in Canada.

We also look at two businesses that installed solar panels to their office facilities and hear about their experience and results.

This issue also provides information regarding Solar Alberta’s professional training courses for those looking for opportunities to advance their skills in solar photovoltaics, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

We hope you enjoy the first edition of the Alberta Solar Review, and if you have any ideas, suggestions or story ideas, please get in touch!

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Greening of the pipeline grid

Solar project now supplies power to the Enbridge Mainline pipeline which runs through Alberta The southern prairies see more than 2,400 hours of sunshine annually, compared to between 1,200 and 2,000 hours in the rest of Canada. It may not seem like it at times, but the prairies typically see sunshine about 320 days every year.

The vast, open spaces of the northern plains continue to support a rich agricultural economy but, increasingly, that abundant sunshine is being harnessed to backstop a burgeoning solar power industry.

In late March, Enbridge opened its first solar self-power project in Canada between Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. Alberta Solar One, as it’s known, now supplies a portion of power to the Enbridge Mainline pipeline network, which includes the recently completed Line 3 Replacement pipeline.

The $20-million facility features 36,000 solar panels and has a capacity of 10.5 megawatts, equivalent to meeting the energy needs of about 3,000 homes and offsetting some 12,000 tonnes of carbon annually.

By supplying Enbridge’s Mainline power requirements with renewable electricity, the solar farm displaces power generated from carbon emitters like coal-fired power plants.

for Enbridge in Canada, it’s part of a broader program the company is initiating to self-supply a growing portion of its energy needs from renewable resources.”

“These types of projects fit into our larger growth plans to reduce emission intensity by 35 per cent and be net zero by 2050,” says Vern Yu, executive vice president and president at Liquids Pipelines. “To help get there, we’re using solar self-power to generate electricity for our operations, modernizing our systems to improve efficiency and advancing other technologies. While the new facility is the first of its kind

“This project is a win-win for Enbridge’s power team as we continue to grow our renewable energy portfolio and support Enbridge’s sustainability goals,” adds Matthew Akman, Enbridge’s senior vice president of strategy and power. “We’re excited to see our first Canadian self-power project come online, and we will continue to invest in opportunities across North America that generate energy to power our operations.”

Including Alberta Solar One, Enbridge is looking at approximately 15 to 20 self-power projects for its liquids pipelines pump stations and gas pipelines compressor stations.

The vast, open spaces of the northern plains continue to support a rich agricultural economy but, increasingly, that abundant sunshine is being harnessed to backstop a burgeoning solar power industry.

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 5

IMAGES PROVIDED BY THE ALBERTA MUNICIPAL SERVICES CORPORATION

The Clean Energy Improvement Program is coming to participating Alberta municipalities Unlock opportunities in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sector The Clean Energy Improvement Program is a new way to grow the energy efficiency and renewable energy industry and it is coming to Alberta. The Clean Energy Improvement Program, or CEIP, leverages an innovative financing solution known as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). This solution allows property owners to make larger,

“CEIP provides property owners with flexible, affordable financing to pay for upgrades that increase the energy efficiency, comfort and value of their properties.”

City of Leduc, Town of Canmore, Town

The CEIP is administered by

“The Clean Energy Improvement Program is preparing to launch in two very eager municipalities, with several more on their heels.”

the Alberta Municipal Services Corporation (AMSC), a whollyowned subsidiary of the Alberta

of Okotoks and the City of St. Albert have all passed their CEIP-enabling bylaws and are moving on to program design.

more complex upgrades by accessing

Urban Municipalities Association,

flexible, long-term financing through

in partnership with participating

a participating municipality. The best

municipalities across Alberta. To get

part is, the Clean Energy Improvement

started, municipalities must pass a

The CEIP allows property owners

Charge is tied to the property, not the

bylaw and choose to implement the

to finance up to 100 per cent of

property owner. So, if the property

program; property owners located in

the eligible energy efficiency and

is sold, the new owner assumes

these municipalities can choose to

renewable energy upgrade costs. The

responsibility for repayment, while

apply. This year, the Town of Rocky

upgrade is repaid through an added

also enjoying the benefits provided by

Mountain House and the Town of

charge to the property owner’s regular

the upgrade.

Devon will launch their programs. The

property tax bill, just like a local

6 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

How does CEIP work for residential property owners?

improvement tax. The Clean Energy

Energy Improvements Regulation

Becoming a qualified contractor

Improvement Charge can be prepaid

requires all CEIP eligible upgrades

at any time, penalty-free.

to be completed by a CEIP Qualified

involves completing an online

With support from AMSC, property owners will be able to easily navigate through the program. Property owners

Contractor, including solar installers.

All qualified contractors must be listed on myCEIP.ca.

application form, attending/viewing a brief onboarding presentation, and completing a CEIP onboarding test.

in participating municipalities will

Qualified contractor onboarding

For more information and to stay up

submit a pre-qualification form that

will begin before each participating

to date on CEIP activities, visit

will be provided on the website,

municipality’s program launch.

myCEIP.ca.

myCEIP.ca. Once pre-qualified, property owners will complete an NRCan Home Energy Evaluation to identify energy-saving opportunities.

At this stage, property owners will select a qualified contractor from the online directory available on myCEIP.ca (expected to launch by fall 2021).

Once the energy upgrades have been selected and a qualified contractor has provided a quote, property owners will submit a project application form and supporting documents. After the project application is reviewed, approved, and all agreements are signed, project installation can commence.

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Once installation is complete, the property owner submits an upgrade completion form with supporting documents. Once approved, AMSC or the municipality will pay the qualified contractor, the property owner will complete a post Home Energy Evaluation, and the total project cost will be added to the property owner’s property tax bill as a Clean Energy Improvement Charge.

What do solar installers need to know?

Professionals in the energy efficiency or renewable energy industry will benefit from increased business opportunities. Alberta’s Clean ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 7

Medicine Hat offers incentives to promote solar power established in 2008 to prepare

and distribution companies, offering

Medicine Hat residents for a resource-

the unique opportunity to transact

constrained world by assisting in

with residents who generate their own

energy conservation and renewable

electricity through a bi-directional

energy initiatives. Since its inception,

net metering system. If specific

HAT Smart has provided nearly $1 million in solar incentives to support the installation of 216 residential microgeneration sites and more than $600,000 to 15 commercial Solar energy works in any climate, and the fuel is plentiful in Medicine Hat with 330 days of sunshine each year. Installation of rooftop solar PV

installations. In addition to the solar PV incentive, HAT Smart has distributed a variety of other energy efficiency rebates to customers worth $5,258,875.53. The program has

requirements are met, homeowners are eligible to connect their solar photovoltaic system (microgenerator) to the City’s electric distribution system. When the solar PV generates more electricity than the residence consumes, the homeowner qualifies for a credit on their city electric utility bill.

systems is an appealing alternative

garnered many awards over the years

for local homeowners. The City of

including the Sustainable Community

Medicine Hat, through the HAT Smart

Award from the Federation of

program, provides a solar electric

Canadian Municipalities and the

rebate program for residential utility

Alberta Emerald Award.

dedicate resources to investigating,

UNIQUELY POSITIONED

energy alternatives in our community.

customers to purchase and install solar PV systems on their homes.

AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM The HAT Smart program was

The City of Medicine Hat continues to leverage our natural climate and evaluating and advancing renewable

For more than a century, the City

The future – and the sky – is bright in

of Medicine Hat has owned and

Medicine Hat. Find out more at

operated its own power generation

www.hatsmart.ca.

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What is the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program?

By Thomas McInerney and Vivek Warrier

On June 2, 2021, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) announced its Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) in support of Canada’s ongoing effort to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

The $964-million commitment over four years will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the replacement of fossil-fuel generated electricity with cleaner energy technologies, such as wind and hydro.

To facilitate this transformation to Canada’s electric grid, SREPs offer

What projects are eligible?

SREPs provide funding to projects under the following streams: • Established renewables (eg., onshore wind, solar photovoltaic); • Emerging technologies (eg., energy storage, geothermal, tidal); • Grid modernization (eg., micro-grids, virtual power plants); and • Strategic Dialogue Linked Projects (SDLPs).

financial assistance to eligible projects

Projects under established renewables

during the construction phase. This

and emerging technologies capable

investment in smart renewable energy

of supplying electricity must also

and grid modernization projects will

provide grid services that synchronous

make clean, affordable electricity more

generators (eg., hydro, natural gas,

accessible in communities across the

coal, or nuclear) have ordinarily

country and improve the connectivity

supplied in the jurisdiction where the

and efficiency of Canada’s existing electrical infrastructure.

Projects must use market-ready technologies and will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to workplace equity, diversity and inclusion. SREPs is showing additional support for Indigenous communities by allotting a minimum percentage of

project is located.

dialogue between federal and provincial/territorial jurisdictions through a Memorandum of Understanding, or projects linked to negotiations between the federal and provincial/territorial governments.

What is the funding limit for each project stream?

Funding limits are based on a percentage of total project costs.

This percentage varies according to project stream, with a $50-million cap on any single project. The maximum eligible percentage of total project costs for each stream is as follows: 10 per cent of established renewables; 30 per cent of emerging technologies; and 50 per cent of grid modernization. Maximum eligible funding for SDLPs will follow that of the most fitting of the other three streams.

Grid modernization projects must

Where a project falls under multiple

contribute to a broader range of grid

streams, the maximum funding

services and value streams, including

percentage will be determined

asset utilization and efficiency,

according to the proportion of

reliability and resiliency, system

eligible expenditures in each stream.

flexibility, and enabling renewable

Final project funding percentages

integration.

will be assessed according to demonstrated need.

total program funds to Indigenous-led

SDLPs may fit under any of the other

projects, which may qualify for greater

three project streams, and they are

Applicants are encouraged to stack

funding.

described as being part of an ongoing

financial assistance from other

Projects must use market-ready technologies and will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to workplace equity, diversity and inclusion.

10 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

The New Energy Economy The Bennett Jones New Energy Economy Series focuses on the future of Canada’s energy industry and opportunities for businesses and investors. bennettjones.com/NewEnergyEconomy

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funding sources. The maximum level of total Canadian government funding authorized under SREPs is 75 per cent of total project costs when the applicant is a for-profit organization. Provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous applicants and non-profit organizations, may receive up to 100 per cent of total project costs from government funding sources.

What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?

SREPs will reimburse a portion of expenditures incurred for the execution of each project. These expenses include: employee salaries and benefits; contracting services; travel, meals and accommodation; GST, PST or HST; capital expenses; select overhead expenses; and miscellaneous expenses.

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The total amount of program funding paid to a recipient will not exceed the eligible expenditures actually incurred by the recipient.

What contribution funds are repayable?

Funds distributed to for-profit organizations (intended to generate profits) will be repayable. These projects will be monitored for five years following their completion to determine the repayment amount. If a profit is generated within this period, the recipient must repay the funds based on profit multiplied by the proportion of the government’s contribution towards total project costs, with a maximum repayment equal to SREPs’ contribution.

The following recipients qualify for nonrepayable contribution agreements: Indigenous projects; provincial, territorial and municipal governments; projects that qualify for less than $100,000 in contribution funding; and non-profit organizations.

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What is the application process?

The process includes the following steps: (1) Project Registration; (2) Technical and Financial Project Application; and (3) Project Evaluation.

Project approval is based on the principle of “first in construction, first served”, encouraging applicants to demonstrate project readiness. Where multiple projects submit planned start dates within the same period, priority will be given to projects in coal-generating provinces, followed by Indigenous-owned projects.

To see if your business or organization can benefit from SREPs, contact Thomas McInerney (mcinerneyt@ bennettjones.com) or Vivek Warrier (warrierv@bennettjones.com) at Bennett Jones.

12 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

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A DIVISION OF

Solar Club helps micro-generators get more for their solar electricity

When it comes to making decisions

electricity from renewable or

about products and services for a

alternative energy sources. Under

home, choosing an electricity provider

the regulation, micro-generators

is probably one of the least exciting

receive credits for the electricity they

decisions to be made.

produce but do not consume. Small

When you break it down to its bare bones, electricity is electricity. There is nothing unique about the kWh sold

electricity sent back to the grid at their monthly retail rates.

by one company or another. But that

The Solar Club, launched by locally-

doesn’t mean shopping around in

owned energy retailer Utility Network

Alberta’s deregulated market shouldn’t

& Partners Inc. (UTILITYnet), was

be a priority; especially if you have

designed to pay micro-generators

installed a solar system on your home,

a reasonable price for the surplus

business or farm.

electricity they produce and ship back

A BRIGHT NEW PROGRAM FOR MICRO-GENERATORS Innovative. Profitable. Local. Three words that describe the Solar Club, one of the most popular electricity programs currently available to Solar PV Micro-Generators in Alberta.

14 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

micro-generators are credited for the

to the grid.

“Alberta has a wealth of imaginative and environmentally sensitive people, and the number of solar systems installed in the province is on the rise,” says Nick Clark, director of UTILITYnet. “This growth is encouraging, but we asked ourselves, how can we encourage even

Alberta’s Micro-Generation Regulation

MORE micro-generation investment in

allows Albertans to meet their own

the province? How can we help make a

electricity needs by generating

difference?”

Each Energy Marketer is locally owned and operated, has a unique story about why they entered Alberta’s energy market, and does its part to give back to its local community.

And so, the Solar Club was born.

Members of the club have access to exclusive electricity rates and receive 2 per cent cash-back on all electricity imported from the grid annually.

Additionally, members will have 50 per cent of the electricity they import from the grid offset by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) free.

seasons begin to change, and they

By choosing one of these local

begin importing more electricity than

alternatives, Albertans can feel good

they export, they can switch to the

knowing that what they pay for their

8.10 ¢/kWh rate.

utilities is staying within the province,

LOCAL ALTERNATIVES Since the deregulation of Alberta’s electricity market over a decade ago, UTILITYnet has helped launch over 20 local Energy Marketers

not ending up on the balance sheet of a large corporation in the US or abroad.

Solar PV Micro-Generators can join the Solar Club today by signing up with

The key to this program’s popularity

that are offering micro-generators

any of the following Energy Marketers:

has been the ability to switch between

access to the Solar Club. Additionally,

• Abode Power (www.abodepower.ca)

a high export rate of 25.85 ¢/kWh and

these small local businesses offer

a low export rate of 8.10 ¢/kWh with

competitive rates for electricity,

• Camrose Energy

no penalties, depending on the time of

natural gas and high-speed internet

year and the amount of electricity they

services to consumers across the

are importing and exporting.

province.

Simply put, when solar generation

Each Energy Marketer is locally owned

is highest, and a micro-generator

and operated, has a unique story

is exporting more electricity than it

about why they entered Alberta’s

• Spot Power (www.spotpower.net)

is importing, they can choose to be

energy market, and does its part to

• Vector Energy

on the 25.85 ¢/kWh rate. When the

give back to its local community.

(www.camroseenergy.com) • Get Energy (www.getenergy.ca) • Mountain View Power (www. mountainviewpower.com) • Park Power (www.parkpower.ca)

(www.vectorenergy.ca)

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 15

Catching sun

Southern Alberta home to Canada’s largest solar facility The largest solar facility in Canada has achieved commercial operations as of April 2021 and is now producing clean, renewable power for the province of Alberta.

the project’s operations, Claresholm

“Working creatively and with

is expected to provide on-going

unmatched dedication is integral

employment along with significant

to Capstone’s business philosophy,”

and stable long-term property tax

says Eva. “We are extremely pleased

revenue to the local economy.

to support TC Energy and the critical

The Claresholm Solar Project is a 132MW solar farm located on 1,280 acres of agricultural land in the Municipal District of Willow Creek. It is comprised of approximately 477,198 photovoltaic solar panels, mounted on fixed-tilt racking with a total capacity of 132MW.

“I’m tremendously proud of our team

The project is a joint venture between Capstone Infrastructure Corporation, a renewable energy investment company based in Canada, and Obton A/S, a Danish investment company involved in the development of solar and wind power projects.

overcoming the numerous challenges

During construction, the project created 350 full-time jobs with peak site personnel reaching over 650 skilled workers. Over the course of 16 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

for safely and successfully completing the Claresholm Solar Project, now

role that such corporate PPAs play in accelerating the transition to clean energy across North America.”

Canada’s largest operating solar farm,”

The terms of the PPA represent a

says David Eva, CEO of Capstone. “This

supply of 74.25MW of electricity

was an ambitious project with tight

generated from the solar farm over an

timelines, and Capstone and all our

eight-year period to TC Energy.

suppliers had the added burden of resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, which they passed with flying colours.”

“Capstone has shown incredible dedication to bringing this asset into service. Through collaborative partnerships like this one, we are bringing clean energy to the Alberta

The majority of the Claresholm Solar

market,” says Corey Hessen, senior

Project’s power and associated

vice president and president of power,

emission offsets will be sold to TC

storage and commercial marketing

Energy under the terms of a power

at TC Energy. “This PPA represents

purchase agreement (“PPA”), and the

another step toward reducing our

remaining power sold into Alberta’s

emissions and growing our power

wholesale power pool.

business across North America.”

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The professional training courses, offered online from September to March every year, provide valuable opportunities to advance the skills, employability, and business offerings of people active or interested in solar photovoltaics (PV), renewable energy, and energy efficiency.

Courses cost $125 to $250, with a 10 per cent discount on all courses for Solar Alberta members. Register at www. solaralberta.ca.

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Learning outcomes: • understanding how solar PV influences energy, transmission, and distribution charges • estimating the return from a solar PV investment compared to other investments and to grid-purchased electricity • calculating the payback period for specific projects 18 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

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CONTRACTS FOR THE SOLAR INDUSTRY Instructor: Mark Dyrbye, RET Sept. 19, 21, 26 & 28 (4 evenings) 6:30–8:30 PM MT $175 This course teaches students how to write bulletproof contracts for solar PV installations. Students receive a sample contract template and helpful planning documents.

Learning outcomes: • essential elements of a contract • risk identification and mitigation • writing a scope of work and gathering supporting details • how to structure pricing • contract bidding and administration • the Alberta Solar Business Code of Conduct

SOLAR PV ELECTRICAL CODES Instructor: Eric Smiley, MASC, P.Eng. Sept. 21, 23 & 28 (3 evenings) 6:30–8:30 PM MT $175 This class is for electricians, technicians, engineers, solar installers, sales people and others with a basic understanding of electrical theory and electrical terminology.

Learning outcomes:

Learning outcomes:

• identifying proper and improper installation methods and

• grid-interactive solar PV system commissioning, operation, and maintenance

equipment in solar PV systems • citing relevant Canadian Electrical Code rules • identifying when deviations from the Canadian Electrical Code may be requested

SOLAR PV DESIGN AND MODELLING Instructor: Eric Smiley, MASC, P.Eng. Sept. 30, Oct. 5, 7, 12 & 14 (5 evenings) 6:30–8:30 PM MT $250 This class is for electricians, technicians, engineers, solar installers, sales people, and others with a basic understanding of electrical theory and electrical terminology.

Students learn how to design and evaluate the performance of solar electric systems through a series of case studies, and the class discusses advances in PV technology and the

• evaluating project compliance with applicable codes and standards • workplace safety procedures and equipment • commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting procedures, tools, and equipment • project-specific standards, specifications, and industry best practices

BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM DESIGN & MODELLING Instructor: Eric Smiley, MASC, P.Eng. Nov. 30, Dec. 2, 7 & 9 (4 evenings) 6:30-8:30 PM MT $225

Learning outcomes:

This course is designed for electricians, technicians, engineers, solar installers, and sales people who have prior knowledge of solar PV and electrical systems.

• interpreting specifications for major components of PV

Learning outcomes:

economics of PV systems.

systems • specifying the major components of grid-tie, battery-based, and grid-tie battery backup PV systems • specifying the Balance of System components • applying the appropriate sections of the Canadian Electrical Code • identifying mounting methods and structural constraints, as well as commissioning safety procedures for rooftop PV arrays

COMMISSIONING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE & QUALITY CONTROL OF SOLAR PV SYSTEMS Instructor: Eric Smiley, MASC, P.Eng. Nov. 16, 18, 23 & 25 (4 evenings)

• identifying various battery-based solar PV system configurations • evaluating site conditions and electrical loads for solar PV systems with energy storage • choosing battery-based solar PV system configurations to meet specific requirements • interpreting specifications for major components of battery-based solar PV systems • specifying the Balance of System components of batterybased PV Systems • applying the appropriate sections of the Canadian Electrical Code

6:30–9:00 PM MT $250 This course uses checklists, case studies, and hands-on activities to illustrate the topics and helps achieve the NABCEP Certification in Commissioning.

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 19

Gift Lake Water Treatment Facility.

Advancing the energy transition in Alberta

Established in 2013, Solaré Canada Inc. is an award-winning energy solutions company empowering clients to understand their energy needs, reduce energy consumption, and experience the benefits of producing their own energy.

The Solaré team has developed and managed various innovative projects across Alberta, advancing the fields of renewable energies and municipal development and engineering. As a Certified Aboriginal Business, Solaré was instrumental in delivering the Alberta Government’s Indigenous energy programs, including the Community Energy, Energy Retrofit, Solar and Green Employment programs, which saw the successful implementation of millions of dollars of investment into the province’s Indigenous communities.

They have leveraged those achievements to expand into other markets and help clients meet sustainability targets and recover significant savings on energy costs, including working with both Alberta Infrastructure and the Calgary Board of Education to install over a megawatt of solar PV over several schools.

20 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

Solare Canada donates to the Lach La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre Association.

Solaré endeavors to work very closely with their clients and partners and values the relationships that have created an exceptional network of like-minded individuals and businesses.

To date, Solaré has completed installations on many

partners and values the relationships that have created

different structures including water treatment plants,

an exceptional network of like-minded individuals and

community buildings, municipal public works, hospitals,

businesses. Through these partnerships they can offer

multi-story commercial buildings in addition to working

their clients the most comprehensive and beneficial

with home builders and residential clients alike. “We have

service possible.

great crews, including incredibly capable apprentice to master electricians as well as project management professionals” says president and founder Rik Kaminsky,

With leading edge awareness for technical innovation and an emphasis on customer service, Solaré continues

a former oilfield worker. “Transitioning from oil and gas to

to evolve by challenging themselves and the status quo,

renewables was a complete leap of faith, but one that has

while maintaining the highest standards of excellence

been a very rewarding decision, both from an opportunity

and safety. Solaré is ready to meet the rapid expansion

to earn an income as well as getting into a growing socially

of the energy conservation and solar fields and will play

responsible industry,” he says. He is also incredibly

a significant role in sustainable growth and the energy

confident that as some sectors in the province are

transition in Alberta and across Canada.

experiencing some difficulties, the renewables industry in Alberta and the rest of Western Canada will be able to provide good paying jobs and job security into the future.

Solaré endeavors to work very closely with their clients and

For more information, or to see if solar is right for you, contact Solaré Canada at 1-855-960-2044, email at info@solarecanada.com, or visit them online at www.solarecanada.com.

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 21

Sunny side up

Alberta business installs solar panels to be more environmentally conscious and see savings on energy use

In order to produce less carbon and see more of a return on their energy use, Airtech Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd. installed 392 solar panels for a 150 kW system, the equivalent of their annual electrical use.

By Shayna Wiwierski If your company could save money

2019 in order to produce less carbon

to other companies who have gone

on your energy bill every month and

and see more of a return on their

solar and gathered more information,

produce less carbon emissions, would

energy use. Dwayne Huber, president

it made more sense to revisit it,” says

you make the switch? That was the

of Airtech, says that they had been

question that Airtech Heating & Air

considering the switch for a few years

Huber, adding that they considered

Conditioning Ltd. asked themselves

but were unsure of how well it would

before converting their power over to

work, the cost savings, and what they

solar.

would pay for power.

The Lethbridge-based company,

“When we first looked at it, the

asked a simple question, ‘would you do

located at 451 39 Street N., installed

numbers didn’t seem to make it an

it again?’. His answer was ‘Absolutely!’.

solar panels on their building in August

attractive investment, but as we talked

So, that got us more interested.”

22 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

it more seriously in January 2019 and had the system active by August of that year. “We also spoke with another company in town that has solar and I

After approximately five months, Airtech could already see the financial benefits in switching to solar.

As a result, Airtech covered their roof with 392 solar panels for a 150 kW system, the equivalent of their annual electrical use.

Solar energy – capturing the sun’s rays to generate electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels - is widely known to provide a return on investment for businesses, while also reducing their environmental footprint.

Since the sun is a renewable resource, it is known to produce energy in a clean, quiet and consistent manner over a number of years.

Huber mentions that with low interest rates, they were able to finance the project at roughly the savings they were generating, making the cost neutral. As well, he says that Revenue Canada adds to the incentive by accelerating the tax savings to help reduce risk and speed up the return of the PV panels after they are installed.

After approximately five months, Huber says that they had already seen financial benefits by switching to solar.

solar production is,” says Huber. “So we

should try to get the best information

know that from October to February

possible since there are a lot of

we don’t produce enough power. Those

opinions and misinformation out there.

months we stay on the lower rate, and then from March to September we switch to a higher rate since we are

“If it’s a bigger scale or project, it makes it more beneficial.”

selling more power to the grid than we

Although they have definitely seen

are consuming.”

a positive outcome to their energy

Huber says that the PV panels, which were purchased and installed by Solar Optix Energy Services in Lethbridge, are supposed to last about 25 years.

costs, installing the PV system has also provided a way for Airtech to practice what they preach. Not only will their power rates not go up for the

At that time, they are still expecting

next 25 years, but they will also not be

The electrical provider that Airtech uses is Get Energy, which allows them to switch rates any month. Seven months of the year they are on the higher rate when they are producing more solar than they are consuming.

Five months a year they are on the lower rate when an inverse happens, where they are consuming more than they can produce. For example, in the middle of summer, when they are producing more than they would be consuming, Airtech actually sells power back to the utility grid.

to generate 80 to 90 per cent of their

producing greenhouse gas emissions

initial rating. As a result, over that

either.

“Our power consumption is pretty level and we have data that shows what our

Huber, adding that if other companies

period of time they are paying about four cents over its lifetime per kW hour.

“It’s another way that Airtech stands

He also adds that although he has seen

out from its competitors,” says Huber.

a return on investment in switching to

“There’s a lot of talk about being

solar, smaller buildings may not get the

environmentally conscious and doing

same results so quickly since it goes by

your part, but you can’t stand on the

cost per panel.

sidelines and wait for everyone else to

“When you factor the installation and everything in, you still have to tie it into the electrical system. So, whether

move. We needed to be bold and lead by action rather than wait on everyone else to act on it. That’s just the right

you are tying it in for one panel or 400

thing to do.”

panels, that cost is the same,” says

Originally published in the 2020 issue of DIRT

are looking into switching to solar, they

magazine, the official publication of the Lethbridge Construction Association.

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 23

At 70 megawatts the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is building the largest First Nation solar project in Canada

By David Dodge, GreenPlanet Energy Analytics ACFN Solar Projects at Monarch, Coaldale, and Vulcan - Map by GreenPlanet Energy Analytics Chief Allan Adam of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

PHOTO DAVID DODGE.

LP and Concord Green Energy, and it

“Solar

represents the largest First Nations

is now

solar project in Canada.

one of the

The projects are part of ACFN’s Green Energy Business Investment Strategy developed in 2018.

“We have to walk the talk on environment and climate protection in our business activities,” says Chief Allan Adam. “ACFN wants to be a leader in helping Alberta and Canada protect the climate.”

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) and Concord Green Energy have begun construction of three large solar farms in southern Alberta which together totals 68.1 megawatts of capacity, enough to power 10,000 homes.

The ACFN dipped its toes into solar last year when they built a 2.2-megawatt solar project in Fort Chipewyan with Three Nations Energy, a jointly owned project of ACFN, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and the Fort Chipewyan Metis Association. That project will offset 25 per cent of the diesel generation

The project is a $140-million joint

in the remote, northern First Nations

venture between ACFN Green Energy

community.

24 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

cheapest and best choices for power and this business venture lines up with our environmental responsibilities and values,” says Adam.

ACFN’s new 70-megawatt project represents a significant investment in diversifying the First Nation’s business interests. “We continue to look at ways to diversify business opportunities outside of the oilsands,” says Jason Schulz, executive director of strategic advisory services for ACFN. “I think it’s the right move not only for green energy, but to promote ACFN and go down that path because it’s a source of revenue that will always be there for future generations,” says Adam.

Construction is already under way on

the three solar projects in southern Alberta near the communities of Monarch, Coaldale, and Vulcan. By the numbers: • Monarch: 23.6 MW – 79,200 solar modules • Coaldale: 22.5 MW – 78,720 solar modules • Vulcan: 22 MW – 78,720 solar modules The Monarch and Coaldale projects are scheduled to be operational in Q1 of 2022 with Vulcan going live in Q2.

As part of its green energy strategy, ACFN is also implementing more than a dozen clean energy projects locally in Fort Chip including hydroponic food production, residential energy efficiency, biomass heating, and offgrid solar for member cabins on the land.

ACFN has resided in and around the Peace Athabasca Delta and Athabasca River regions for thousands of years and has a registered membership of 1,200 people, one third of which live in Fort Chipewyan. ACFN also owns ACDEN, an energy service company in the oilsands, as well as other business ventures.

Rendering of the Monarch Solar Project. BY CONCORD GREEN ENERGY.

For Chief Adam, the project represents

“This is just a great example of

an amazing moment in history, the

embracing newer technology, newer

culmination of years of hard work

opportunities, improvements, and

developing a new vision for his people.

economies of scale to pursue a

“It’s something that’s unbelievable,”

merchant power project that will deliver

he says. “I can’t even find words to say

long-term revenue,” says Schulz. And

it because we’re part of it, and it just

he also sees the projects as a way to

brings goosebumps to the back of my

“mitigate some of the carbon footprint

head.”

associated with community endeavors

Adam says the project is just part of a

and the oilsands.”

vision of a future that looks out for the

Concord Green Energy is a subsidiary

greater good of generations to come,

of Concord Pacific a company with

whether they are “Albertans, Canadians,

numerous active hydro, solar, and

or the Indigenous community.” The

wind projects in Canada. The project

Athabasca Chipewyan community is

was developed with GreenPlanet

already feeling the impacts of climate

Energy Analytics, and GP Joule PV

change and he sees investments in

Canada Corp. is providing engineering,

solar as beginning to balance the scales

procurement, and construction

from fossil fuel dependency.

services for the three projects.

Support pilings being installed at Monarch Solar Project.

PHOTO MICHAEL BECKER.

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 25

EQUS corporate office solar

Installation at the new corporate offices in Innisfail.

Rural Alberta has always been home

with a natural gas combined heat and

to innovation. Whether it’s borne of

power (CHP) system to create a highly

necessity, creative problem solving, or

efficient energy and heat supply.

a desire for efficiency, sustainability, or resiliency, there is no shortage of innovative power solutions in our rural communities. EQUS is a rural Alberta co-operative electricity distributor, and has been powering those rural

For EQUS, the decision to include the alternative energy system in their construction plans was rooted in a desire to create value for the community and their members.

communities and supporting their

“We’re a co-operative, so we were

innovative electricity solutions for over

motivated to create something that

70 years, so it was an obvious choice

would provide long-term value for

for them to pursue an innovative

EQUS and for our member-owners,”

energy system in the construction of

says Andy Metzger, EQUS CEO. “The

their new corporate office.

alternative energy system was an

Completed in the summer of 2020, the 18,000-square-foot building sits adjacent to Highway 2 in Innisfail, and provides working and meeting space for over 40 employees and the co-op’s

opportunity for us to add that value and sustainability to our facility, and to showcase how functional and beneficial this technology can be for a rural Alberta business.”

Board of Directors. The grid-connected

The system consists of a 55-kilowatt

building blends renewable solar power

ground-mounted solar array that

26 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

takes advantage of over 2,000 hours of annual sunlight, a 15-kilowatt battery to store excess electricity generated during peak times, and a highly efficient combined heat and power system which generates both power and heat. A smart building management system integrates these elements to optimize the generation, storage, and usage for maximum efficiency. Excess heat from the CHP is recycled through a sidewalk melt system in the winter months reducing maintenance costs.

Long-term projections for the system expect to see a 95 per cent reduction in grid power used, a 59 per cent cost savings on utilities, and a 31 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Since the system came online in September, 2020, EQUS has seen a

Recent installation at the Medicine Hat location.

carbon footprint reduction equivalent to 400 trees, with 70 tonnes of CO2 saved. They have also exported over 70,000 kW to the grid, receiving over $5,000 in credits.

The office’s high-traffic location just off Highway 2 provides easy access for travelling electric vehicle drivers looking to recharge at the free public charging station that was installed as part of the energy system. Metzger describes the feedback from drivers as being overwhelmingly positive. “The EV charger is located right next to our solar system, so we hear from a lot of EV owners that they really enjoy being

by the Town of Innisfail, and Natural

a return on investment,” says Metzger.

Resources Canada provided funding to

“EQUS has had solar at our other

cover approximately 25 per cent of the

Innisfail office since 2016, and we

supply.”

total energy system project cost.

have also recently completed a 20-kW

In the year that it has been operational

“We’re very pleased with what we’re

and open to the public, the charger

seeing from our system so far, the

has seen steadily increasing traffic

solar component particularly has

Medicine Hat facility, so we are looking

providing 265 vehicles with over 6,000

exceeded production expectations,

forward to continuing to see positive

kW since July 2020. The installation of

so we’re feeling optimistic about our

results and creating greater value and

the EV charger was supported in part

initial projections and the timeline for

sustainability for our members.”

able to charge their vehicle underneath the solar panels where they can see and feel that connection to the power

rooftop-mounted solar array with a battery and public EV charger at our

Rooftop view from the 2016 installation at EQUS’ second Innisfail location.

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 27

Environmental stewardship at the Edmonton Convention Centre

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EXPLORE EDMONTON.

The Edmonton Convention Centre is an environmental leader that remains committed to sustainability through responsible venue operations. Prioritizing a culture of environmental, economic, and social sustainability is at the core of their business. Every action within the Edmonton Convention Centre’s sustainability program has been developed to support its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Plan, which aims reduce GHG emissions by 30 per cent by 2035.

In the past two years, the team at the Edmonton Convention

HARNESSING RENEWABLE ENERGY ON THE ICONIC ATRIUM ROOF OF THE EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE With an average of 2,344 hours and 325 days of bright sunshine a year, Edmonton is the second sunniest city in Canada. That’s why the south-facing slope of the venue’s atrium is the ideal structure to harness the sun’s powerful energy.

“With the sheer size of our building, it should be no surprise that the largest percentage of our greenhouse gas footprint

Centre has launched its Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and

comes from the procurement of energy – nearly 70 per cent

Responsible Meetings Program, created an Environmental

of our total emissions,” says Melissa Radu, sustainability

Preferred Purchasing Policy, underwent installation of

manager, Explore Edmonton. “Generating renewable

Canada’s largest building-integrated photovoltaic display,

electricity onsite, while also becoming more energy

launched a plant-based menu, met waste reduction

efficient, is one of the best ways to make real progress

targets, and hosted Edmonton’s first-ever carbon neutral

towards slashing emissions.”

convention. On top of their ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, the Edmonton Convention Centre

In spring of 2020, the Edmonton Convention Centre

is one of five Canadian venues to be ASTM certified, was the

became home to Canada’s largest installation of building-

first venue in Canada to receive the Green Key Level Five

integrated photovoltaic (solar) panels, as the $10.8-million-

certification, and is also a certified Climate Smart business.

dollar project was completed on the venue’s iconic atrium

28 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

roof. Lead by the City of Edmonton, DIALOG, and Bird Construction, the installation features 696 glass panels and allows the building to produce approximately 200 megawatt hours of electricity each year, with a reduction of nearly

to English, the Morse Code poem reads:

beginnings just appear so like a drowsy eye

150,000 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. These innovative

suddenly awake

photovoltaic panels differ from traditional panels, as

where a river wells up

photovoltaic cells are laminated between the building’s

uncoiled from the ice

glass, allowing for natural light to still permeate through its sun-soaked atrium.

“Across the world, event organizers look to host their events in cities and venues that showcase environment accountability. Our sustainability program and solar roof differentiate us as global leaders, and that attracts businesses who share in our commitment to reducing their event’s footprint to come to Edmonton,” says Radu.

where snug behind the land it lay dreaming at our feet in quiet sleep The Edmonton Convention Centre is a beacon of sustainability and a community hub that ensures its learnings are easily accessible for others. Their momentum has identified the venue as a thought leader in its field – and one that is dedicated to creating greener

Upon completion, the project architect DIALOG left

future. The team at the Edmonton Convention Centre

behind a powerful message about the city’s commitment

understands the immense responsibility and potential

to sustainability and the centre’s home in Edmonton’s

they hold as advocates of sustainable leadership, and they

river valley. Imprinted in Morse Code on the completed

are committed to delivering a sustainability legacy that

installation is an excerpt from the poem Gifts of a River by

leaves a positive impact on the community for years to

former Edmonton Poet Laureate E.D. Blodgett. Translated

come.

ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021 29

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We offer outstanding personal service and quality in the areas of: • Creative Design • Advertising Sales • Trade Publications • Video Production & Editing • Qualified Sales & Editorial Team 30 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021

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UNDERSTAND YOUR ENERGY USAGE. REDUCE YOUR FOOTPRINT. PRODUCE YOUR OWN ENERGY.

Design and installation of municipal, commercial, & residential solar PV systems and solar-powered LED lighting

“The ease and friendliness working with Solare Canada has been an enlightening experience. Their expertise in renewable energy has made it a smooth transition into new projects for the Metis Settlements and We look forward to a long working relationship with them.”

Charlene Holmes Former Climate Change Coordinator Metis Settlements General Council

As a trusted sustainability partner, Solaré Canada Inc. has provided clients with the tools, processes and technologies required for energy savings and production since 2013. We bring our clients and partners together toward a common goal of sustainable growth.

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