ENMAX Completes Canada’s Largest Municipal Rooftop Solar System for Airdrie

Aug 20, 2019

The City of Airdrie and ENMAX have announced the completion of Canada’s largest municipal rooftop solar installation. A 1.55 megawatt (MW) system is now providing renewable energy to Airdrie’s Genesis Place Recreation Centre, meeting up to 30 per cent of the facility’s annual electricity needs and reducing costs by up to $80,000* annually. 

Airdrie Mayor, Peter Brown said, “This project is good for Airdrie residents and the environment and is an incredible example of what we can accomplish when different levels of government work together with great organizations like ENMAX towards a common goal.”

The project was made possible due in large part to funding from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre and the Federal Gas Tax Fund. 

The solar array will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,000 tonnes^ per year, the equivalent of taking 275 cars off the road, and is expected to export approximately 140 kilowatts per hour back to the city grid during peak summer months. A second phase, due to be completed in September, will include 240 modules on a double wing carport in the parking lot of Genesis Place. 

The City of Airdrie is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability, guided by its AirdrieONE Sustainability plan created in 2012 to guide its actions through a shared vision designed for and by Airdrie residents and community leaders.

Facts

• The solar array consists of 3,800 solar panels and has a maximum capacity of 1.55 MW.
• The system will reduce over 1,000 tonnes^ of greenhouse gas emissions per year, the equivalent of taking 275 cars off the road. 
• Renewable energy generated by the solar array will meet up to 30 per cent of the facility’s current electricity needs, saving The City of Airdrie about $80,000* in electricity costs annually.  

For more information visit www.airdrie.ca/solar.

*Based on 2017 consumption

^Based on the estimated production data in conjunction with Alberta Environment’s Electricity Grid Displacement Factor (EGDF) from its 2015 Carbon Offset Emissions Factors Handbook. 

Solar PV products and services brought to you by ENMAX Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including ENMAX Generation Portfolio Inc. (EGPI) and a network of local installers across Alberta.

Source