TAMRMS#: B06
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Solar Photovaltaics (PV) Program
Notice given by: Councillor Hansen
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BUDGET POSTPONED MOTION:
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That ENV 002 - Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Program be funded in the amount of $500,000 through Capital Reserve and Eligible Grants.
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POSTPONED MOTION ADMINISTRATIVE BACKGROUNDER
Administration’s Understanding of Intent Motion:
That the 2020 capital charter for the Solar Photovoltaics (PV) program be funded in the amount of $500,000.00 to be used to install a mid sized solar PV array at the City’s Public Works facility.
Operational or Organizational Impacts if Motion is Approved:
If approved, this project will be managed with existing Environmental and Capital Project Office staff. Work related to this charter will be built into the workplan for staff in 2020.
Financial Implications of Motions:
If approved, Administration would immediately work with outside agencies, such as the Municipal Climate Change Action Center (MCCAC), to secure agreements for applicable grant funding for the solar PV array.
The economics of a solar PV array are variable and entirely dependent on design of the array, facility energy use and availability of solar PV panels and installers. With grant funding and a preliminary design of the array completed through competitive tender, Administration will have a good understanding of the simple payback period of the solar PV array.
Stakeholder Consultations:
Facility staff and patrons of the facility chosen for the solar PV pilot will require advanced notice of the installation schedule for the system, as this project has the potential to impact scheduled programming and access to the facility during the period of installation.
As well, given the environmental benefits and reduction in the facilities environmental impact, an educational and awareness program regarding the solar PV program should be conducted in conjunction with the installation of the solar array.
Background:
In 2015, Stantec was engaged to conduct energy and water audits on eleven civic facilities. The audit also included preliminary evaluations of feasibility and costs and benefits of the installation of solar photovoltaics (PV) at these facilities. Preliminary analysis suggested that the available roof space at these eleven facilities could produce approximately 20% of the electricity needs of the facilities if implemented across the portfolio. This level of investment in renewable energy would contribute approximately 30% towards the achievement of the City Council approved greenhouse gas target of 20% below 2008 levels by 2020 (the target equates to a total reduction of 6,471 tCO2e by 2020).
If installed, the proposed solar PV installations are expected to pay for themselves within its life cycle. In addition, solar PV provide certainty of electricity costs, avoidance of carbon tax costs, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligns with the implementation of Smart City technologies and advances the community sustainability vision of St. Albert by shifting to renewable fuel sources.
In 2020, the three-year plan shows one mid sized rooftop solar PV array system to be installed at Public Works. Public Works recently completed construction on a large sand storage shed, which is solar ready and would accommodate an approximate 300 kwDC rooftop solar PV array in 2020.
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Report Date: November 21, 2019
Author(s): Kate Polkovsky
Department: Utilities & Environment Dept
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble