Alberta Solar - Municipal Showcase

This field test involves the installation of up to 25 kilowatts (kW) of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on community buildings across the province in order to study the effectiveness of a variety of methods of promoting and deploying solar PV systems into communities. Small (1-2 kW) grid-connected systems will be installed on residential, institutional and commercial buildings as a means of growing a decentralized renewable energy supply option for electricity consumers in Alberta. By situating the test systems in a mix of urban and rural communities, the study will demonstrate how the technology can be deployed under differing circumstances. By identifying successful methods and addressing barriers encountered, the Municipal Showcase will help to demystify the photovoltaic deployment process and encourage other interested communities and individuals to install grid-connected solar PV systems. Prior to installing systems in each of the participating communities, information workshops on installing and operating PV systems will be held for local inspectors, municipal government personnel, general public and students. It is estimated that the Municipal Showcase will result in annual electricity generation of 35,040 kWh and CO2e emission reductions of 30.2 tonnes per year.