Nelson Hydro rolls out plans for Community Solar program
By Nelson Daily Staff
Ready, set . . . time to make solar power.
Nelson Hydro is ready to take the Heritage City into the solar energy world the introduction of Community Solar program.
The program will offer solar energy to its customers.
In a media release the City of Nelson said this type of community solar project makes solar more accessible, since not everyone can install solar PV on their own roof, due to shading, renting or cost.
“This will be the first of its kind in Canada, where the solar credit is returned on the customer’s electric bill,” the release explained.
“The concept of this solar project is attracting a lot of attention, with several communities looking at Nelson to lead the way,” said Nelson Mayor Deb Kozak at the City Council meeting Monday.
“It’s this forward thinking and community spirit that makes Nelson such a great place to be.”
The release said the next steps will be to amend the relevant bylaws, and public roll out.
The City said solar panels will be located at the Bonnington Generation Station, where Nelson Hydro already produces hydro electricity.
The solar generation is sold on a per panel basis, and the customer is credited on their electricity bill in proportion to their investment for 25 years.
The size of the project will be 50kW or more, depending on customer demand.
For a 50kW array, which is approximately 200 panels, it is estimated that the array could generate about 61,440 kWh per year.
The credit would be measured in kWh’s, based on the current electricity rate, so the value of the credit will increase as the rate goes up.
“In order for this project to become a reality in the Spring of 2016, we need to presell 150 panels, and if we sell more than that in the four week pre-sale phase then the project will be larger and per panel costs will be lower,” said EcoSave Program Coordinator, Carmen Proctor.
Proctor said at the pre-sale kick off event, (Tuesday) November 17 at the Baker Street Best Western in Nelson, the public can learn the details of the project and presales will begin that night.
Sales will be on a first come first serve basis.
“With over 350 people on an interest list, I expect a quick sell out, you won’t want to miss it,” Proctor said.
Doors open at 6:30p.m. on November 17 with presentation set to begin at 7 p.m.
Comments