Electricity for the new Barrhead Regional Aquatics Centre will be, in part, met by solar power.
In a narrow 4-3 vote, April 22, councillors approved a plan presented by Clark Builder to install a solar panel package on the roof of the Aquatic centre.
Councillors Leslie Penny, Shelley Oswald, Ty Assaf along with mayor Gerry St. Pierre voted in favour, while councillors Roy Ulmer, Don Smith and Ryan Warehime were opposed.
The installation will cost $420,000 for the 156.8 kilowatt system. The cost of the project will be offset by a $94,000 rebate from the Alberta Municipal Solar Program while the remainder of $326,000 would be covered through Municipal Sustainability Funding (MSI) capital grant funding.
Councillors first discussed the possibility of installing solar power at the Aquatic centre in January after hearing a presentation from Clark Builders.
Warehime said he was opposed to the project because he felt it would take too long for the town to recoup its investment — it is estimated it will take between 12 to 15 years, according to Clark Builders.
“Looking at a return of investment that long in this type of technology I think is a bit of a risk. I think there are certain projects in our community in which we can invest that are a lower risk and would give us a better return,” Warehime said, adding he also feels that there will be additional costs. “For example the cost of decommissioning this technology and taking it off the roof when it has reached its life expectancy.”
St. Pierre said he supports the project, adding the technology is proven and given the fluctuations in the electricity market he believes the town will recoup its investment sooner than the estimate.
“The biggest advantage of this project is what everyone, including our counterparts [County of Barrhead], have been continually pressing us, is that it will significantly reduce operating costs,” he said, adding this is the perfect time to install solar panels. “When we have our contractors on site. To me it’s a no brainer.”
Ulmer said at first he was in favour of the project because he thought excess power from the panels could be stored and used when needed.
“But that’s not the case and I’m a little disappointed we didn’t get someone who is impartial to come in and look at the situation,” he said.
St. Pierre said although the energy couldn’t be stored per se, the excess energy could be sold back into the grid, which also reduces power costs.
Penny said she found it interesting that even though there are a number of cities that receive the majority, in not all, its electricity from solar, people still talk about it as being a new technology.
“We have data going back for some time now. This is the Goldilocks times. We have rebates and we know we want to stop using as much energy from non-renewable sources,” she said.
Warehime said the other reason why he is opposed to the project is that it skirted the town’s usual tendering process.
“I understand because of the timing of the project and that logically Clark Builders are the only ones that should do the project because they are the ones that would warranty the roof,” he said, adding he would still like to see the town follow its regular procedure and open it up for any company to bid on.
