Creston and District Community Complex Receives a Solar Boost
February 8, 2024
Nelson, BC: The Creston and District Community Complex recently installed solar panels on the roof to offset the building’s annual energy usage, with an estimated savings of $274,384 over 30 years. The solar energy produced by the array, which is up to 41,800 kWh per year, will reduce the facilities dependency on the power grid.
“We worked with Energy Economics to install 96 solar panels on the roof of the complex, which will route solar power into the facility,” says Shari Imada, RDCK Senior Energy Specialist. “The installation and usage of this renewable energy system will help improve energy efficiency and reduce the complex’s carbon pollution.”
This project is part of a greater effort to address community resiliency by generating renewable energy on site and decreasing the amount of energy purchased by the facility. Operators will gain experience working with this technology, and the solar performance will be tracked through a facility energy monitoring program.
“This solar array is a great example of how we can leverage our asset management plans and capital investments while integrating sound energy efficiency measures,” says Joe Chirico, General Manager of Community Services. “The RDCK is also undertaking a regional greenhouse gas reduction feasibility study that will inform future capital investments in recreation and other RDCK facilities.”
Solar array on roof of Creston and District Community Complex
The RDCK would like to thank Columbia Basin Trust, who provided a generous grant through their Basin Charge Up program to help make this project come to fruition.
Residents can explore options for reducing energy usage and installing solar panels at their homes by signing up for the RDCK Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP) through the RDCK website.
Information about the project will be displayed in the complex lobby and available on the RDCK website. Information on this project and other community resiliency efforts can be found at rdck.ca/sustainability.
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The content on this page was last updated February 8 2024 at 1:08 AM