The Town of Blackfalds is moving forward with their plans to install solar panels in municipally-owned buildings, starting with the Abbey Centre.

SkyFire Energy, Western Canada's leading solar provider is being used in the consultation process and has identified the Abbey Centre as the ideal candidate.

Mayor of Blackfalds Medolie Stol said it's a bit of a financial risk, but believes it's necessary to be ready for future energy costs.

“We’re stepping out and taking a bit of a chance right now, but I think we fully recognize that power costs in this province are probably going to change,” said Stol.

“Having solar provides at least a percentage of the energy that’s used in that building, it will protect the taxpayer into the future by keeping the cost as low at it can be.”

The Abbey Centre was chosen mainly because of the consumption of electricity in the summer months when the solar panels have their highest production output.

Stol said there were other factors that led to their decision.

“The age of roof, the quality of light, the ability to see savings (played a role). The Abbey Centre checked off all the boxes there and that’s why that’s the project we’re going to head with,” said Stol.

The Civic Centre and the Multi-Plex Ice Arena were also considered, but there were concerns regarding structural issues.

With the installation of panels on the upper and lower roof, energy savings calculations would be in the range of 22 per cent annually or approximately $15,000 per year.

“It’s an exciting proposal. It’s going to be a way to save energy costs,” said Stol.

“We don’t see it getting any cheaper so we see a longer payback on solar.”

The estimated cost for this facility’s solar conversion is $425,000 with offsetting provincial grant funding in the amount of $115,000 leaving a residual project cost of $310,000.

jguignard@goldenwestradio.com