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District of Summerland adding solar panels at Municipal Hall

Increasing solar power

The District of Summerland has taken another step toward bringing solar energy to the community with the installation of a 5.4kW solar photovoltaic array on Municipal Hall. 

The 17-panel system will provide over 6,900 kWh of power to the district annually, or about five percent of the building’s current electrical energy use. 

The conversion of all indoor and exterior lighting to LEDs means the panels will cover an even higher percentage of the building’s energy needs in the future. 

“The Municipal Hall solar array is one more way Summerland is benefiting from renewable energy. This installation will not only provide cost savings to our community, but it is a highly visible reminder that we are committed to demonstrating leadership on clean technology and innovation” said mayor Toni Boot. “We truly appreciate the opportunity to partner with the North Growth Foundation on this and the Arts & Cultural Centre array, which has already exceeded our estimates for annual power production.” 

This latest installation joins a larger 50-panel array completed on the Arts & Cultural Centre in 2018. Both installations were funded by a $25,000 grant from the North Family Foundation’s “Solar Now” project and a $30,000 allocation from the District’s unallocated surplus fund. 

“The leadership of the District of Summerland exemplified by the installations of renewable solar energy on public buildings is inspiring,” said Bill Swan, Solar Now project manager. “Demonstrating that renewable solar energy is not only viable but achievable for citizens and whole communities is precisely why Solar Now was established to work with future thinking communities and organizations. With each installation, Solar Now aims to demonstrate how communities can produce their own power while helping fight climate change by generating clean, renewable electricity from the sun.” 

Residents can get updates on all of Summerland’s solar energy projects by clicking here



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