Solar Power

In February of 2008 the Town of Canmore launched their new 1 kilowatt solar panel on the roof of the Biosphere Institute’s Resource Centre. The panel is part of the ALBERTA SOLAR Municipal Showcase, an exciting renewable energy demonstration project from Climate Change Central involving 20 municipal organizations across the province. Project participants showcase grid-connected photovoltaic – often called PV or solar electric – systems on highly-visible public buildings.

For each municipal installation in the ALBERTA SOLAR project, a website monitor transfers real-time information about the PV system to the project’s website at: www.lassothesun.ca

Why Solar Power?
Every hour, enough light energy from the sun reaches the earth to meet the world’s energy demands for a whole year!  The technology and cost-effectiveness of solar power has improved substantially over the last few years.  In some favorable locations the cost of solar power is now equal to or less than that of electricity generated from conventional sources such as fossil fuels.

Unlike fossil fuels, solar systems produce no greenhouse gases or air pollution.  Solar systems are also protected against fluctuations in oil prices and are not subject to supply shortages due to war, political uncertainty, or other factors.
For more information about the benefits and payback of solar PV systems download this factsheet from the Alberta Municipal Solar Showcase.

In addition to generating electricity with a PV system, solar is also can also be used to heat water or buildings (“solar thermal”).  Visit the Canadian Solar Industries Association website to learn more about solar systems, government incentives, or to find an installer.

Download the project’s final report from Climate Change Central.