By CHAT News Today (Taylor Chartrand)

Bright future for solar power in Alberta Schools

Nov 29, 2018 | 6:22 AM

EDMONTON- The Notley government is investing $15 million from the Climate Leadership Plan to install more solar panels on schools.

The Solar for Schools program provides funding to install rooftop solar panels with rebates of up to $1.50 per watt on the solar energy generated to offset the school’s energy costs.

“I can’t think of a better class project than rooftop solar panels,” said Minister of Environment and Parks Shannon Phillips in a press-release. “Alberta is as sunny as Rio de Janeiro and the future of solar in this province has never been brighter. Schools have stepped up as enthusiastic partners in our plan to reduce emissions, recognizing that the future will be one where economy goes hand in hand with environment.”

Minister of Education David Eggen then echoed Phillps’ thoughts.

“Across Alberta, students regularly tell me that they want to be leaders in the fight against climate changed,” said Eggen in the same press-release. “Learning about renewable’s is just one reason we’re so supportive of solar energy in schools. This is also about building more efficient schools, so more money goes to the classroom and less goes to utility bills.”

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The Solar for Schools program also includes an educational component, so that students and teachers can learn more about climate change and renewable energy.

The Solar for Schools program will be available to public, Catholic, francophone and charter school authorities for schools that have not received Alberta Education’s Solar Technology Systems grants.

The Solar for Schools program will be run by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, adding to the wide range of existing solar incentives available and helping meet the growing demand from existing schools for solar funding. The solar industry has grown by nearly 500 per cent over the last three years, with installed solar capacity rising from six MW in 2015 to 35 MW in 2018.

“Community schools are the ideal place to model renewable energy generation and energy conservation measures,” said Susan Petrina, Chair, Solar Society of Alberta. “The Solar for Schools program is an exciting initiative and we applaud the government for taking steps to support energy education at the community level, where all Albertans can benefit. Students can get inspired about the future, and neighbors of all ages can see the technology in action – learning about energy systems and the role each one of us plays in making our communities more sustainable for future generations.”

The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, a partnership between the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, is responsible for funding, technical assistance and education to Alberta municipalities in addressing climate change, and will administer the Solar for Schools program.

“We are pleased to help grow clean energy in Alberta schools. In addition to offsetting operational costs, solar installations can be used as living labs by integrating new technology into the curriculum,” said Trina Innes, Director, Municipal Climate Change Action Centre Schools can also help raise awareness and participation in clean energy solutions in their local community.”

Increasing the amount of solar energy generated by schools supports Alberta’s target of 30 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 by helping Alberta transition to an electricity system that is cleaner, reliable and more sustainable. School authorities will be able to apply for grants as of Nov. 28 on the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s website.