Like Summerland, Penticton is making plans to lower its reliance on outside sources of electricity.
Earlier this month, Summerland received a promise of $6 million for its integrated solar project, which will see the city build a one-megawatt solar array, along with a two-megawatt storage battery.
Related: Summerland planning solar project
Penticton is looking at a smaller solar array, according to a report being introduced to council at their March 20 meeting, but the concept here is to create a “smart grid” which will reduce the amount of power that has to be purchased during peak — most expensive — load times. That will result in both savings that can be passed along to the community and reductions in overall greenhouse gas emissions.
During peak hours, a smart grid can help level out the demand, reducing usage in different parts of the grid to smooth out the peak.
The city’s plans start with solar panels at city hall and in the works yard, together generating about 590 KW of power. Upgrading the diesel standby generator control for peak load generation and upgrading wastewater pumping controls to allow smart control of power consumption round out the measures in this first initiative.
Altogether, the project is projected to cost $5,324,000, including $40,000 for an already completed pre-feasibility study. That breaks down into $4,518 million for the solar panels, which is eligible for 50 per cent funding. The other two items on the wish list are eligible for 25 per cent funding, at $159,000 for the diesel system, and $133,000 for the pumping system. Other costs, including the Smart Grid Integration, engineering, monitor and reporting add up to $474,000, eligible for 37.5 per cent funding.
According to the report, the project pays for itself in 15 years for the solar panels, two years for the diesel generator upgrade and four years for the water pump upgrade.
Coun. Helena Konanz questioned siting solar panels at city hall, with concern about how long city hall would be sited in the 100 Main St. building.
“That’s a lot of money whether we win or not. I am skeptical about putting solar panels into this building,” said Konanz.
Tony Martin, a consulting engineer with CIMA+, said the panels could be sited anywhere in the community, even at the wastewater treatment plant. He added that there would be efficiencies to locating a solar array downtown.
He also addressed Coun. Max Picton’s questions about whether it would be better to wait.
“We’re entering into that time where the cost is coming down and starting to flatten out, said Martin adding that battery systems are increasing in reliability. “The price of solar systems is plummeting.”