Solar panels on top of Airdrie's Genesis Place Recreation Centre. (Supplied by City of Airdrie)

By David Opinko

Canada’s largest municipal rooftop solar system now operational in Airdrie

Jul 10, 2019 | 10:10 AM

AIRDRIE, AB – 3,800 solar panels have been installed on top of Airdrie’s Genesis Place Recreation Centre.

It is expected to meet up to 30% of the facility’s energy needs and will reduce their annual operating costs by up to $80,000.

“Airdrie is proud to be leading the way in Canada with respect to the generation of solar energy through municipal infrastructure,” says Mayor Peter Brown. “This project is good for Airdrie residents and the environment and is an incredible example of what we can accomplish when different levels of government work together with great organizations like ENMAX towards a common goal.”

By generating power through solar energy, the system is expected to lower greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,000 tonnes per year, which the city says it the equivalent of taking 275 cars off the road.

During the peak summer months, 140 kilowatts of energy per hour will go back into the city grid.

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“Municipalities like Airdrie are driving change towards more sustainable practices, and as an energy provider, ENMAX is here to help them find smart solutions,” said Erwin Kantwerg, Vice President of Sales at ENMAX. “The environmental leadership that Airdrie is demonstrating today will have significant benefits for decades to come.”

A second phase, which should be complete in September, will include 240 modules on a double-wing carport in the Genesis Place parking lot.