Red Deer now has the most solar power sites in Alberta on a per capita basis.
The City of Red Deer reports the city has eight solar panel sites, including at the civic yards, Kerry Wood Nature Centre and several houses in Inglewood, Lancaster and Rosedale.
One home in Lancaster generated almost 1,000 kilowatts of green electricity into the grid during July.
When a solar power project is finished at the civic yards, more than 2,000 kilowatts of power will be created during summer months.
Ligong Gan, manager of Red Deer’s Electric Light and Power Department, said every 1,100 kilowatts of green power means a reduction of one ton of carbon dioxide emission, equal to removing 80 cars off the road for one day.
“Over time, that’s a pretty big impact,” he said.
Since last year, the department has improved the application process for small solar panel generation so it’s more convenient for homeowners to get the necessary approvals and permits.
Customers used to send papers to many regulatory agents and now they only need to fill out a one-page application form.
Electric, Light and Power will make any necessary changes to the delivery network and meters at no cost to the homeowner if solar panels are installed.
For more solar panel information, go online at www.reddeer.ca