First large-scale solar gardens coming to Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotian government has announced new large-scale solar community gardens in Antigonish, Berwick and Mahone Bay.
In a July 8 press release, Premier Iain Rankin announced $7.5 million in funding for the new renewable energy resource project.
The project’s total cost is $22.4 million, with the federal government contributing
$8.9 million and the involved municipalities kicking in $6 million.
Rankin said solar gardens are a game-changer, making residents of communities who will benefit from the "big players in Nova Scotia's clean energy future."
"Nova Scotia is a national leader in fighting climate change and transitioning to more renewable energy sources, like a solar garden, is a prime example of how community-led projects can have a major positive impact on our environment," he said.
Community solar gardens aim to help people who can't install solar panels on their personal property by sharing the benefit of renewable solar energy.
To put it in perspective, Justice Minister Randy Delorey said Antigonish's 2.1-megawatt solar garden will produce enough energy for about three per cent of the town's electricity needs.
In Mahone Bay, a 1.9-megawatt facility will account for around 16 per cent of the town's electricity use.
A 4.8-megawatt facility will cover about 15 per cent of Berwick's electricity use.
Altogether, these projects will generate up to 10 gigawatt-hours of solar energy annually.
A municipal clean energy corporation, Alternative Resource Energy Authority, will be managing the project.
The gardens will produce energy to power 1,000 homes annually and represent seven per cent of the utilities' total electrical energy consumption.