Vulcan the first in Canada to unveil solar park
CALGARY The term “solar energy” often conjures images of vast expanses of solar panels in the desert or clustered on rooftops.
But the town of Vulcan is the first place in Canada to create a different kind of source for renewable energy: a solar park.
Dave Borins is the director of Community Renewable Projects for Bullfrog Power, which partially funded the project in Vulcan, along with the Alberta government and other energy organizations. Borins said it’s a new idea for Canada that’s more typical in Europe.
“What’s unique about it is that it combines visual elements, like art and park elements, like benches and paths, so people can really walk through the infrastructure as opposed to them being hidden at a site or behind fences or up on roofs,” said Borins.
The solar panels pay homage to Vulcan’s farming history as well, shaped to resemble the grain elevators that are common in the rural community of just over 1,000 residents. At optimal performance, the solar park will produce 23.5 kWh, which Borins estimated is enough to power around 10 homes. The energy will actually be used to power the park’s lighting and art installations, while excess energy will be sold back into the grid.
“(The town) has the ability to expand the park as well if they get further investment,” said Borins, who noted that the excess energy makes the park a source of income as well. “They have excess room to double the size of the installation.”
Borins says the park is part of an initiative by Bullfrog Power on 65 projects for renewable sources of energy across the country, and a half-dozen in Alberta, some of which are parks similar to Vulcan’s, and other projects for solar panels on the sides of buildings and on top of sports arenas.