Alberta Solar Showcase - Lasso the Sun

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are popping up on municipal rooftops across Alberta as communities look for ways to support renewable energy.

Medicine Hat, the first of 20 municipalities to sign up for the program, installed 14 solar modules on the library rooftop.

The goal of the project is to educate municipal leaders and citizens about the value of grid-connected systems and the positive impact renewable energy sources like solar can have in the community.

"Currently, most solar PV systems in Alberta operate off the grid," says Simon Knight, President and CEO, Climate Change Central. "We needed examples of grid-connected solar to help decision-makers and installers see the benefits, so we decided to help build examples across the province."

When all 20 municipalities have installed their one kilowatt systems, the program is expected to generate over 20 megawatt hours of electricity and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 22 tonnes every year.

The program is funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund and participating municipalities.