Cutting unnecessary operating costs is always smart, but being able to do so during a big hit to income can be the difference between survival and bankruptcy.
Like most municipalities, the City of Kitchener spends millions on electricity each year. In 2011, they invested in 2600 solar panels atop their operation facility at the site of the former BF Goodrich tire factory (shown on left).
The city sends the electricity collected back to the power grid for a credit on its overall electricity bill.
Within five years, and faster than expected, the panels paid back their initial investment cost and are now producing enough electricity to power 75 homes from this one installation.
In 2020, the savings is on track to be $350,000 to $450,000.
A technological update also allows streetlights to be dimmed for an additional $1.2 million in savings each year. They are now looking to add more solar installations. See: Solar array adds to Kitchener’s bottom line.
Every government building should be capturing passive energy to reduce taxpayer costs today. No more time and dollars to waste.
You too Alberta! When times are tough, the smart see opportunity, see: Alberta could lead Canada in wind and solar power by 2024.
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