The Edmonton Expo Centre will soon be home to the largest rooftop solar array in the country.
Phase 1 of the $5 million project will see 5,754 solar panels installed across 193,735.5 square feet above Halls D through H. The rooftop solar panel array will generate at least 2.8 gigawatts of energy annually, equal to about 375 homes.
Based on the design energy models the array is anticipated to yield operational savings around $290,000 to $460,000 per year.
“Our new rooftop solar installation means that we will be producing our own renewable, clean solar energy right here on top of our building,” said Melissa Radu, director, social and environmental sustainability with Explore Edmonton. “It also acts as a reminder, to Edmontonians and visitors to our city, that Edmonton is a leader for innovative energy technologies in our country and that we are working hard to support a transition to a lower-carbon economy.”
The solar system is expected to have a lifespan of at least 25 years and will yield a payback between 10-17 years, considering energy prices and whether energy consumption aligns with generation.
If approved, Phase 2 will see additional panels installed across Halls A through C, increasing the footprint of this project as well as significant cost savings. Phase 2 will add a production of approximately 1.9 gigawatts to the system and the estimated cost is roughly $3.4 million. Phase 2 would add an additional saving of about $185,000 to $300,000 per year.
Phase 1 is expected to be complete in November.
This solar installation is part of a $98 million rehabilitation project at the Edmonton Expo Centre. On top of the solar project, visitors will see improvements to seating in Hall D and updates to Entrance 6 on the north side of the building. Improvements are also being made to the building envelope, and mechanical and electrical systems, including major equipment replacements in the mechanical and electrical rooms.
