Town puts solar panels under microscope

Okotoks: Efficiency of systems to be reviewed

Photo submitted

The Town of Okotoks is reviewing the performance of solar panel systems on several of its buildings, including these panels at the Town's recycling centre.

view all photos (-count-)

The Town of Okotoks is putting its alternative energy program under the microscope by conducting an analysis of its solar panels to see if they are working effectively and efficiently.

The process will tell the Town if there are any improvements needed to the systems to boost their performance.

“They’re been out there for a long time and we need to see how they’re operating,” said Dawn Smith, Okotoks’ sustainability co-ordinator.

The Town has 14 solar systems of varying sizes in different locations across town, including solar powered pedestrian lights and larger panels on buildings such as the library and recreation centre.

The Town has hired a consultant to lead the process and draw up a list of recommendations to improve the systems. Smith said a future phase of the project will look at how computer systems managing the buildings can be changed to communicate better with those on the solar panels.

Ultimately, the study process will lead to the creation of a 25-year maintenance plan for the Town’s solar systems.

The technology has changed since the Town’s first solar panels were installed in 2001.

According to Smith, the efficiency of solar panels hasn’t increased much over the years, but newer systems are cheaper and smaller.

“The actual basic technology is still usable,” she said. “It’s a simple technology. You’d think it’s more advanced, but it’s quite simple and it’s easy to modify.”

Smith said solar panels have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years and although the Town’s older panels have a long life span ahead of them, there could be ways to make them work better.

By using new technology, such as computer monitoring and controls, it could be possible to improve their performance, she said.

Smith said it is worthwhile to review the effectiveness and value of new technologies over time, such as solar panels.

When the Town went looking for a consultant to lead the project, she said most replied back saying few municipalities are taking on similar reviews of their solar systems.

Okotoks was an early adopter of solar technology and Smith said the Town could also be a leader in reviewing the technology.

“We’re at the phase now were we need to look back and improve on it,” she said. “I don’t think other municipalities are quite there yet, it’s unique.”