SOLAR FOR SCHOOLS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to respectfully acknowledge that this presentation is being presented in Treaty 6 territory. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries, and whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant communities.

FUNDERS AND PARTNERS The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre provides funding, technical assistance, and education to support Alberta municipalities in addressing climate change. The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre is a partnership between the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, and Rural Municipalities of Alberta.

AGENDA WHY SOLAR WHAT IS SFS REBATES 4. PROJECT SHOWCASE 5. STEPS TO SUCCESS 6. QUESTION PERIOD

SOLAR PV

WHAT IS SOLAR PV? It is a renewable energy technology that converts energy from the sun into electricity. Electricity is used first to power a building, and excess electricity is exported to the power grid. The power grid supplies electricity when there is not enough electricity from the solar panels. Panels can be mounted on roofs, walls, and ground level.

WHY SOLAR? An established technology which has been available since the 1950’s Worldwide, more people are currently employed in the solar industry than the coal industry Reduce operating expenses and greenhouse gas emissions Fully commercialized for large and small-scale energy generation Okotoks has a greater solar energy resource during months July to October than Miami (Flori­da) despite being 4,000 km further north. Edmonton’s annual solar energy resource is 20%+ greater than Manchester (UK), despite both cities being at a latitude of 53.5°N.

ELIGIBILITY

ELIGIBLITY School authorities are eligible if they govern Kindergarten (K), and/or a set of grades 1-12 and are defined by Alberta Education as: Public, Charter, Francophone, or Separate Schools are ineligible if they are defined as Private, Provincial, Federal, and First Nation or, have applied for or received funding from the Alberta Education Solar PV Technology System (STS) initiative, or are eligible for other solar programs in Alberta. Schools must install a solar PV system on an existing school facility and include an educational component for students about climate change mitigation and renewable energy

FUNDING

TOTAL INSTALLED CAPACITY (DC) REBATE Less than 10 kilowatts $1.50/Watt 10 kilowatts to 150 kilowatts $1.25/Watt 150 kilowatts to 2 megawatts $1.10/Watt 2 megawatts to 5 megawatts $1.00/Watt The rebate maximum is 30% of eligible expenses. Funding is available on a first come, first served basis. Municipalities are eligible to submit multiple applications. Receive a rebate per watt of total installed capacity ($/W), and the rate tier is determined by the total installed capacity of a project. Maximum funding is up to 50% of capital costs for a project.

EXAMPLE

School looking to install solar on the roof… System Size: 50 kW Project cost: $125,000 Rebate category: $1.25/Watt (for projects 10 kW to 150 kW) SFS rebate: $1.25/Watt x 50kW = $62,500 Less than or equal to 50% of project cost so full amount received Payback reduced by 12 years because of SFS funding 40% of the project costs are covered.

CASE STUDY

ROCKY VIEW SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 41 COCHRANE HIGH SCHOOL

50.5 kW $63,125 $63,169 404.3 tCO2e 50.5kW SYSTEM ON SCHOOL ROOF INSTALLED CAPACITY kW REBATE AMOUNT 50.5 kW $63,125 ANNUAL ENERGY SAVINGS ANNUAL GHG REDUCTIONS $63,169 404.3 tCO2e

EDUCATION COMPONENT

TEACHING KIDS ABOUT SOLAR There are many ways to meet the SFS Education Component: Solar science projects (solar car, solar light box, solar oven) Hands on learning Integrating live system production results 40% of the project costs are covered.

GET STARTED

1 2 3 4 5 6 PARTICIPATION TIMELINE Review guidebook and resources Get quotes from multiple contractors, and submit EOI Select contractor and submit application Sign funding agreement Complete project, education component and submit documentation Receive funding, and save energy and money

OTHER FUNDING AND SERVICES

OTHER FUNDING PROGRAMS ELECTRIC VEHICLES FOR MUNICIPALITIES RECREATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM MUNICIPAL ENERGY MANAGER PROGRAM SOLAR FOR SCHOOLS PROGRAM PARTNERS FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION Network of Canadian municipalities committed to taking action on climate change. Members benefit from our support to reduce GHGs. Free training, resources and advice with Regional Climate Advisors. The Action Centre is now home to Alberta’s Regional Climate Advisor. Reach out for local expertise, advice and training.

ADVISORY SERVICES PARTNERS FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION PROGRAM Network of Canadian municipalities committed to taking action on climate change. Members benefit from our support to reduce GHGs. Free training, resources and advice with Regional Climate Advisors. The Action Centre is now home to Alberta’s Regional Climate Advisor. Reach out for local expertise, advice and training.

THANK YOU mccac.ca