The City of Castlegar has received a $65,000 grant from the Columbia Basin Trust that will help the community move toward energy efficiency and self-reliant community energy generation objectives contained in its Official Community Plan. This is part of a $650,000 initiative funding 16 energy-wise projects across the Columbia Basin.
The Castlegar grant will enable completion of a $100,000 project to place solar panels on the roof of City Hall.
The city will contribute $10,750 to the project. BC Solar Now — an organization with a mandate to engage Canadians in a global shift to renewable energy via creation of opportunities for people to see and experience solar power first hand – will contribute $25,000 in capital funding to the project along with project planning and engineering.
“We are a dynamic community that is always looking for creative infrastructure and energy solutions,” says Mayor Bruno Tassone.”As solar panel costs continue to fall and C02 emissions reduction becomes standard business practice, we can play a leadership role in incorporating and demonstrating technology, while contributing to a better long-term financial bottom line for the city.”
The planned 30kW system will create annual cost savings estimated at $2700, generating a 35-year rate of return (4 years for the city’s contribution).
The project builds on city successes in municipal facility energy efficiency, including energy retrofits, alternate heating, lighting, and mechanical equipment.
The city’s portion of the funding for this project is included in the 2019 capital budget.
