'Crowning Achievement' to Save Thousands in Yearly Electrical Costs

Projects at the Pason are taking Okotoks' renewable energy efforts to the next level.

Sheri Young, climate change and energy specialist with the town, says they've officially announced the completion of the solar array on the Gold Roof at the Pason Centennial Arenas.

She says they have improved the Pason with their ice resurfacing system and also with new lights that can be programmed to turn off automatically.

The solar system on the roof is the next big upgrade.

"The solar panels are the crowning achievement, and they're going to provide a lot of energy for the people."

The new solar system is estimated to save $24,000 in electrical costs each year.

There are 1,020 panels and 8 inverters in all, and they're expected to pay for themselves in about 16 years.

She says the solar panels actually went live at the end of November, but all the details weren't finished until last week.

One of those details includes a new digital display at the Pason that allows people to view the combined energy production from the solar installations there and also at the Operations Centre in real time.

The same information can also be viewed online.

She says they won't only be saving on power but that it's also about not generating greenhouse gas emissions and not contributing to poor air quality.

"We can't even guess how much money this is going to save us in the long term...They're guaranteed for 30, but they will be producing power for 40 years and beyond."

Young says she takes pride in the impact these projects will make both now and in the future.

"Every time we complete one of these projects, I feel really proud that we're contributing to the future of Okotoks residents, like the kids, that 's one more system that the kids don't have to worry about."