By Charles Lefebvre

Local school board interested in adding more solar panels

Nov 29, 2018 | 3:31 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Public School Division says it’s interested in potentially adding more solar panels to its schools, one day after an announcement from the province.

On Wednesday, Education Minister David Eggen and Environment Minister Shannon Phillips announced the government has earmarked $15 million from its Climate Leadership Plan to allow more schools to install solar panels.

It’s an initiative that has support from Mark Davidson, the superintendent of the Medicine Hat Public School Division.

“Our board is very supportive of solar energy in our schools,” he said. “Dr. Ken Sauer School actually has a full array, and that helps reduce the costs. It certainly helps reduce the greenhouse gas foot print. It’s been a positive initiative for our school division so far, and we’re pleased to expand it if we get the opportunity.”

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Currently, the Dr. Ken Sauer School is the only school in the public school division with solar panels on its roof. Davidson says the division is currently evaluating other schools to find the best location to pursue solar energy.”

“In order to place them on the roof of schools, the school’s structure needs to be suitable to that,” he said. “If they can’t be placed on the roof, then we need appropriate space in a field to set up an array, and then, of course, it needs to be secure.

The new initiative includes an educational component, as well as rebates of up to $1.50 per watt generated to help offset energy costs. Applications are available here. http://www.mccac.ca/

Since 2015, the province has funded 83 solar panel installations at schools across the province. Schools and school boards make the decision to install solar panels.