Redeemer 'flips switch' on Solar Power

Monday, September 12th saw Redeemer “flipping the switch” on its newly installed rooftop solar panels.  The project, funded in part by the federal government’s program KIP (Knowledge in Infrastructure Program), is comprised of a 131kw photovoltaic solar power system with the engineering and installation being completed by ARISE Technologies Corporation of Waterloo. When engaged, the system will be able to generate up to 150,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, or about ten percent of Redeemer’s annual energy usage. The KIP program has provided the funding for half of the 1.1 million dollar project with the balance coming from Redeemer’s annual budge as well as donations. It is estimated that the project will enable Redeemer to recoup its initial capital investment after ten years, with the system expected to be able to generate electricity for twenty to twenty-five years. The system allows for Redeemer to generate clean electricity and also to sell this electricity back to the HydroOne as part of the Ontario government’s Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program as stated in the Green Energy Act.

Redeemer had the honour of having Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, David Sweet, present for the ceremony. When touring Redeemer’s campus this past summer Mr. Sweet explained, “Our government is investing in research and training facilities at campuses across the country to create jobs and help our economy recover quickly while also improving access to research and educational opportunities for students and faculty. This project (KIP) represented the first-ever federal investment in capital projects at Redeemer University College – a campus that provides opportunities and facilities to the Ancaster community and, indeed, the entire region.”

The Flip the Switch ceremony was merely symbolic at this point as the system is not complete and ready for use. There are panels that have yet to be installed as the project has faced some weather delays. The rains have caused the ground to be insufficiently dry to support the heavy machinery needed to lift the panels to the roof. While the completion date is uncertain, it is not far off. Upon the solar power system’s completion Redeemer will proudly be responsible for producing clean electricity.

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