The first Alberta Solar Co-op project will soon be a reality. The Drumheller Mail spoke with Starland County Development Officer Jordan Webber about the project.
Webber said, “Alberta Solar Co-op is going to be a great thing. It is the first solar farm cooperative in Alberta and Western Canada. We’re going to try to put it in Starland County. The specific land location will be disclosed in about two weeks as we have multiple options and will need to narrow it down. They will be purchasing 15 acres of land for 2 megawatts, which is enough to power 400 homes. It will offset about 2000 tonnes of CO2 annually. There will be 8000 solar modules which are approximately 3’ by 5’ in dimension.”
Webber further said,” It will provide tax revenue to the community that it is installed in. Shares are being sold at $5,000 each and these shares will be RRSP and TFSA eligible, allowing members to transfer investment from an existing RRSP/TFSA account into the project. It is a good way for someone to get involved with the green future and helping out the electrical market move forward. People can participate in getting it installed and also get a return.”
Alberta Solar Co-op will be the first “Distributed Generated” solar in Alberta, which means the energy gets put back on the distribution line and powers the grid.
Webber further explained, “Co-ops work with local ownership benefitting the people who invest. Value of the project is about $6,000,000 and it will be available for all Albertans to buy shares. It gives you an ownership stake and any profit made above that is returned to you, same as a dividend. Alberta Solar Co-op have had many conversations with the provincial government who will not be involved with the funding. All support is local initiative.”