Energy

BC’s First Commercial Solar Project is Operational

By Roy L Hales

This is going to be what some of my colleagues call a “puff piece.” More critical evaluations may follow; this is a time to celebrate. Though SunMine has actually been feeding the grid since June 22nd, the city of Kimberley just made the official announcement. BC’s First Commercial Solar Project is operational.

BC’s First Commercial Solar Project is Operational

The orange line is based on Cranbrook airport data over the same period ( each red dot represents the simulated energy in a particular year) The blue line represents the actual measurements from June 7 to July 20 - Courtesy City of Kimberly
The orange line is based on Cranbrook airport data over the same period ( each red dot represents the simulated energy in a particular year) The blue line represents the actual measurements from June 7 to July 20 – Courtesy City of Kimberly (Click on image)

Thanks to its lofty elevation, SunMine is normally above the clouds on a south-facing slope that receives 300 days of sunshine a year.

As PV solar becomes more efficient at lower temperatures, SunMine was expected to produce a solar yield similar to California’s.

According to the city’s press release, the  “facility has 4,032 solar-cell modules mounted on 96 trackers which follow the suns movement, thereby maximizing solar exposure. German-engineered trackers provide as much as 38% more energy than a fixed system. The trackers capitalize on the electricity generated during the morning and evening, peak demand times when BC Hydro has the greatest need for electricity and pays a premium for it.” The Iinitial data shows the facility “is exceeding the modeled design potential.”

Construction began in April 2014. The 1.05 MW (megawatt) solar project occupies six acres of the old Sullivan mine site.

Could Be Built Up To 200MW

Construction Photo -SunMIne by City of Kimberly
Construction Photo -SunMIne by City of Kimberly

According to Michel de Spot, CEO of the Vancouver-based EcoSmart Foundation which conceived the project, SunMine could be built up to as much as 200 MW .

Kimberly’s Economic Development Officer, Kevin Wilson, thinks of this project as part of the next stage of Western Canada’s development. The era of mass resource extraction is coming to an end, SunMine shows the way into the future.

“Although SunMine is the largest solar facility in BC, it is relatively small. As the SunMine proves its potential, the City of Kimberley is looking to expand it and have already had several inquiries from prospective partners,” said Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick.

“The Sun Mine project has the potential to spur interest in development of other solar projects, bringing more jobs and economic benefits to communities across B.C.,” said BC’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Bill Bennet.

How It Was Financed

Construction Photo -SunMIne by City of Kimberly
Construction Photo -SunMIne by City of Kimberly

Columbia Basin Trust and the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust contributed $1 million contribution through the province’s Innovative Clean Energy Fund.

Teck provided use of their old land, existing site infrastructure, and made a $2 million contribution towards the project.

“Participating in SunMine reflects both Teck’s commitment to supporting local communities, even after mining has ceased, and our focus on expanding the use of alternative energy,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO of Teck.

The City of Kimberley decided to go forward with the project after holding a referendum in which 78% of the inhabitants agreed they should take out a $2 million mortgage to get the project started.

“I’m extremely pleased that SunMine’s initial operation confirms the expected performance benefits of the project’s innovative design,” said de Spot. “Solar energy is one of the fastest growing industries in North America and its potential in BC is exceptional. EcoSmart is proud to have collaborated with Teck and Kimberley on this innovative project.”