On June 24, 2017, a Grand Opening was held for the Nelson Community Solar Garden.
The
Community Solar Garden (CSG) is a one-of-a-kind solar array that is
comprised of individual solar panels that have been grouped together and
maintained in a single location, compared to other systems that install
panels on individual roof tops. This central
location provides unprecedented access to those who may rent, have
shading issues or unsuitable roofs. In addition, owners of the panels do
not have to worry about the maintenance or how their panel is
performing as it is part of a collective and not individually
owned.
Nelson
Hydro invited its customers to invest in the Community Solar Garden and
has had an overwhelming response. In one month, the project was sold
out and had to
be expanded by 20%. All of the 240 available solar panels were sold. The
CSG is a win-win for Nelson Hydro customers as it provides simplified
access to solar power while providing a credit in proportion to their
investment, which can be found on their Nelson
Hydro electricity bill. The credit can be transferred from one account
to another, so that the investment stays with the residents even when
they move to a new local address serviced by Nelson Hydro. While there
are other shared solar projects in Canada, Nelson
is the first to offer this type of model. We see this as an opportunity
that can be replicated across the country, giving more Canadians access
to renewable energy.
This
CSG was funded by Nelson Hydro, Bullfrog Power, CELP (Province of BC)
and the Nelson Hydro customers that directly invested in the project.
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