The Town of Sackville will have its first municipal solar project completed on November 10th.
Sackville’s Council voted unanimously in September to put the municipality’s $25k climate initiatives fund into a 12kW solar energy system atop the Bill Johnstone Memorial Activity Center, at the recommendation of the Climate Change Advisory Committee and the Town’s Climate Change Coordinator. “The Climate Change Advisory Committee is thrilled that the Town is investing in this highly-visible renewable energy project, which demonstrates its commitment to taking action on climate change, and leading the way in reducing our community’s greenhouse gas emissions” says Richard Elliott, Chair of the Town’s Climate Change Advisory Committee.
Vertex Solar Solutions, a Moncton-based renewable energy service provider, was selected to complete the installation. Vertex recently completed a large-scale solar panel project in the City of Dieppe on the Arthur J. Leblanc Arena Center.
The 12kW system will supply 72% of the Bill Johnstone Memorial Activity Center’s annual electricity, with approximately 15,346 kWh of solar electricity used per year. The solar system will reduce 315 tonnes of carbon dioxide and help the municipality lower utility costs for the building significantly. The installation is an example of climate action the municipal staff are proud to put into place and continue to expand on. “This is the Town’s first solar project” says Jon Eppell, Town Engineer. “And the Bill Johnstone Memorial Activity Centre is a great location. It’s central and easily accessible to residents and visitors.”
There will be a green ribbon-cutting event November 18 at noon, during the Bordertown festival, to celebrate the success of the solar panel project together with the community.