City of Cranbrook council recently approved a request for city staff to pursue external funding opportunities and draw on reserve funds for the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the new Childcare Facility currently under development, which will advance Cranbrook’s Action Plan by reducing long-term operating costs.

Council authorized a new capital project to add a rooftop solar PV system, valued at $250,000, to the childcare facility, contingent on securing $120,000 in grant funding, while approving funding the balance of the project for $130,000 from the Community Works Reserve.

The city has prepared a clean energy discussion paper and solar tender design package for the new childcare facility. The proposed 114 kWDC rooftop solar system is expected to generate about 136,565 kWh of electricity in its first year, which is more than the facility’s estimated annual electricity use of about 109,318 kWh.

Final results will depend on detailed design, utility approvals, how the building operates, and actual electricity demand once the facility is in use.

This project is a strong candidate for grant funding because it combines an energy-efficient building with on-site renewable energy, a staff report to council noted.

The solar system would support the city’s Corporate Climate Action Plan, help reduce reliance on purchased electricity, improve long-term energy cost stability, and show climate leadership at a public childcare facility. Any extra electricity may also help offset use at Western Financial Place.

The project will only move forward if the proposed $120,000 grant funding is secured.

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