Alberta will be home to the largest rooftop solar array in the country as the city of Edmonton is installing 193,735.5 square feet of solar panels on top of the Edmonton Expo Centre.
According to the news release, 5,754 solar panels will be installed on top of Halls D through H of the Expo Centre as part of Phase 1 of the $5.03 million project.
The city is expecting an operational savings of approximately $290,000 to $460,000 per year.
“This rooftop solar panel array will generate at least 2.8 gigawatts of energy annually, equal to that of about 375 homes,” says Brad Watson, the city of Edmonton program manager.
The solar system is expected to have a lifespan of at least 25 years and is expected to break even within 10-17 years depending on energy prices and whether energy consumption aligns with generation.
The city is also planning a Phase 2 solar panel installation with an estimated production of approximately 1.9 gigawatts and a cost of roughly $3.4 million on top of Halls A to C pending approval.
This solar installation is part of a $98 million rehabilitation project at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
Phase 1 of the solar system is expected to be complete in November.
Edmonton Expo Centre was awarded EXHIBITOR Centers of Excellence in 2022 by EXHIBITOR Magazine. The annual award recognizes the top 30 venues for trade shows and events in North America.