SPCA's Furry Friends Enjoy the Sun

The Saskatoon SPCA is thrilled to help the 4000 animals they care for each year with the savings from their 100 panel solar power system.  The system was the 2017 winner of the Rob Dumont Energy Management Project of the Year:

Through a federal Canada 150 grant, the Saskatoon SPCA undertook major renovations of its shelter, including projects focused on “green technologies” and reduction of the shelter’s environmental footprint. The Saskatoon SPCA’s solar panel project is a 31 kW roof-mount, grid-tied solar installation. Suncatcher Solar Ltd. designed and installed the solar power system.

As one of the city’s largest-ever solar panel installations, the Saskatoon SPCA project serves as a high-visibility statement of the organization’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and as a vehicle promoting renewable power in the Greater Saskatoon Region.

 

 

The solar power system fills the south facing roof of the shelter and provides about 30% of its power needs. Patricia Cameron, executive director of the SPCA, comments on the needs of the shelter:

Due to chemicals, animal and other waste, water consumption, and 24/7 operations, animal shelters have a huge environmental footprint and consume massive amounts of energy.  Both the financial savings and carbon reduction are wins for the shelter, which as a charity is keenly interested in control of expenses.

In the first two months of operation alone (July 6-September 5, 2017) the system produced 10.21 MWh of energy, resulting in a financial saving of $1,490 and offsetting some 4,050 kg of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2).  Watch the system work via live monitoring.