Largest Edmonton Solar System Reaches Completion

When we think of innovation and trends leading us into Edmonton's future regarding our commercial developments, a few words must now come to mind... Simons Londonderry Mall.  Not likely the general public's first thought, but since Londonderry Mall announced their $130 Million renovation and redevelopment plan in 2014, this has come to fruition.  Construction began in 2015 of "all common areas including entrances, porcelain flooring, storefronts, escalators, elevators, LED lights, washrooms, ceilings and seating areas" as well as the "building’s exterior facades and the Simons fashion and home-furnishings department store, opening in the fall of 2017." (Edmonton Journal).

Most notably, the pièce de résistance is the solar system that has made it's home in the parking lot and atop the Simons department store in the form of over 1,700 solar modules which produce 636 kilowatts.  This system will allow Simons to obtain HALF of its electricity requirement from its own solar conductors in its 90,000 SF store!

The additional feature many environmental consumers are excited about are the three electric vehicle charging stations located in the car port.  "One of the chargers is a level three charger capable of charging an electric car from empty in 30 minutes." (Greenenergyfutures.ca) 

 

Up and coming Local Solar Engineers...

A local, and quickly growing, Edmonton company called Great Canadian Solar was hired to handle the Simons Londonderry solar development, lead by solar engineer Gordon Howell.  Other significant, though lesser known, solar projects that they have been involved with include:

Leduc Recreation Centre

"Completed in 2016, the Leduc Recreation Centre is home to 1.14 MW solar photovoltaic system making it the largest rooftop system in Western Canada.  Capable of producing 15% of the buildings annual electricity needs, it represents a fantastic investment by the city.  Completed in partnership with Enmax Energy." (greatcanadiansolar.com)

Camrose Recreation Centre

"In 2016, The City of Camrose invested in a 1.053 MW solar photovoltaic energy system which will offset ~30% of the buildings annual electricity consumption.  The system is comprised of LG high efficiency solar modules, and SolarEdge inverters and optimizers and was completed in partnership with Enmax Energy."(greatcanadiansolar.com)

Important to note is the many municipalities that are jumping on board with implementing green energy sources into their commercial development projects.  We are starting to see this more frequently in all asset classes of the real estate market, and I'm eager to see this trend continue in the years to come.