This release was issued under a previous government.
This investment will help build Alberta’s green energy sector, including creating jobs in the project design and construction sectors, while supporting jobs and growth in the renewable energy supply chain.
Five million dollars is earmarked for the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre for a solar energy incentive program – the Alberta Municipal Solar Program. This program will provide rebates of up to $0.75 per watt, to a maximum of $300,000 per project, to municipalities for installing solar on municipal buildings, such as offices, fire halls, community centres and more.
A new solar program for agricultural producers – On-Farm Solar Management – will provide $500,000 in provincial and federal funding towards solar energy systems on Alberta farms. The program will help producers generate their own electricity and reduce their carbon emissions.
The Alberta Municipal Solar Program opens for applications on March 1. The On-Farm Solar Management program’s application window opens on February 8.
“We must take action at all levels in combatting climate change – federally, provincially and locally. This investment will spur economic growth and help with the transition to cleaner sources of electricity, which will protect our health.”
“Agricultural producers embrace innovation and are good stewards of the land. The solar installation program will help increase farming efficiencies, reduce power bills and greenhouse gas emissions and add to Alberta’s power grid.”
“Protecting the environment and growing the economy are a priority for the Government of Canada. Through investments and initiatives like the On-Farm Solar Management Program, producers have even more opportunity to generate their own electricity and reduce their operation costs, while continuing to be good stewards of the land.”
“Solar photovoltaic is expected to play a prominent role in reducing Edmonton’s reliance on electricity generated from non-renewable resources. There is a strong alignment between the timing of this announcement and the implementation of the City’s Energy Transition Strategy. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Province not only on greening the electricity grid, but partnering on many other initiatives aimed at building up our energy resilience.”
“This is a great start. It will help to begin diversifying Alberta’s economy, create new jobs and small businesses and demonstrate that Alberta is moving into a green energy leadership position.”
“Today’s announcement of funding for solar energy will enable Alberta’s municipalities to demonstrate climate leadership at a local level, through using renewable energy in municipal buildings and increasing public awareness. This is an opportunity for municipalities to demonstrate environmental stewardship and showcase the benefits of solar energy.”
“The Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties looks forward to continuing our partnership with the province to support climate leadership at the local level. Through the Alberta Municipal Solar Program, Alberta’s rural municipalities will continue to play a significant role in generating clean energy by making investments in solar.”
“Since 2010, our farm has been producing electricity as well as food. We installed 24 solar panels on our barn roof. Both we and our installer were pleasantly surprised at how hassle-free it was to get our regular meter replaced with a two-way meter so that we get credit when we produce more power than we are using. Solar energy mitigates climate change and diversifies Alberta’s economy.”