Markham Pan Am Centre lights the way with new solar panels

YorkRegion.com
Oct. 7, 2016
Amanda Persico

Markham flipped the switch on its latest solar panel installation at the Markham Pan Am Centre.

The solar panel array is the city’s ninth solar panel installation and measures close to two and a half football fields with more than 1,700 solar panels.

The 450 kilowatt feed-in-tariff array is expected to produce enough electricity to power 65 average Markham homes.

“It is wonderful to see a Pan Am venue transformed into an energy-sustainability legacy for the community while helping the province deliver a clean, modern and reliable electricity system,” said the province’s energy minister Glenn Thibeault, who was on hand to help launch the latest array of solar panels.

The new solar panel project, completed in partnership with PowerStream, Markham and RESCo Energy Inc., brings the city’s renewable solar fleet to 1.83 megawatts, which is one of the largest municipal collections in the province.

On average, the city’s nine solar arrays create about $300,000 in revenue per year, offsetting the city’s carbon footprint by close to 100 tonnes per year. That’s equivalent to taking about 21 cars off the road or powering about 215 Markham homes. 

“This launch is a great moment to celebrate the strong partnership between Markham and the province of Ontario in a shared commitment to fight climate change and be a leader in clean, renewable energy generation,” said international trade minister and Markham-Unionville MPP, Michael Chan.

Markham’s other solar panel installations include: 250 kW at the Angus Glen Community Centre, 9.6 kW at the Civic Centre, 10 kW at the city’s fire station in Cornell, 100 kW at the Milliken Mills Community Centre, 285 kW at the Mount Joy Community Centre, 120 kW at the Clatworthy Arena, 350 kW at the Thornhill Community Centre and 250 kW at 8100 Warden Ave.

“The presence of solar systems on city-owned buildings aligns with Markham’s comprehensive strategy to make our municipality one of the most sustainable communities in North America,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

PowerStream owns more than 85 solar panel projects across Ontario, which generate more than 18 megawatts each year. That’s enough to power more than 2,700 homes for about 20 years.