Stirling is the first net zero Village in Canada and among the first net zero communities nationally. Our roof top arrays were activated beginning in September 2018 and our ground mounted arrays coming online to be fully operational at the beginning of July 2019.

So what does being a “net zero” community mean anyway?

It means the Village produces enough electrical power from a combination of roof top and ground mounted solar arrays to offset 100% of electrical consumption needs for municipal purposes.

Roof top arrays can be found at the Fire Hall, Lion’s Community Centre, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) building and the Public Works Shop. These solar systems generate electrical power that is first consumed onsite by the building upon which they are installed. Excess power not consumed is then fed back and sold to the provincial power grid.

Location:                                             Peak Power:                2019 Generation:

Public Works Shop                              12.2 kWp                     15.126 MWh

Lion’s Hall/Community Centre        16.7 kWp                     21.591 MWh

FCSS Building                                      11.5 kWp                     14.731 MWh

Fire Hall                                                11.1 kWp                     13.296 MWh

Total                                                     51.5 kWp                     64.744 MWh

Ground mounted arrays can be found adjacent to the Village’s lift station on the corner of 1st Avenue and 5^th Street. The ground array generates electrical power used to offset consumption at other Village facilities including: soccer field, reunion centre, campground outlets, solid waste transfer station, bulk water station, Michelson Farmstead, street lights, administration building and the tourism/information kiosk.

Location:                                             Peak Power:                Annual Generation:

System 1                                             112.32 kWp                 161.100 MWh

System 2                                               65.52 kWp                   55.980 MWh

The combination of these solar systems is designed to generate approximately 300 MWh each year and result in about 190 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions being avoided. That’s the equivalent of taking 41 cars off the road.

The Village also uses its solar generation as a hedge against future inflation on electricity pricing. When you install solar panels on your roof as an example, you will reduce your electricity consumption by a predictable and steady rate. In addition, if utility electric rates increase (when is the last time they decreased?), you will still be using that “power” you bought back when your solar system was installed at a relatively cheaper rate.

Stirling also accesses the “Solar Club” rate available through Ridge Utilities to maximize the return on investment for excess power generated and sold back to the grid. You can learn more about the competitive solar microgeneration program here: https://www.ridgeutilities.net/solarrate.html