Okanagan’s $2.1M Solar Initiative Powers Industrial Park Now

BREAKING NEWS: An industrial park in Coldstream, B.C., has officially launched the province’s largest solar energy initiative, transforming how local businesses harness power. The momentous announcement was made during a celebration on July 12, 2023, attended by B.C. Hydro President and CEO Charlotte Mitha, who stated, “This is the future.”

The $2.1 million project, spearheaded by Restoration Lands Inc., is set to revolutionize energy consumption for nearly a dozen businesses operating in the park. “Our goal and desire to put solar on the roof was in the business plan even before we were able to acquire the property,” said Mike Molnar, founder and CEO of Restoration Lands Inc.

Located near Vernon, B.C., the industrial park features a solar panel array that spans the equivalent of two football fields, consisting of 2,460 panels each generating 690 watts. While the unveiling ceremony took place under cloudy skies, Molnar indicated that the park can achieve a remarkable 100 percent energy utilization on sunny days. “Today in particular it is a little overcast… so we are net importing from B.C. Hydro for the balance,” he explained.

In a significant move for sustainable energy, this initiative is expected to power all businesses within the park and could potentially supply energy to 155 homes annually, according to B.C. Hydro. The utility has contributed $875,000 to the project, emphasizing its role in reducing carbon footprints and alleviating pressure from the provincial grid.

“This project saves businesses money, increases their safety and resilience, and also helps relieve some of the load on the provincial grid,” Mitha noted. The industrial park is already planning to expand, aiming to double its solar panels in a future phase, as more businesses join the community.

Molnar is urging other business leaders to follow their lead: “We challenge other businesses… to utilize these vast spaces on top of their buildings.” The implications of this project extend beyond the industrial park, providing a model for sustainable practices across the region.

As the world shifts toward cleaner energy solutions, the success of this solar initiative in Coldstream is a promising example of how local enterprises can contribute to a greener future while enhancing economic development. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.