School District 69 Properties, Vancouver Island
Between 2016 and 2023, Hakai Energy Solutions installed turnkey solar energy systems on eight Qualicum School District properties. Several of these installations included integration of energy storage
Located in Qualicum on central Vancouver Island, School District 69 is a role model for sustainability. The district commits to environmental sustainability through energy and water-saving programs, fuel choices and fuel efficiencies, recycling, and other measures that contribute to reducing the area’s carbon footprint. In the spring of 2016, Hakai installed a renewable energy system at the off-grid False Bay School on Lasqueti Island. Other schools in the district with solar arrays include Oceanside Elementary, Kwalikum Secondary School, Nanoose Bay Elementary and Springwood Elementary.
The school district has been progressive with their efforts to reduce energy costs and invest in energy efficiency upgrades. They have implemented a long-range facilities plan, which includes a Carbon Neutral Capital Program. Part of the long-range facilities plan has included solar PV energy system installations including storage, in order to reduce propane reliance, and improve their overall energy generation independence.
With the ability to generate electricity with solar, the school district is able to protect themselves from escalating utility prices while ensuring the schools are utilizing clean emission solar electric power. The combined eight systems installed at the Qualicum District school properties consists of 1,072 solar panels, generating a combined system capacity of 424kW, with an estimated annual energy production of 459,603kWh.
The Qualicum School District 69 has made a long-term investment to commit to reducing carbon emissions. In addition to the solar projects, the school district continues to look long-term at carbon emission reduction strategies and has completed energy efficiency upgrades to many of the schools lighting systems.
System Performance Highlights
| Project Locations | Project Dates | Total Photovoltaics | Installation Types | Combined Systems Peak Capacity | Estimated Combined Systems Annual PV Energy Generation | Storage Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualicum Beach (2), Bowser (1), Parksville (3), Nanoose Bay (1), Lasqueti Island (1), East Coast, Vancouver Island BC | 2016-2023 | 1,072 Solar Modules | Ground-mount (1), Metal Standing Seam Roof Mounted (5), Flat Roof Ballasted Mounting (2) | 424.18kWdc | 460,000kWh/Year | Battery Based Lithium -ion Tesla Powerwall |
Hakai Energy Solutions was pleased to deliver these turnkey solar projects and continues to be dedicated to working with communities to develop energy systems that are sustainable, and cost-effective while providing reliable power year-round.