BVGEC Celebrates the Anniversary of our First Community-funded Solar Project in Calgary!
A Milestone for Community-Owned Renewable Energy
The Bow Valley Green Energy Co-op (BVGEC) and Temple B’nai Tikvah are thrilled to celebrate the 1st anniversary of BVGEC’s first community-funded solar project in Calgary!
This groundbreaking project was made possible through a strong collaboration between BVGEC, Temple B’nai Tikvah, the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, and the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation. Together, we worked to finance, install, and operate a solar energy system that will generate clean power for years.
The Project in Detail
On October 31, 2023, BVGEC began installing a 26 kW solar photovoltaic system on the rooftop of Temple B’nai Tikvah. With 65 solar panels, this system is expected to generate approximately 30,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually. This translates to an estimated reduction of 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year—equivalent to planting 323 trees!
SkyFire Energy led the project’s design and construction, ensuring the system’s efficient operation. Additionally, a live-generation tracker was installed inside the Temple, allowing visitors and congregants to monitor the system’s real-time energy production.
Flipping the Switch: November 8, 2023
Just a few weeks after installation began, on November 8, 2023, we officially switched on the system, and electrons started flowing! Since then, the system has generated an impressive 29.12 MWh of power, offsetting 19.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in its first year of production alone.
Engaging the Community
Beyond the installation, this project has served as a catalyst for broader community engagement and education. With funding from the Alberta Ecotrust Climate Innovation Fund, the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley supported BVGEC in hosting open house events, implementing a myth-busting social media campaign, and developing a comprehensive Guide to Community Generation in support of other organisations wishing to replicate this success. This manual includes a detailed case study, resources, and templates designed to help other Albertan communities replicate BVGEC’s success.
A Heartfelt Thank You
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of our volunteers, member investors, and project partners. Your investment dollars, time, and passion for renewable energy have made this project a reality - a special thank you to SkyFire Energy for their expertise and installation services.
Looking Ahead
The Temple B’nai Tikvah solar development symbolizes what is possible when communities come together to drive sustainable change. This is just the beginning—BVGEC remains committed to expanding community-owned renewable energy projects across Alberta.
To learn more about the Climate Innovation Fund project and our collaboration, visit the Biosphere Institute’s website.
This marks a significant step forward in our mission to transform Alberta’s energy landscape through sustainable, community-owned renewable solutions.
Together, we are transforming Alberta’s energy future!
Watch this short video detailing the success of this project!
This project was made possible through generous grants and support from the following organizations:
