Sep 6 2010
A newly renovated BC Housing complex on location in Surrey has become the largest solar power development in Western Canada. This Greenbrook complex innovation valued at $21.8 million is likely to produce a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 90% and enhance the townhouse complex’s life by 30 years.
This project, which started in 2008, was finished in June 2010. As part of BC Housing’s commitment to create sustainable social housing, the complex of Greenbrook was fitted with solar energy system that offers 10% of the annual electricity requirements of the complex. This solar system was designed and installed by Carmanah Technologies Corp. A solar system utilizes PV or solar electric modules for generating electricity.
The solar system, valued at around $1.34 million, was installed by Carmanah Technologies by means of an agreement with Yellowridge Construction Ltd. The solar PV system comprises around 700 solar modules with 200 W power each. The system at Greenbrook is anticipated to produce 130 MWh of electricity annually.
Renovation work on Greenbrook was carried out in two stages. The first stage commenced in 2008 and the second stage commenced in January 2009. Stage 1 and stage 2 cost around $5.5 million and $16.3 million respectively. The complex has 12 two-bedroom units and 116 three-bedroom units.
Source: http://www.bchousing.org/