Local politicians are mounting solar panels on 37 more roofs, to help promote solar energy and earn provincial cash.
The $18-million regional government project will put panels above child care centres, the Sunnyside nursing home in Kitchener, public housing units, a new Waterloo police building, the regional museum in Kitchener, a new transit garage in Kitchener, and an operations centre in Cambridge.
“I think this is entrepreneurial, green and forward-looking,” said Coun. Sean Strickland, of Waterloo.
Panels will all be installed by 2013. Combined they will generate enough juice to power nearly 200 homes.
Bureaucrats say the panels will more than pay for themselves, accumulating nearly $5 million in extra cash by 2032. That’s because Ontario, angling to develop renewable energy, has pledged to buy the solar power for 10 times what it currently costs to generate electricity in coal-fired, natural gas and nuclear facilities.
Councillors approved the venture Tuesday after asking planners if they have considered all risks.
For example, what if solar panels break down? Can the roofs hold the weight? What if better technology emerges later? What if the province reduces its premium rates after high solar costs hike electricity bills? Is it smarter to rent roofs to solar investors?
“It sounds like it’s all glory and profit. But have we really costed out the breakdowns and repairs?” asked Coun. Jean Haalboom, of Kitchener.
Planners assured councillors they have sought to account for everything that could possibly go wrong.
Among their answers: the region will seek only proven technology and will get warranties. Maintenance costs are understood and included. A contract will guarantee the Ontario premium for 20 years.
Other roofs are still available for emerging technologies. Ownership with managed risk provides better returns than leasing at low risk. After 20 years, solar panels could be converted to power individual buildings, if selling the electricity is no longer the better financial option.
“I’m going to reluctantly support this,” Wilmot Mayor Wayne Roth said. He worries the province may downscale solar subsidies after consumers revolt over rising electricity bills.
Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo councils are also mounting solar panels. The regional installation is more than three times bigger.
Local firms can bid to supply the solar panels. Council intends to consider all qualified suppliers.
Excess cash could be spent to ease taxes or pay for environmental initiatives. In most years it’s estimated at less than $200,000. “This is not a get-rich-quick scheme,” said Coun. Tom Galloway, of Kitchener.
jouthit@therecord.com