Airport City Solar

Alpin Sun, a global developer of utility scale renewable projects, is investing $169M to construct a 627-acre, 120-megawatt solar farm on the west side of YEG’s lands. Airport City Solar reflects YEG’s on-going commitment to economic development and diversification, along with its core value of being dedicated to sustainability. This new large-scale investment that will dramatically transform its property, create jobs and bring in a potential new power source for its operations and the Edmonton Metro Region. 

Quick facts about Airport City Solar: 

• Construction will employ 120 workers for a year, with up to 250 workers at its peak 
• The 120 Mwh facility will generate 200,000 Mwh per year 
• Alpin Sun estimates that annual production of 200,000 MWh will result in an offset of 106,000 tonnes of CO2 in its first year of operation 
• A conservative estimate is there will be roughly 340,000 solar panels in the facility  
• The facility will produce enough electricity to power between 27,000-28,000 homes 
• The final size of 627 acres will equal roughly 313 CFL football fields in size 
• The panels will be constructed in two main groupings 
  • East grouping will be 367 acres that would accommodate 72 MW 
  • West grouping will be 259 acres that would accommodate 48 MW 

Did you know? 

There are many misconceptions about solar power. Here are some facts about Airport City Solar.  

DYK – a common concern is what kind of damage can happen in the event of hail or other bad weather. While nothing is unbreakable, the solar cells are covered with a protect layer of polymer that provides strong protection against many natural events. The facility is also insured against excessive damage that could be caused by a natural disaster.  

DYK – yes, it snows in Edmonton. However, even in the winter days, there is a strong amount of sunlight. The top layer of the solar panels will have a non-adherent coating that will make it hard for snow to stick to. Additionally, Airport City Solar panels will be mounted on trackers the move the panels east-west every day with the sun helping ensure any snow accumulation will fall off or melt as the panels heat up during the day. In the event of a major blizzard situation if snowfall was to last several days the panels can be cleared manually if required.  

DYK – Airport City Solar is 100% funded by private investment. There are no taxpayer dollars contributing to its construction or operation.  

DYK – the technology behind solar panels advanced every year, the panels built today are longer-lasting, more durable and efficient than in the past. The average lifetime of the panels for Airport City Solar will be roughly 25 years, with a 10-year warranty for certain critical aspects. Towards the end of their lifespan the panels would be refurbished or upgraded, the same way any major industrial facility is upgraded or refurbished.  

For more information, read the announcement news release here.