Case Study
Sir John Franklin Solar Initiative –
Yellowknife
History
History
In February of 2002, our Biology 20 class was studying Global Climate
Change and the use of Alternative Energies. As a class we decided to
start a project in which to explore, first hand, the practical application
of alternate energies in the north.
In a letter written to the NWT Power Corporation, our class asked if
privately owned generation equipment (such as solar panels) were permitted
to interconnect with the power grid. The response from the NWT Power
Corporation was positive (letters below).
In an April 2002 meeting, our proposal for the first photovoltaic grid
interconnection in the Northwest Territories was sanctioned by YK#1 superintendent
Judith Knapp and Principal Anne-Mieke Cameron.
Original student group: Julia Pin, Ashley St. Germaine, Amber
Jeannotte, Dustin Milligan, Stewart Saul, Dan Clark and Teacher: Wade
Carpenter.
Goal #1: To educate Sir John Franklin Students and northern communities
about the use of alternative energies.
Goal #2: To serve as an ongoing student operated science project.
- Efficiency comparison reports
- Snow reflection studies.
- How much energy can be produced from reflected light compared to
direct light?
Components of the Sir John Franklin High School System
- 16 X 130 Watt Solar Panels (Total DC output = 2.08 Kilowatt)
- 1.8 Kilowatt PV Direct Grid Tie Inverter
Schematic
To view the schematic, click here.
Letter to the NWT Power Corporation:
Date Wednesday February 6th, 2002
Dear Sir or Madam:
We have a question
concerning solar power in the Northwest Territories. As individuals who
purchase power we are exploring the possibilities
in which NWT residents can reduce their power bills in the sunny summer
months. We are exploring the practicality of solar panels (for home use)
that could be tied directly into the grid power coming into a house.
The installation of the system would occur before the power meter so
savings could be monitored. We have heard that NWT Power will not credit
users for extra energy that is put back into the grid. We are wondering
if this is indeed the case. In addition, is feeding safe power back into
the grid acceptable to the NWT Power Corporation? Many European communities
have had this type of system for years, and the technology is safe and
proven if installed by professionals. In fact these “grid feeding
systems” are available commercially many places in the world. Could
you please send us the information regarding your policy on grid-supplemented
power?
Thank you, Biology 20 Class
Sir John Franklin High School, Yellowknife
N.T.
Students: Julia Pin, Ashley St. Germaine, Amber Jeannotte, Dustin
Milligan, Stewart Saul, Dan Clark and he sent us back an e-mail, which
quoted directly
from the policy statement.
Teacher: Wade Carpenter
Peter Watt, Public Relations Officer with the NWT Power Corporation,
responded:
Hi Ashley
… The Corporation does have a policy concerning connection
of privately owned generation equipment. The following is taken directly
from that
policy statement:
‘ If a customer with privately owned generation facilities wishes
to interconnect with the Corporation facilities for purposes of standby,
or sale of power, the Corporation may enter into an agreement for such
purchase of power and/or interconnection. The interconnection will be
subject to specific restrictions to ensure the safety and protection
of Corporation property and equipment, operating personnel and the general
public. The price paid by the Corporation for Privately generated power
shall be subject to specific terms and conditions.’ …….
Another
option is for customers to install separate applications such as hot water
systems that take advantage of solar energy and are installed
as part of the home’s electrical system.
Hope this information helps.
Please don’t hesitate to contact
me if you require further assistance.
Regards
Peter
Funding Your School Alternative Energy Program
Fund-raising does not always mean bake sales!
Matching Program:
At our school we started with a $500 donation from our Ecology Club.
We approached our science department and asked for a match of $500.
We then approached school administrators for a match of $1000.
Yellowknife Education District #1 matched with $2000.
Without going to Government we had already raised $4000.
Federal Funding Sources for Alternative Energy:
Renewable Energy Capacity Building Program (RECAP)
CANMET Energy Diversification Research Laboratory (CEDRL)
1615, Lionel-Boulet
Varennes, QC J3X 1S6
Telephone: 1-450-652-7102
Fax: 1-450-652-5177
E-mail: ralward@nrcan.gc.ca
Website : http://cedrl.mets.nrcan.gc.ca/
Territorial Funding Sources:
Nunavut
Ministry of Sustainable Development
Telephone: 1-867-979-5115
Fax: 1-867-979-5920
E-mail:
jarnakak@gov.nu.ca
Yukon Territory
Department of Renewable Resources
10 Burns Road
Whitehorse,
Yukon Y1A
2C6
Telephone:
1-867-667-5237
Fax: 867-393-6213
Website:
http://206.12.26.168/
Northwest Territories
Environment Protection Service Department of Resources,
Wildlife and
Economic Development
P.O. Box 1320
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Telephone:1-867-873-7654
Fax: 1-867-873-0221
Website:
http://www.gov.nt.ca/RWED/eps/index.htm
Special Thanks To:
- Dave Johnson and the maintenance team – YK1 Superintendent of Buildings
- Ron Hiscock – electrician Ryfan Electric
- Shawn Wentz – Northland Utilities
- Greg Haist – manager from NWT Power Corp
- Judith Knapp – YK#1 Superintendent
- Anne-Mieke Cameron – Principal Sir John Franklin High School
- Alex Love – Engineer NWT Power
- Bob Bromley – Ecology North, Yellowknife
- Jerome Babyn – Manager Northland Utilities, Yellowknife
- Dennis Bevington – Energy Secretariat GNWT
- Randy Patrick – Director, North Slave Region NWT Power
Corporation
- Rick Bolivar –Manager Ryfan electric
- Brian McCluskey – Special Projects Officer, Arctic Energy
Alliance
- Jim Sparling – Energy Programs Coordinator, Energy Program
Branch
- Environmental Protection Service, Department of Resources,
Wildlife and Economic Development
- David Suzuki – For his words of encouragement
to me when the project was emerging,
and for inspiring
students
at the Interchange
on
Canadian Studies
(ICS Conference) in Yellowknife April
2002.
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