Capstone Infrastructure is enhancing its renewable footprint with the Amherstburg Solar Park, which started commercial operations on June 30, 2011
The Amherstburg Solar Park, which commenced commercial operations in June 2011, is one of the largest solar power facilities in Canada, capable of producing about 37,600 megawatt hours of electricity annually, which is enough to power approximately 4,000 homes.
The project was designed and built by U.S.-based SunPower, a world leader in solar power with a 10-year track record of establishing successful commercial-scale facilities in Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy and the United States. Upon the start of commercial operations, SunPower will also operate and maintain the facility on Capstone Infrastructure’s behalf under a long-term contract.
The Amherstburg Solar Park is using SunPower’s solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which generate up to 50% more electricity than conventional solar panels and up to four times as much power as thin-film solar technology. The facility also uses the SunPower® Tracker T20 system, which follows the sun during the day thereby increasing daily energy production by up to 30% more than fixed-tilt installations.
Notably, this project created about 100 jobs over the construction phase, with a majority of the labour sourced locally. Under the O&M contract, SunPower will be staffing the facility with a plant manager and two remote monitoring technicians. In addition, annual property taxes are expected to be in the range of $200,000, making the Amherstburg Solar Park an important contributor to local community services as well as to a greener environment.