A renewable energy company based in Toronto is optimistic about Nova Scotia’s push to promote the establishment of community “solar gardens.” PowerBank, a specialist in solar energy and battery storage systems, has received approval for one project in Nova Scotia and has put forward two more proposals under the province’s community solar program.
Launched in 2024, the program facilitates community groups and organizations in setting up expansive fields of solar panels, referred to as solar gardens, to offer subscriptions for the clean electricity they generate. Tracy Zheng, the chief commercial officer for PowerBank, expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating it benefits all parties involved.
According to Zheng, PowerBank’s solar projects will aid Nova Scotia in achieving its target of generating 80% of electricity from renewable sources while also cutting costs for subscribers. The program permits the solar gardens’ generated power to be fed into the Nova Scotia Power grid.
Customers can enroll to receive power from a solar garden without extra fees or physical connection to the source. Subscribers are expected to save two cents per kilowatt-hour on their electricity bills, translating to a 10 to 15% reduction.
PowerBank is set to commence construction on a 4.8-megawatt project in Brooklyn, Annapolis County in the upcoming spring, with the capacity to power around 630 homes annually. Additionally, two smaller projects near Antigonish and Bridgetown are in the proposal stage.
The project close to Bridgetown is currently undergoing approval, requiring letters of support from the respective municipal governments. Dustin Enslow, the deputy warden for the Municipality of Annapolis County, mentioned their positive reception towards the project following public consultations and a presentation by Zheng.
Enslow highlighted the benefits anticipated for the community, including the alignment with climate change action plans, local contractor utilization, and the added energy source enhancing stability for residents. Emphasizing the need for stability due to common power outages, Enslow noted the conditional support from the municipality, acknowledging the project’s potential for progress.
The council sees this initiative as a means for the municipality to advance positively and thrive.