1000 solar panels that make up one of Saskatchewan’s largest solar installations are now operational in Saskatoon. The partnership is a joint effort between the SES Solar Co-op, and CNH Industrial, with miEnergy providing installation of the solar panels.

CNH plant manager, Seth L’Hoir, says the solar panels will yield 331 kilowatts of power for their plant, equal to about 8% of their energy consumption. He adds they will reduce their carbon footprint by 289 tonnes, equivalent to about 70 residential homes. L’Hoir says being able to generate some of the electricity for their site, for zero emission carbon source, is a step in the right direction. He suggests moving forward there are opportunities for expansion and hopefully this is just phase 1 of growing sustainable resources for the site.

Vice President of the SES Solar Co-op, Michael Nemeth, says this is the 7th and largest project they have partnered with, and their contribution allowed CNH to not need a large financial investment upfront, a common obstacle to clean energy development. Nemeth adds that CNH makes the critical contribution of the land, electricity load and a commitment to lease the panels for 25 years. Nemeth suggests that in our sunny province we have the greatest solar resource in the country, providing a world class opportunity to build resilience into energy infrastructure for future generations.

CNH Industrial is located just off or 71st Street East, the SES Solar Co-op is a group dedicated to enhancing renewable energy in the city.