On Tuesday, Nov. 3, we made history in Squamish. Our council voted unanimously to meet the final conditions to become the next Canadian Solar City (No. 5). A big thanks to Mayor Patricia Heintzman for her ongoing support of our group’s efforts to make Squamish a clean energy example, to Squamish general manager of development Gary Buxton and his team who put together the necessary report card and to Councillors Ted Prior, Karen Elliott, Peter Kent and Doug Race who supported the process throughout.
The process was not all smooth sailing, however. Councillor Susan Chapelle opposed this initiative from the beginning; first because solar panels use rare earth minerals, most of which she claims are mined in China. While this is true, rare earths are also used in everything from computers and television screens to cell phones and automobile catalytic converters.
Her latest opposition to going solar in Squamish was that she claimed that there was not enough sun in Squamish, citing data from Natural Resources Canada which she said “showed Squamish in black with less than 500 kilowatt hours per kilowatt.” One look at this map shows that there is no “black” on the legend. (The lowest solar radiation areas are in blue.) Squamish is clearly in the 900 to 1000 kilowatt-hours-per-kilowatt area in green on the NRC solar incident radiation map. (To find the map go to http://goo.gl/jUFq5g or search “Natural Resources Canada solar incident radiation map.”) What this means is that a one-kilowatt solar PV panel in our area will generate between 900 and 1000 kilowatt-hours per year. The average home uses approximately 10,000 kWhrs/year.
Unfortunately, Ms. Chapelle’s steadfast opposition typifies the misguided belief among naysayers that solar and alternative energy have no place in our town’s future. Without exception, this opposition has come from individuals who have not researched the topic.
But as those who have been using solar panels for years in the Squamish area or who have done their homework can attest, solar is just one of many practical ways of reducing our carbon footprint. Luckily for us, the majority on Squamish council sees the true renewable energy potential and have demonstrated that they are ready to move forward to bring our town into the renewable 21st century. Now it’s up to us all to work toward building a clean energy movement in our town.
Matt Blackman
Squamish Alternative Energy Group
