Arran Elderslie council think about solar panels for arena

Arran-Elderslie council wants more information before installing solar photovoltaic systems on two of its arena roofs.

Horizon Energy Solutions approached council several months ago with the renewable energy concept. At a meeting a few weeks ago, Mayor Paul Eagleson broke a tie vote of his council, giving Horizon the go-ahead to proceed with an assessment study on its facilities to determine the feasibility of the project and the anticipated kilowatts of energy that each facility could produce. Initial revenue estimates range from $13,000 to $18,750 per facility per year.

In a report to council last week, Ann McArthur, manager of parks, recreation and facilities in Arran-Elderslie said based on the company's assessment, Horizon is recommending that the roofs at the Chesley and Paisley arenas be re-coated prior to proceeding with its engineering study.

Projected cost of the re-coating is $30,000 for each facility.

The engineering study is needed to ensure the structures are physically capable of holding the weight of the solar panels and "to ensure the roof has a life that exists beyond the 20-year lease agreement."

Under the proposed lease agreement, Horizon would allow one free lift of the panels, should a major roof repair be required, however, Horizon wants the roofs re-coated prior to their feasibility study. The study would cost $10,000 per facility, and would be at the sole expense of the project proponent, McArthur's report stated.

Council deferred making a decision on the request saying it needs more information on the life expectancy of the existing arena roofs, what implications there would be to their insurance coverage, and the opinions of its fire chiefs on whether or not fire protection could be offered if there was a fire.

Eagleson admitted later council "is having second thoughts" about the proposed solar panel installation.

"We could use the revenue but is it going to be good?" asked Chesley ward councillor Doug Bell.