A new power grid in northern Saskatchewan is aiming to use solar energy to power an entire community.
SaskPower’s Descharme Lake Microgrid is officially online and will use a mix of solar panels and diesel generators to power the community.
This is the first grid of this kind for SaskPower.
“The Descharme Lake Microgrid will lower maintenance costs and reduce vegetation management requirements while improving reliability for customers year-round and in all weather conditions,” said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower President and CEO. “Operating this system will also provide us with valuable experience and insight as we consider whether microgrids are an option for other remote locations in our province.”
The new system includes nearly 500 solar panels, 100 lithium phosphate batteries and a pair of diesel generators.
According to the Crown Corporation the solar panels will provide about 80 percent of the power with the diesel generators providing the remaining need for energy.
The microgrid is expected to service around 20 people in the community.