TRU activates new rooftop solar arrays to support Low-Carbon District Energy System
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is now drawing power from three new rooftop solar arrays, marking a practical step toward running more of the campus — and its Low-Carbon District Energy System — on electricity generated on-site.
A team from TRU, BC Hydro and Riverside Energy Systems flipped the switch on the system on Nov. 14. The 655 rooftop panels will produce more than 400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity each year, enough to power 35 to 40 homes for an entire year.
The solar panels have been installed on the roofs of TRU’s Arts and Education, Campus Activity Centre, and Industrial Training and Technology Centre buildings. Under its interconnection agreement with BC Hydro, TRU can install up to one megawatt (MW) of solar capacity. MW describes the size of the system, while MWh describes how much electricity it produces over time.
Representatives from TRU, BC Hydro and Riverside Energy Systems mark the activation of new rooftop solar arrays supporting TRU’s Low-Carbon District Energy System. From left to right: James Gordon, sustainability director at TRU, Natalie Yao, energy manager at TRU, Sean Palfenier, director at Riverside Energy Systems, Aaran Ferguson, senior manager EV service delivery at BC Hydro, and Warren Asuchak, associate vice-president, campus infrastructure, sustainability and ancillary services at TRU.
BC Hydro worked with TRU to connect the systems to the electrical grid and provided incentives to support the project.
“BC Hydro is committed to supporting our customers who want to integrate renewable energy into their operations,” said Aaran Ferguson, senior manager of EV service delivery. “By investing in on-site solar, TRU is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also building resilience into its energy systems.”
Riverside Energy Systems led the installation, with Stantec providing consulting.
“This was TRU’s first interconnection project of this size, so it required more advanced design and safety measures,” said Sean Palfenier, director at Riverside Energy Systems. “We’re proud to support TRU in bringing these systems online.”
The solar arrays will directly support the electricity needs of the LCDES, a significant new system that will play a key role in TRU’s shift to cleaner campus operations.
“Working on a project of this scale requires careful planning and coordination,” said Shane Brooks, associate electrical engineer at Stantec. “Our role was to help ensure the system was designed and reviewed to meet BC Hydro’s requirements while supporting TRU’s long-term energy goals.”
“This has been a strong collaborative effort with BC Hydro, Riverside Energy Systems and Stantec,” said Natalie Yao, energy manager at TRU. “This activation reflects TRU’s commitment to clean energy and to modernizing our campus infrastructure.”
The rooftop systems support TRU’s long-term goal of being a sustainability leader among Canadian and international universities.