Contract for solar projects for northern schools awarded

The contract has been announced for the turn-key design, supply and install of two solar power generation systems in Saskatchewan’s far north at Father Megret Elementary School in Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation and Father Gamache Memorial School in Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation. These two projects are designed to offset power consumption for each of the schools. Funding was secured from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, including the ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program, to install two roof-mounted 64 kilowatt solar photovoltaic power systems. Through a competitive request for proposals, FNPA received seven proposals and worked closely with leadership on the two First Nations to make the final selection. The total cost of the project is $580,080 and installation is scheduled to be completed in 2015. “These renewable power generation systems are important to First Nations communities to lower their power bills, increase the reliability of the electrical grid in remote areas and reduce their environmental footprint through reducing greenhouse gases. Also, the data obtained is incredibly important in assessing the potential for expanded solar power use in Canada’s north,” said FNPA CEO Leah Nelson Guay.