Tŝilhqot'in Nation celebrates completion of solar farm
2-hectare site west of Williams Lake will generate 1,500 MWh per year and $175,000 in annual revenue
The Tŝilhqot'in Nation says its new solar farm is now complete and will generate $175,000 in revenue annually once connected to the BC Hydro grid.
The two-hectare site, located 80 kilometres west of Williams Lake, B.C., holds 3,456 solar panels that is projected will provide 1,500 megawatt hours per year of power.
Chief Russell Myers Ross said the project involved all six Tŝilhqot'in communities and is a significant step toward self-sufficiency.
"There were challenging hurdles to get this project to the point of completion, but I am happy to see that the solar farm is ready to offer electricity to the region and provide revenue for the Tŝilhqot'in Nation," said Myers Ross, vice-chair of the Tŝilhqot'in National Government.
Chief Joe Alphonse, tribal chair of the Tŝilhqot'in National Government, calls the completion of the solar farm a huge economic win for the nation.
"Energy and electricity has been lacking out in the territory for a long time ... so we welcome the opportunity for business and to improve the wellbeing of our people," said Alphonse.
The 1,500 megawatt hours per year is enough to power approximately 135 homes. The farm has a life expectancy of 25 years.
The solar farm is located on the Riverwest Sawmill grounds and the connection to B.C. Hydro lines along nearby Highway 20 is expected to be complete by the end of November.