Construction continues on SunMine, western Canada’s largest solar project.
Last week the Prime Contractor Conergy Canada and construction manager SkyFire Energy completed the installation of all 4,032 photovoltaic modules.
Last week the Prime Contractor Conergy Canada and construction manager SkyFire Energy completed the installation of all 4,032 photovoltaic modules.
SunMine, looking East
Modules are now arranged in ninety six 38 foot X 20 foot tables and have been mounted on masts topped with a specialized tracking system that will rotate to track the sun. There are 42 photovoltaic modules per table top. Once the installation and commissioning is complete the table tops in the picture will tilt at similar angles to maximize solar exposure and energy generation.
Crews work to assemble table top supports on which photovoltaic modules are mounted. Photo: John Allen
Crews work to assemble table top supports on which photovoltaic modules are mounted. Photo: John Allen
Photo: John Allen
The trackers are considered a “best in class” system whose unique light sensing technology measures conditions and calculates the optimal angle of tilt in two dimensions. Check out this video from the German product designer and manufacturer Deger.
Trackers provide approximately 30% more energy than fixed panels. The trackers' sensors also feature load sensing capabilities and will increase the tilt angle to dump snow as needed and adjust the tilt angle to reduce windload. Performance will be digitally monitored by a data acquisition and monitoring system.
Construction continues on pace for operation in early 2015. In parallel to the tracker installation, trenching and installation of cabling is complete and electricians have begun wiring the trackers and connecting the string inverters that convert the suns energy into electricity that is suitable for delivery via a powerline to the BC Hydro system. String inverters allow for segmented power production in the solar array, providing more power production than centralized inverters which have been historically more popular.
Construction continues on pace for operation in early 2015. In parallel to the tracker installation, trenching and installation of cabling is complete and electricians have begun wiring the trackers and connecting the string inverters that convert the suns energy into electricity that is suitable for delivery via a powerline to the BC Hydro system. String inverters allow for segmented power production in the solar array, providing more power production than centralized inverters which have been historically more popular.
An electrician works to wire photovoltaic modules.
Upcoming activities include installation of the powerline connecting SunMine to the Teck Kimberley substation and BC Hydro, and modifications to the substation itself.
Public access to SunMine is prohibited.
If you’re hoping to get a look at the SunMine site check out the following viewpoints:
· Magic Line, look East from the picnic table atop the second climb (Cardiac hill)
· Sunshine Corner in the Nordic Centre Trails, look East
· The trail from Duck Pond to Apache Trail in Forest Crowne, look East
· Driving North on Jim Ogilvie Way, North of Transfer Station, look Northeast
Find advice and maps on how to get there at the Visitor Info Centre in downtown Kimberley.
Public access to SunMine is prohibited.
If you’re hoping to get a look at the SunMine site check out the following viewpoints:
· Magic Line, look East from the picnic table atop the second climb (Cardiac hill)
· Sunshine Corner in the Nordic Centre Trails, look East
· The trail from Duck Pond to Apache Trail in Forest Crowne, look East
· Driving North on Jim Ogilvie Way, North of Transfer Station, look Northeast
Find advice and maps on how to get there at the Visitor Info Centre in downtown Kimberley.
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