Wind and Solar Power
Figure 1.5 Windspire®Solar and wind are “free” power sources, but require a large amount of infrastructure to harvest them. Solar energy is obtained through photovoltaic and photocell technologies. Wind power is received from a wind power generator, or windmill.
Solar and wind power technologies are still being developed and are relatively new for residential applications, making their capital cost substantial. However, in Greenbury, our team is planning for the future, and thinking about how we can integrate these as pilot projects and in the future as permanent ways of generating power once the technology has advanced and is affordable to everyone.
How does Greenbury use Wind and Solar Power?
Greenbury introduces the Windspire®, a residential-sized wind turbine to the community and City of Spruce Grove as a pilot project. Three Windspires® is located in the large park and plaza area at the entrance to the neighbourhood. These Windspires® harvest wind energy and use this energy to power entrance lighting to the neighbourhood and within the park. Beaverbrook is working with and reporting to the City of Spruce Grove on the performance of the Windspires®.
The Windspires are connected on a two-way switch on the mail power grid. On windy days, the Windspires spin to generate electricity, and feed the grid during the day. During the evening and at night, they power the park lighting.
Further, Greenbury builders are encouraged to earn extra points from the Greenbury Green List by building homes that are “solar ready”, with a conduit system to enable the connection of roof top solar panels for domestic water heating systems when residential solar power is more financially viable to the general public. Some Greenbury outdoor show-home lighting in is also solar powered.
Why is this Green?
- Solar and Wind Power are Renewable: Once the infrastructure is in place, solar and wind power are inexpensive, renewable sources of energy.
- Education: These features will serve not only to help power Greenbury, but also as an educational piece to educate and promote sustainability programs to the community and beyond.
