Thompson Rivers University's (TRU's) skyline is about to get brighter and greener.
The university is among the first in B.C. to receive approval from BC Hydro to install more than 1,000 solar panels across campus over the next five years.
Solar panels atop TRU's Campus Activity Centre.
The first phase of the TRU Solarization PV Project involves the installation of 540 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on three campus buildings in Kamloops: the Campus Activity Centre, the Arts and Education building and the Industrial Training and Technology Centre.
The solar energy generated will help power the new Low-Carbon District Energy System, which will allow TRU to reach its goal to reach zero carbon by 2030.
"This project is another step in our journey to becoming a zero-carbon facility," said James Gordon, manager of sustainability programs. "When it comes to sustainability initiatives, we continue to be a leader among post-secondary institutions, and we are pleased to continue investing in our future. Since Kamloops is so sunny, using solar to generate our own power makes perfect sense."
The university is accessing funding available through BC Hydro's load displacement program, which helps customers looking to generate clean energy.
Once complete, TRU's solar panels are set to create nearly one megawatt of power, enough to power nearly 200 homes. The first phase of the project will accomplish 40 per cent of this goal (353kw).
Solar panel installation is scheduled for the beginning of 2025.
