Burnaby is exploring whether solar panels could power its growing fleet of electric golf carts at Riverway Golf Course.
The city has requested proposals from consultants to study whether there’s a business case for installing solar photovoltaic panels, according to bid documents.
As the city attempts to reach carbon neutrality, it has begun replacing its 70 gas-powered golf carts with 70 electric golf carts, according to the documents, and now wants to explore if renewable energy from solar panels could be used to charge the vehicles.
(The Burnaby NOW asked how many electric golf carts Riverway currently has, but the city did not respond by deadline.)
The city wants the prospective contractor to investigate two options: whether the city should use a battery bank to store the energy for later use, or if it should instead re-feed the power directly to BC Hydro’s grid.
“Solar panels are a big investment and therefore the outcome of this feasibility study will determine if there is a business case for installing solar PV panels or not,” stated the documents.
The city said the panels would be installed on the roof of the cart storage building at the southeast corner of the driving range and pro shop.
The city will also be tasking the would-be contractor to study:
- If it’s a good business case to install solar panels on the roof, based on the dimensions of the roof and its orientation
- If the energy harvested will be enough to charge the vehicles
- If the roof is strong enough to hold the weight of the solar panels, including the added weight of snow in the winter
The consultant will also have to design the structure or supports where the solar panels could be mounted on the roof and provide an energy and financial analysis.
