If you pass Bissell Thrift Shop, you may not notice it. But if you look up, you’ll find a hard-working, silent, climate action partner atop the roof. The new 30-kilowatt solar array is working to reduce emissions and costs for the not-for-profit organization.

This project is a collaboration between Bissell Centre and the Solar Power Investment Cooperative of Edmonton (SPICE). Besides addressing growing operational costs, local residents were recruited to receive training on the Bissell Thrift Shop installation. It’s an example of how socially motivated investors and not-for-profits can connect clean-energy projects with meaningful employment opportunities.

The seven-week training program included online classes and hands-on work during the installation. “The feedback I heard from the participants was very positive. The guys were appreciative of the facilitators and the variety of training approaches,” says Vishal Prassad from Bissell Workforce Development. 

Newo Energy led the installation of the array and also provided the training to the participants. “We would be more than ready to continue working with Newo Energy on other projects,” says Prassad.

The amount of actual dollar savings has yet to be seen but, according to the investment prospectus from SPICE, it’s anticipated that the output of the solar array will cover 59 per cent of the annual energy use at the site. Emissions reductions are estimated at 22.1 metric tons.

A similar project was installed at the Bissell West site in 2020. According to Louise Traynor, Chief Operating Officer, Bissell West saves about $1,000 a month, reducing overhead and freeing up donor money for programs.

The Bissell West project was financed by grants and donations. In contrast, the Bissell Thrift Shop installation is financed by local investors interested in the social impact. Bissell Centre leases the solar array. In 10 years, it will be its outright owner. Lease costs are offset by the reduction in utility costs. 

One of the core principles of SPICE is a commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92, which calls upon the corporate sector to increase employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. The Bissell Thrift Shop project is meant to foster an economy of sharing, interdependence, and provision of meaningful employment.   

Other installations exist in the neighbourhood. Both Alberta Avenue and Parkdale Cromdale community leagues have solar arrays.

Warren Sarauer’s company, Evergreen and Gold Renewable Energy, was involved with the installation of solar panels on the roofs of both. He is now chair of SPICE. The investment coop continues to raise capital for the Bissell Thrift Shop installation.

“Most Albertans believe climate change is real,” says Sarauer. “Those who do are interested in long-term solutions. Installation of solar arrays on rooftops leaves the land for good things like picnics, gardening, and biodiversity.” 

Sarauer also gives credit to former Alberta premier Ed Stelmach for bringing in the Micro-generation Regulation within the Electric Utilities Act (which would allow for the existence of Rule 024 of the Alberta Utilities Commission) in 2008. Rule 024 makes it possible for groups or individuals that install solar panels on their rooftops to tie into the existing grid, eliminating the need for storage options like batteries.