Renewable energy is the answer to our dwindling resource woes. Oil and gas are increasing in prices and they will continue to do so. Therefore we need to find other ways to sustain and power our communites. A really great example using renewable energy in a community is in Okotoks, Alberta, where I used to work. In Okotoks, there is a solar powered community consisting of 52 solar powered homes. Okotoks is estimated to get as much sunshine as Miami Florida on a yearly basis. The houses look like normal houses except for a few solar panels on the roofs of the houses and the garages. These houses are special because:
· 90% of the energy required for space heating is produced by solar panels.
· Each home produces 5 tonnes fewer greenhouse gases than a regular home does in a year.
· All water is heated with solar energy.
In the summer when they are producing a lot of heat, it is put into a storage system for the winter months. To store energy there is 2 systems in place. For long term storage there is a borehole system built underground that cycles the heat through 144 holes that are 37 meters deep and 35 meters in diameter. The borehole system holds heat by being insulated with layers of clay, sand, and other layers of insulation. When looking at the area where the borehole sits, you would never know that it is there. On land it is designed as a green space for families and pets to enjoy. The second heat storage area consists of thermal storage tanks that cycle the heat above ground.
These are only a few of the measures taken to ensure these homes are sustainable. The list goes on much further than this!
This type of community is easy to create. The solar panels do not take up virtually any space, and areas that get high levels of sunlight throughout the year can have quick pay back for the costs of the solar panels. This is a relatively easy way to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels on a community scale.
All information related to Okotoks was taken from the following website:
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