Local Community Advertising
Even with this smoky haze, the Central Okanagan still receives some of the highest sunshine hours in Canada, making Kelowna a prime candidate for solar energy.
The ideal climate combined with a desire to build the most sustainable buildings possible is a big reason why residents may be noticing more and more solar panels popping up on the roofs of new developments in Kelowna.
Shane Worman, owner of building company Worman, is known for building high-quality developments throughout the city, and two of his most recent projects are gaining attention for their innovative solar power designs.
The rooftops of 590 KLO Rd, which houses Worman’s head office, along with 4624 Lakeshore Rd, a building occupied by Quality Greens and T-Bones, both feature large solar arrays.
Worman says he has always been interested in solar power and when designing the Lakeshore building with its south-facing angled roof he saw a perfect opportunity to explore the technology. He found solar has a reasonable payback period while providing an opportunity to show environmental leadership.
“For us, it’s about trying new things and I believe solar energy is the way of the future. It’s the cleanest energy that I’m aware of,” says Worman.
“We do a lot of development so if we could try it on one and show to ourselves and our clients that it was worth doing then we’d be on to something new that is a benefit to the clients.”
The responsibility of actually installing the solar panel systems is that of Terratek Energy Systems, who’s owner Landon Aldridge shares similar beliefs about the future of solar.
“Shane Worman has always been a leader in the Kelowna development industry, and this is just one more example of his dedication to setting new standards for modern construction,” says Aldridge.
According to Aldridge, Kelowna and the Central Okanagan are some of the best places to implement solar due to an abundance of sun, and some of the highest electricity rates in the province.
For people interested in learning more about solar power, Terratek Energy will be hosting a free informational event on home solar systems Saturday, Aug. 12th at the Okanagan Centre for Innovation.
Click here to register.
Local Community Advertising