Metrolinx is leveraging the benefits of solar energy to power several of its stations.
Metrolinx has installed roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels at four stations and has saved almost C$1.8 million (US$1.48 million) in energy costs to date. Metrolinx says that will translate to estimated savings of C$7 million (US$5.79 million) to C$8.3 million (US$6.86 million) over the 25 to 30-year lifecycle of the panels.
The solar panels are installed at Oakville GO, Clarkson GO, Erindale GO and Ajax GO and have not only saved money but have also tapped into a clean and renewable energy source. Using the panels has avoided more than 245 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions – equal to planting more than 17,000 or removing 53 passenger vehicles from the road each year.
Metrolinx expects the installation of solar panels to continue to be used on future stations, saving as much as 30 percent of a building’s monthly energy bill.
