Toronto: Green energy provider Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading green energy provider, and Montana First Nation, a community in Central Alberta, recently announced a partnership to construct a new solar installation and set up a solar training program. Through the partnership, Bullfrog Power is helping Montana First Nation to reduce the financial and environmental costs of dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity generation.
“With this project, Montana First Nation is looking to improve our economy and reduce unemployment on the Reserve by becoming a leader in renewable energy for First Nations in Western Canada,” said Barry Wheaton, CEO of Green Arrow, a solar company owned by Montana First Nation. “Bullfrog Power has contributed to the success of community power projects across Canada and their support has been essential in moving this project forward.”
Bullfrog Power’s contribution to the project includes support for the solar training program and a grant that makes up 50 per cent of the funding required to build the 20 kW solar installation on Montana First Nation’s water treatment plant in Hobbema, Alberta. In addition, Montana First Nation will conduct an LED lighting retrofit at the plant to reduce electricity consumption.
Located approximately 90 km south of Edmonton, the new solar project is the result of a partnership between Montana First Nation, Bullfrog Power, Green Arrow and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
The solar training program will be provided by a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)-approved trainer as a six-week course to help prepare students to write the NABCEP entry exam. The course will offer students theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience completing actual installation of grid-tied and battery backup solar PV systems on Montana First Nation’s community buildings.