Solar Power Generation Feasibility Study
Project Highlights
KWL is supporting Metro Vancouver Water Services (MVWS) with a feasibility study to evaluate solar power generation opportunities across its drinking water infrastructure portfolio. The study assesses the technical, financial, operational, and environmental feasibility of integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at water treatment plants, pump stations, lake and tank reservoirs, operations yards, and other utility-owned facilities throughout the region.
The project combines GIS-based portfolio screening, facility-level assessments, energy and load analysis, financial modelling, and conceptual solar system development to identify and prioritize sites with the greatest potential for renewable energy generation. The assessment considered a range of solar deployment options, including rooftop, ground-mounted, parking canopy, building-integrated, and floating solar installations, as well as opportunities for battery energy storage integration.
As part of the study, KWL completed a jurisdictional review of leading North American water utilities that have implemented solar energy projects, identifying lessons learned, emerging technologies, procurement models, and operational best practices applicable to Metro Vancouver’s water system. The review examined municipal and regional utility projects across Canada and the United States, including examples of utility-scale solar generation, solar-plus-storage systems, and floating solar installations.
The study supports Metro Vancouver’s broader energy, climate, and resilience objectives by identifying opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy resilience, offset electricity costs, and integrated renewable energy into critical water infrastructure. Final recommendations will provide a prioritized implementation pathway for future solar energy development.
