Haida Gwaii - Skidegate

Project location: Skidegate, British Columbia, Canada
Project size: 100 kW
Community Served: Haida Gwaii First Nation

Project summary: 

This 100 kW rooftop solar project was completed using ELCE-donated solar inverters with 385 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels at the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay Llnagaay. Elders from the community’s Skidegate Haida Immersion Program (SHIP) named the project Jiigawaay Naay Unguu which means “The Sun on Top of the House” in the Skidegate-Haida dialect.

Much of Skidegate’s energy is generated from diesel generators and the state-of-the-art solar system will generate renewable electricity. The electricity that this project creates will go directly into meeting the energy needs of the Haida Heritage Centre and any excess energy will flow back into the local electrical grid through the BC Hydro Net Metering Program. This solar installation reduces the community’s need for diesel generation thereby improving air quality and reducing emissions.