SaskTel says it is embarking on a pilot project that will mean building a solar array at the SaskTel Wire Centre located in southwest Saskatoon.

The goal of the project is to determine the long-term feasibility of solar energy as a means to offset electrical costs while also reducing the Crown corporation’s environmental footprint.

SaskTel President and CEO Charlene Gavel points out that the province’s largest communications provider, SaskTel requires significant amounts of electricity to power cell sites, pedestals, and other facilities that bring connectivity to the province.

The ground mounted 100 kilowatt (Kw) solar array will consist of 222 solar panels situated into three rows on SaskTel’s property next to the Wire Centre. The array will generate approximately 128,000 kW hours of electricity per year.

Work will begin in October with the array expected to be in-service by the end of the year.