But city staff have recommended to proceed with a smaller initial installation as a pilot project to gain more experience for a future larger solar panel installation.
Such a pilot project would have 100 panels above an existing parking lot, with a one-time installation cost of $150,000 and the ability to generate about 43 MWh of power annually.
Using current spot market power rates, the municipal government expects it will recover the construction cost in 10 to 15 years.
Concept for a solar panel installation at the Burnaby City Hall parking lot near the intersection at Norland Avenue and Canada Way. (City of Burnaby)
Concept for a solar panel installation at the Burnaby City Hall parking lot for the West Building fleet. (City of Burnaby)