Devon Lions Campground will be tapping into the Sun to meet its energy needs this camping season.

Devon Lions Campground, a tranquil getaway located only 15 minutes from Edmonton in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, is scheduled to open on May 1st. This camping season, they are excited to benefit from their new solar PV system which will help reduce their electricity costs and offset the campground’s high energy usage in a sustainable manner.

“The Lions Campground wanted to contribute to the expansion and adoption of carbon cutting energy technology. Clean, renewable, and abundant, solar energy will reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability. Reduced peak power consumption, reduced energy costs and positive return on input costs made this the right time to invest in the future,” said Dan Nonay from the Devon Lions Club.

The Devon Lions Club chose to work with SkyFire Energy, a local and trusted solar provider, to install their 20.9 kW solar PV system which is estimated to produce 597,000 kWh over the 30-year lifespan of the system. The environmental benefits of this solar project is equivalent to planting 6980 trees and offsetting 221 tonnes of carbon emissions. Parker Christensen from SkyFire Energy explained that the campground’s annual energy load profile aligns perfectly with peak solar production since their main energy consumption is in the spring and summer when solar PV systems typically generate two to three times more power.

The Town of Devon has also commended the Devon Lions Club on their new solar project at the Devon Lions Campground which is in line with the Town’s Green Strategy.

“Devon has worked hard to demonstrate leadership in environmental and economic sustainability by following the principles outlined in the Town’s Green Strategy, a document established in 2016 that outlines both short-term and long-term goals for the Town to reduce energy demand while exploring sources of renewable energy,” said Tony Kulbisky, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Devon. “We have continued to install solar options throughout the Town including at our Devon Community Centre, crosswalk lights and in the parking area of our Voyageur Park.”

To celebrate the reopening of their solar powered campground, the Devon Lions Club would like to invite you to their open house on Friday, May 27, from 1-4 p.m. at the campground chalet (1140 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Devon, AB T9G 1N5).