Alderson Solar
A project by hep solar
About the project
The Alderson Solar Farm brings our global solar expertise to the heart of Calgary. Spanning 657 acres of native grassland, the project is expected to generate approximately 202 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually—enough to power nearly 387,000 homes each year. Alderson represents a significant step forward in advancing Alberta’s clean energy future.
Project location
Alderson Solar is being developed on relatively flat grassland currently used for cattle grazing—land well-suited for dual-purpose use. Located in southeast Alberta, the site benefits from excellent solar exposure and close proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, making it an ideal location for efficient and sustainable energy production.
Technical data
- PV system area: 267 ha / 657 acres
- Output: 124 MWp
- Production: 202 GWh/year
- Supplied households: 387,000/year
- Emissions savings: 523,000 t/year
- Operating life: 30 years
Project Progress
Key project documentation
Learn more about our planned solar project with the documents below. The latest information will be uploaded throughout the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hep solar doing to promote biodiversity on the solar sites?
Solar farms can serve as a refuge for native species. Since the area is mowed only twice a year, it provides a habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. The perimeter fence is permeable, allowing small mammals access to the facility. With sufficient clearance from the ground and row spacing of at least two meters, the soil continues to receive sufficient sunlight and rainfall, allowing a diverse flora and fauna to thrive. Additional conservation measures for protected species are being implemented in and around the area and regularly reviewed by experts.
How will the solar farm be integrated into the landscape?
The facilities occupy large areas. To minimize the impact on the surrounding area, hedges are planned to reduce the visibility of the facility and the fence.
Is there glare in the area surrounding the solar farm?
Before the system is built, the potential glare from the solar modules on nearby traffic routes and buildings is assessed. To avoid glare, specially coated PV modules are used or recessed in the appropriate locations. This prevents significant glare in the surrounding area.
How is the area maintained?
The solar area will be planted with local seed mixtures. We plan to graze the area with sheep. We are already in contact with local shepherds for this purpose. Alternatively, the area will be mowed mechanically at times appropriate to species conservation.
What happens to the system after its operating life?
The operating life is limited (usually 30 years). After that, there are two options: The PV system can either be dismantled or replaced and continued to operate. The components still maintain high performance even after a long service life, so continued operation or replacement is, in principle, possible. There are no costs for owners or municipalities.
Your contact
with us
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please contact Pamela Pelletier directly or use the contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.