About Us
Our brand new 72 panel solar array is up and generating! This means Memory Lane Heritage Village is now the first 100% solar-powered museum in Nova Scotia (and possibly Canada). We will be tracking our energy production over the coming months and years and plan to continue to work to minimize our environmental footprint wherever possible.
Over the course of 2018 & 2019, the Lake Charlotte Area Heritage Society launched a campaign to raise $79,000 to install a solar power generation system and make other museum-wide electrical efficiency upgrades at Memory Lane Heritage Village. $50,000 had been received through provincial government programs, leaving $29,000 left to fundraise through various methods including an online crowdfunding campaign, a "Pay for a Panel" sponsorship campaign, and various donations from individuals and businesses. The fundraising goal was reached in July, 2019.
The solar panel system is projected to generate 33-34,000 KWh per year, equal to the projected annual power consumption of Memory Lane after the efficiency upgrades were put in place (i.e. LED lights and heat pump to replace electric heaters, etc). The completed project is estimated to offset 25 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year and save Memory Lane about $5,500 per year. The goal was to install the panels in June, 2019 on the Artifact Storage Facility roof (located outside the registered heritage property area) and the completed project was unveiled on July 1st, 2019. After a few minor delays the panels were fully operational by mid-August, 2019.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our community and all of the donors and panel sponsors who have helped make this campaign a success. The Lake Charlotte Area Heritage Society would also like to recognize the support of the Province of Nova Scotia in assisting with our goal. We are pleased to have worked in partnership with the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage to develop and promote our cultural resources for all Nova Scotians and to help us make this project a reality.
Click Here to view the fundraising campaign details including energy projections and costs.
