Bringing Solar Energy to a Wildlife Center

Seaforth, Nova Scotia is home to the Hope for Wildlife center located 15 miles from Hailfax. Recently, they gained approval from the province to install solar and sell any excess energy they produce to Nova Scotia Power, meaning the center would not only become run on 100% renewable energy, but that it would also be generating excess energy to power its neighbors. Their plan is to install 109 solar panels, though they are currently still in the design phase, and are considering doing both roof and ground solar.

“We will be rolling out a fundraising campaign in the coming weeks to raise money for the infrastructure for our solar project installation,” said Hope Swinimer, director and founder of the Hope for Wildlife center.

Hope for Wildlife Center Provides Rehabilitation and Education

The Hope for Wildlife center was founded in 1997, and in that time, they have rescued, rehabilitated, and released over 40,000 injured and orphaned wild animals, which have been from over 250 species. They allow people to tour their facility, providing education about their injured and orphaned animals to their visitors. They also go around to their community and schools and provide off-site education. They even have a wildlife helpline that has assisted 10,000 callers since they opened their doors.

“We are looking to have small exhibits all over the property to highlight not just renewable energy, but also the possibility of straw bale housing, pollination gardening, silviculture, how to go plastic free to preserve our oceans, and more,” Swinimer continued. “With these exhibits on site we will really be able to educate and work with the public to show that whether you fully embrace renewable energy, or just make small changes to your daily life, every bit helps.”

Using Passive Energy, the Hope for Wildlife Center isn’t New to Solar Energy

Though they don’t yet have any panels installed, the Hope for Wildlife center isn’t totally new to the idea of using solar energy. Their main building has a passive solar design that allows the building to hold and trap heat, as well as ventilate during the summer, with the incorporation of geothermal heating system.

“Renewable energy is not just the way of the future, it’s the way of now,” said Swinimer, “The more people research and look into renewable energy sources, the more that they will see that it makes financial sense for almost everyone.”

If he plans to sell his power for 25 cents per kWh, he could bring $8250 a year to the rehabilitation center, proving just how true that statement is.

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