The City of Edmonton, which owns the Edmonton Convention Centre, has announced a $10.8 million atrium modernization project that includes the replacement of the venue’s 35-year-old skylight units with photovoltaic (solar cell) glass units. The project will begin this month and is expected to be completed in early 2020.

The new solar cells will convert sunlight into clean electricity while maintaining the transparency of the Centre’s current glass atrium. All 696 sloped panels on the atrium will be replaced, with photovoltaic glass units replacing approximately 50 per cent of the existing glass. It is estimated that more than 227,000 kilowatt hours of electricity will be generated each year and the panels will reduce anticipated greenhouse gases by over 150,000 kg. The investment is anticipated to be paid back in around 22 years.

Designed by DIALOG to withstand extreme temperatures and accommodate the vertical slope of the building’s roof, the finished installation will feature a uniquely Edmonton display that will be visible from within the atrium and across the river valley.