Photo: digitaltrends.com

That Okanagan sunshine could soon be of more use to the Okanagan Indian band.

The band will receive $18,000 through the B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund to come up with a plan for the community to benefit from solar power.

This includes a feasibility and business-case study on the viability of a solar rooftop system to support the community's energy demands.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the Okanagan Indian Band as we explore clean solar power and the many potential benefits it can provide to our community,” said Chief Byron Louis. “A thorough energy plan ensures we will take the right steps to maximize energy efficiency and also create the best economic opportunities for band members going forward."

Hedgehog Technologies has been hired to develop the plan in consultation with the OKIB.

Potential benefits of installing a solar rooftop system include supplying the community with more reliable power, and reduced greenhouse-gas emissions. 

For the long-term, the band hopes to identify ways to make revenue and create jobs from clean solar-power projects.