Photo: Google Maps

Site of a proposed FortisBC solar farm in Kelowna.

FortisBC wants to bring solar energy to Kelowna.

The energy utility has two applications in stream for the project. One is with the BC Utilities Commission, the other with the City of Kelowna.

"We are applying to the B.C. Utilities Commission to build the Ellison Community Solar Pilot Project," said FortisBC spokesperson Nicole Bogdanovic.

"There will be about 720 solar panels next to the Ellison substation, across from the airport. That's where permission from the city comes in."

The application was made to the city a month ago.

In its application, Fortis says the 335-watt panels would be erected on a downward slope between the substation and Highway 97. It says the site is "well-suited to harvesting solar energy."

It further states because the panels are to be located above the highway and tilted at a 35-degree slope, there will be little, to no impact on northbound traffic.

The facility would be secured with a seven-foot high chain-link with a foot of barbed wire.

As part of its application, Fortis is also asking the city to relax its buffering requirement, believing visibility is one of the attributes it's most excited about.

"The prominence at one of the city's gateways, including visitors arriving by air, is expected to garner significant interest," the application stated. "Having this solar PV facility unfiltered to the public eye is a desirable element of this proposed project."

"The response has been quite positive so far, so we're hopeful for a positive response from both organizations," said Bogdanovic.

There's no word yet when the application will come before city council.