With operations beginning in 2015, Solvest has established itself as the leading provider of renewable energy services in remote and Northern areas. Solvest’s partners have extensive experience in resource development throughout northern Canada, making them uniquely suited to understanding the challenges presented by diesel power generation and its high costs. Renewable energy technology provides a means of reducing diesel usage, becoming more self-sufficient, and promoting environmental stewardship in remote regions.
It is Solvest’s mission to empower individuals and communities through renewable energy self-sufficiency – to enable wealth generation and a positive environmental impact. One of their five core values is stewardship. This means practicing a holistic and robust approach to renewable energy planning that reflects community values and maximizes socioeconomic and environmental benefits. By understanding their client’s values and goals, they are committing to building long-term partnerships, leading as energy stewards, and creating generational assets.
Projects with local engagement:
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Location: Old Crow, Yukon | Project Size: 940kW DC – 480kW AC | Year: 2018-2019
Solvest hired and trained four Vuntut Gwitchin citizens to work on the test project in Old Crow. One of the hires led to long-term employment, with him joining the Solvest crew in Manitoba working on the Fisher River Cree job and is still working for Solvest today. During the moduling and racking phase of construction for the Old Crow Solar Project, which started in fall 2018, over 50% of the workforce was from the community itself.
Fisher River Cree Nation (FRCN)
Location: Fisher River, Manitoba | Project Size: 1MW DC – 816kW AC | Year: 2018
Solvest partnered with the North American Solar Academy (NASA) to provide 5-day certified training for 10 local citizens of FRCN, who then worked on the installation.
As mentioned above, one of the hires from Old Crow came with the Solvest team to Manitoba for the 1MW project. Our CEO, Ben Power, recalls there being a noticeable level of trust right off the bat with the FRCN members who were being trained to work on the project from seeing the individual’s skill and enthusiasm on the crew. The construction team on this project was about 70% Indigenous.
Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN)
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon | Year: 2022
Solvest hired and trained 2 KDFN citizens to work on an exciting project installing solar systems on 40 homes in their home subdivision. They have been a great addition to the crew since early September and will continue to see the project through into November, with an opportunity for long-term employment.
Liard First Nation
Location: Watson Lake, Yukon | Project Size: 4.55MW DC, 2.85MW AC | Year: 2023
Solvest will be hiring and training First Kaska citizens for the Watson Lake Microgrid, which will be the 7th largest diesel microgrid in Canada. This program will include 2 weeks training in construction, safety, and renewable energy, including 2 days of hands-on training before beginning project construction. Aside from the objective to develop local renewable energy champions, the goal is for this community engagement to lead to long-term employment opportunities.