April 5th, 2016
FrontCounter BC
1902 Theatre Road
Cranbrook, BC
V1C 7G1
Project:
Subject:
Torrent Solar Project
Torrent Solar Project Investigative Plan
Dear FrontCounter BC:
Innergex Solar Energy Inc. (Innergex) would like to assess the environmental and socio-economic
feasibility of a solar power project approximately 45 km North of Cranbrook BC. Please accept the
attached application for an Investigative Use Licence for the proposed solar project.
Kind Regards,
Jackie Boruch, BA
Environmental Specialist
Enclosed (2)
General (1:250,000) and Site (1:20,000) Location Maps
Investigative Plan
Investigative Plan
Torrent Solar Project
Submission Date: April 5th, 2016
Section A: Project Overview for Investigative Stage
Innergex Solar Energy Inc. (Innergex) would like to assess the environmental and socio-economic
feasibility of a solar power project approximately 45 km north of Cranbrook, BC.
If a solar project results from work done in the investigative phase, the proposed project works will consist
of: solar panels, access roads, a switch yard, and a transmission line to the point of interconnection with
the BC Hydro electricity grid.
This area in the southeast Kootenay region was selected due to its; 1) high solar irradiance, 2) proximity
to interconnections with BC Hydro and 3) land availability.
During the investigative phase, access to the site will be by motorized vehicles on pre-existing roads.
Section B: How do Solar Projects Work?
Solar energy is produced as a result of nuclear fusion within the sun. This energy travels outward into
space in the form of rays. The sun’s rays transmit two main forms of energy:
1. Thermal energy, or heat which we have always used to heat our homes and green houses, for
example.
2. Light energy, in the form of photons, which can be converted to electricity using certain
materials that naturally release electrons when exposed to light. This phenomenon, known as
the “photovoltaic effect” is the basis of all solar energy systems.
The effectiveness of a solar energy system depends on a number of factors: the number of hours of
sunshine, the season, weather conditions, albedo (the reflecting power of the surrounding surface), etc.
Solar panels are always titled and oriented to capture maximum light.
In a solar panel, each photovoltaic cell is made of light-sensitive semiconductor material. Such materials,
of which silicon is a prime example, release their electrons when exposed to photons (particles of light).
The electrons are then forced into a particular direction to create an electric current.
This current travels along wires connecting the cells to each other, and the current from all the panels is
collected via a series of combiner boxes. Inverters in substations then convert the direct current into
Investigative Plan: Torrent Solar Project
Page 1 of 4
alternating current for transportation on the electric grid. Finally, a series of transformers step up the
voltage so that the solar energy system can connect with the grid (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Solarpower principle components
The sun is a highly stable and predictable resource, which makes solar technology correspondingly
reliable and easy to use. The sun’s energy is converted directly into electricity by a semiconductor, and
requires no fuel or moving parts, it creates no pollution. As a result, solar energy is one of the cleanest,
most renewable forms of energy around.
Section C: Maps of Area
A General Location Map of the project area at a scale of 1:250,000 and a Detailed Site Map, showing the
proposed Solar Project location, at a scale of 1:20,000, is included in the figure listed below:

Figure 1: Torrent Solar Project General (at scale of 1:250,000) and Detailed Location Map (at a
scale of 1:20,000)
Section D: Investigative Schedule
To better assess the project and determine its feasibility for solar power generation, Innergex proposes
to undertake the following investigative activities listed in Table 1.
Table 1: Investigative Plan Activity Schedule
Project Work Component
Desktop assessment of Solar
Resources
Potential
Impact
A desk-top assessment of solar Years 1 to 5 (on-going None.
irradiance will be prepared for the monitoring)
Torrent Solar Project area based on
available data and this data will be
Investigative Plan: Torrent Solar Project
Description
Page 2 of 4
Timing (Year)
Project Work Component
Preliminary Site
Investigation/Reconnaissance
Transmission line Sighting
Consultation with First Nations
Geotechnical Reconnaissance
Description
monitored
throughout
the
investigative phase.
Preliminary field reconnaissance of
the project site. The reconnaissance
of selected proposed works will be
completed on foot.
A conceptual transmission line
alignment
and
point
of
interconnection will be selected. A
preliminary
interconnection
assessment (BC Hydro) will be
completed to assess interconnection
capacity and costs.
Contact First Nations who are
potentially affected by the project.
Provide information about the project
so that possible effects on Aboriginal
Rights and Title can be determined. If
appropriate or possible, discuss
appropriate accommodation.
Preliminary
geotechnical
reconnaissance work is proposed to
assess the ground conditions for solar
panel support footings. If required, an
Occupant Licence to Cut (OLTC) will be
obtain to support this program should
crown cover (eg. trees or brush) need
to be cleared prior to field work
and/or for access tracks.
Closing
This plan is approved by Innergex Solar Energy Inc.
Signed By:
Jackie Boruch, BA
Environmental Specialist
Investigative Plan: Torrent Solar Project
Page 3 of 4
Timing (Year)
Potential
Impact
Year 2 or 3
None.
Year 2 or 3
None.
Year 1 through to 5
None.
Year 4
None.