In 2024 the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) commissioned a Solar Technology Feasibility Study for the Similkameen Recreation Centre. The Similkameen Recreation Centre has squash and racquetball courts, a bowling alley, a fitness area and an indoor climbing wall. Seasonally it has an outdoor ice arena. Electricity costs for the centre in 2023 were $20,167 and annual gas costs were $6,618.

The study considered three solar technologies: 

While the Similkameen Recreation Centre has space and could benefit from a 60-kW photovoltaic array, Fortis BC limits generating capacity to 50 kW maximum. A 60-kW array would offset 40.2% of the Recreation Centre’s electricity bill. A 50-kW system would offset 33.5%. The Recreation Centre has a solid south-facing wall that, during sunny days during the heating season (September - April), could be used to preheat the air delivered to the HVAC system. A 70 m² collector would reduce natural gas use by 32%. The Recreation Centre uses hot water, and that hot water could be generated using solar hot water with a backup system for winter and cloudy days. 

The Feasibility Study measured the value of solar improvements using a simple rate of return (how long it would take the money saved to cover the cost of the improvement), the annual greenhouse gas savings, net present value and internal rate of return. The report recommended solar PV with a capacity of 50 kW and solar air heating with a 20 m² collector. The report recommends against installing solar hot water, as hot water makes up a relatively small portion of the utility bills. The availability of grants would put several of the solar technologies within reach.

Exercise room in the Similkameen Recreation Centre