[3] It is billed as the first solar powered subdivision in North America,[4] although its electricity and transportation needs are provided by conventional sources.
[7] This was achieved by the borehole thermal storage system (BTES) finally reaching high temperature after years of charging, as well as improving control methods, operating pumps at lower speed most of the time, reducing extra energy need as well using weather forecasts to optimize transfer of heat between different storage tanks and loops.
After nearly 17 years of continuous monitoring (far exceeding the initial 4-year test period), performance analysis and improvements, a significant body of knowledge and experience has been learned about this type of system for Canadian applications.
After a thorough investigation on available next steps, it was determined that the significant reinvestment required to have the system operate reliably, was simply something that neither the Drake Landing Solar Company board nor the collective community could afford.
In 2024, a decommissioning process for the Drake Landing Solar Community began, where the majority of the 52 homes were converted to natural gas-fired furnaces.
A glycol solution (an anti-freeze solution; a mixture of water and non-toxic glycol) is heated by the sun's energy and travels through insulated piping underground through a trench system to the heat exchanger within the community's Energy Centre.
The water returns to the short-term storage tanks in the Energy Centre to be heated again in order to complete the circuit.
During colder months the water from the BTES passes back to the short-term storage tank and is then directed to each home.
It is home to the short-term storage tanks and most mechanical equipment such as pumps, heat exchangers, and controls.
The borehole thermal energy system (BTES) is located underground to store large quantities of heat collected in the summer to be used in the winter.
This project was conceived by Natural Resources Canada’s CanmetENERGY in partnership with governmental organizations and Canadian industries.
Of the $7 million needed for this project this was the breakdown of funds: Homeowners were willing to pay for these energy efficient homes because it ensured high quality construction.
[15] On October 5, 2012, the DLSC set a new world record by covering 97% of space heating needs with solar thermal energy.