Solar energy is abundant, and technological advances have made solar energy systems more affordable than ever before. Using photovoltaic (PV) systems could significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and facilitate sustainable energy uses. Solar power utilities, such as self-compacting disposal bins could be used to enhance waste management processes. This is particularly important in Canada, where $3.3 billion was spent on waste management systems in 2016. In this study, solar irradiance and climatic conditions at eight locations on a University campus in Regina, Saskatchewan, are studied. Results suggest that solar utilities with automatically adjusting PV receivers could increase energy capture between 18.7 – 27.5%. Temporally, solar irradiance was similar in June and July, but lower in August. Statistical analysis found that some locations tended to be more susceptible to shadow effects. The results highlight the importance of spatial allocations of these small smart disposal bin systems. Regression analysis found that temperature was the most significant factor when relating climate to solar irradiance. The use of smart disposal bins fits well with the University’s 2020–2025 Strategic Plan of reduction in ecological footprint.

太阳能资源丰富，技术进步使太阳能系统比以往任何时候都更便宜。使用光伏（PV）系统可以大大减少我们对化石燃料的依赖，并促进可持续能源的使用。诸如自压缩垃圾箱之类的太阳能公用事业可用于增强废物管理流程。这在加拿大尤为重要，2016年加拿大在废物管理系统上花费了33亿加元。在这项研究中，研究了萨斯喀彻温省里贾纳大学校园中八个地点的太阳辐照度和气候条件。结果表明，具有自动调节光伏接收器的太阳能公用事业公司可以将能量捕获提高18.7 – 27.5％。临时来说，6月和7月的太阳辐照度相似，但8月较低。统计分析发现，某些位置往往更容易受到阴影效应的影响。结果强调了这些小型智能垃圾箱系统空间分配的重要性。回归分析发现，温度是将气候与太阳辐照度联系在一起的最重要因素。智能垃圾箱的使用非常适合大学的2020-2025年减少生态足迹战略计划。