Solar Power In Alberta
The sight of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta will take your breath away. People around the world visit this province to see its diverse forests, rolling prairies, and turquoise lakes. Alberta features two main cities (Edmonton and Calgary) and many smaller municipalities, like the beautiful town of Banff.
The province is teeming with wildlife like elk, mountain goats, and bears. In a place with so much natural beauty, you want to do your part to protect it. Alberta solar systems are an excellent way to do that. Instead of relying on hydroelectricity or diesel fuel, you can generate electricity using light energy from the sun.
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels at your property in Alberta, then you’ve come to the right place. This province has excellent potential for generating solar energy for a variety of factors. We’re going to explain how you can get started with solar in Alberta today.
Common Solar Power Questions
One of the best things you can do before installing Alberta solar panels is to learn everything you can about these systems. That way, you’ll know exactly how to optimize your Alberta solar system for your home or business.
Before you get started, we’re going to answer a few questions that you might have:
How much energy do I need to generate for my home or business?
It might seem daunting to determine how many solar panels you’ll need, but you can estimate it with a simple equation. Here’s how:
Start by gathering your electricity bills from the last 12 months. On each bill, find the meter readings that indicate how many kWh (kilowatt-hours) were used. Then, add up all 12 amounts. This will tell you how much electricity you use in one year.
Based on this number, you can estimate the size of the solar power system that you’ll need.
Looking for ways to cut down on your electricity usage? Doing so can make your solar investment even more cost-effective. Consider some of the following upgrades to increase the energy efficiency of your property:
- Switch fluorescent light bulbs to LEDs
- Add air sealing practices around windows, vents, and doors
- Use ENERGY STAR appliances
- Add more insulation to the attic and basement
Should I install a roof or ground-mounted solar system?
On residential properties, it’s more common for solar panels to be installed on the rooftop. You may need to upgrade your roof and perform repairs to support the weight of the solar panels.
But for commercial or industrial buildings, a ground-mounted system may be a better option. These areas typically have more space to install the solar panel array on the ground. In addition, their energy needs tend to be higher, so they will require more solar panels.
How can solar energy help me save money?
Installing Alberta solar panels can create significant savings on your electricity bills and improve the value of your property. Rather than paying for hydroelectricity, you can use solar panels to generate your own energy. And when you install a solar system at your property, the value of it increases. This will pay off when you decide to sell your residential or commercial building.
Can I install an off-grid solar system in Alberta?
You might be interested in being completely independent of the grid. The self-sufficiency you’ll get with an off-grid system has a few distinct advantages:
For one, it will allow you to reduce your electricity costs to $0. Whenever there’s a power outage in your area (due to damaged power lines or extreme weather conditions), your solar system won’t be affected by it.
However, there are two disadvantages to an off-grid system. One is that you will be unable to integrate with the power grid. If you run out of solar power, you won’t be able to draw any power from the electrical grid. You’ll also have to cover the cost of a battery system, which will add an expense to your solar installation.
To determine which solar power system will be better for your property, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each.
Alberta Solar Potential
We can measure the Alberta solar potential by its solar irradiance levels. Prairie provinces are known for having some of the greatest photovoltaic potential in the country, and Alberta is no exception.
Calgary, Alberta, is the sunniest city in Canada. Residents here enjoy nearly 2400 hours of sunlight each year. This makes it a prime location for generating solar energy!
If you look at this PV potential map, you’ll see that Alberta has great potential for solar energy production, especially in the southern areas of the province. Of all the provinces in Canada, Alberta is one of the best places to install a solar power system.
Provincial Guides & Programs
It’s no secret that solar installations are expensive, but financial incentives and utility policies can significantly lower the costs. Solar incentives offer rebates for homeowners who will generate their electricity with PV panels. These incentives are specific to different regions in Alberta, so you’ll need to apply for one in your district.
Here’s information about some financial programs which can make your Alberta solar panels more affordable:
Looking for a residential or commercial solar program? Then look no further than PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy). To be eligible for this loan, you’ll need to own part of your building. Then, you can receive a low-interest loan that is paid through your property tax bill. You can currently access the PACE program in Canmore, Devon, Edmonton, and Rocky Mountain House.
You can save money by integrating your solar system with the electricity grid. Residents can connect their solar systems to the grid to take advantage of the net billing policy. When you have a surplus of solar power, you can sell it to the grid for a flat rate.
The rate fluctuates over time, but in general, it’s worth slightly less than regular electricity. That means it’s more advantageous to size your solar system as accurately as possible.
However, it’s still advantageous to pay for grid integration. You’ll receive some compensation for excess power, and you can draw electricity when you’re running low. This can save the expense of purchasing a battery backup system.
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Renewable energy is the future of electricity in Canada. With Alberta solar panels, you can lower your monthly energy bills, raise the value of your property, and reduce your impact on the environment.
Interested in setting up solar power in Canada? At SRB Energy, we have everything you need to get started with solar. From PV panels to battery systems, we’ve got you covered. Check out our product selection today.
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