Solar in Alberta: Ask the Experts Part One
The solar industry in Alberta is not just growing; it’s thriving spectacularly. As global and local enthusiasm for sustainable and green initiatives continues to mount, an increasing number of Albertans are turning their attention to solar energy solutions. This is hardly surprising, considering that Alberta is home to some of the sunniest cities in Canada, such as Edmonton and Calgary, making it an ideal locale for harnessing solar power.
We’ve brought together a distinguished panel for this blog to cut through the complexity and provide crystal-clear, expert-backed information. Featuring insights from two of Alberta’s leading solar installers and the foremost non-profit community group dedicated to solar advocacy, this post is designed to be your go-to resource. Whether you’re a homeowner curious about installation costs or a business looking to make a sustainable switch, our experts are here to address your most pressing questions and guide you through the dynamic landscape of Alberta’s solar market.
Join us for Part One of this two-part series as we delve into the practicalities, benefits, and future prospects of adopting solar energy in one of Canada’s most promising regions for renewable energy development.
Solar Club: Tell us more about who you are and what services you offer.
Kuby Renewable Energy: Kuby Renewable Energy is a premier solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) firm serving western Canada. We offer comprehensive, turn-key solutions for residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial clients, handling every step of the solar installation process. Our services range from initial consultations and design to installation, commissioning, and long-term maintenance, ensuring a seamless experience for our customers. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to helping clients harness the power of the sun for a sustainable future while reducing energy costs and environmental impact.
Zeno Renewables: Zeno Renewables is a residential solar solutions provider that delivers comprehensive-turnkey solutions to homeowners across Canada. Driven by an ambitious goal to create a better, more sustainable future for everyone around the world, Zeno guides its customers to create long-lasting sustainable choices in their homes that leave a positive mark at a local and global level.
Solar Alberta: Solar Alberta is a non-profit society with over 21,000 followers that has been in operation for over 33 years. We are working hard to accelerate Alberta’s transition to a just and sustainable energy future by advocating, educating and serving as an industry and community hub. Our membership is made up of over 750 individual solar enthusiasts and 165 solar-related businesses.
Solar Club: The solar landscape is evolving quickly. What changes have you seen in solar PV microgeneration over the last five years? What’s new?
Kuby: In the last five years, the solar PV microgeneration landscape has experienced significant growth, particularly in Alberta, where it has been a driving force behind Canada’s overall PV expansion. We have observed various changes in regulations and incentives, with policy shifts that often impact how solar installations are carried out and supported. Despite these changes, the fundamental benefits of going solar remain consistent. Homeowners and businesses are drawn to the opportunity to shield themselves from escalating energy costs while simultaneously increasing the value of their properties. These developments have empowered more individuals and businesses to embrace solar power as a sustainable and economical energy source.
Zeno: Over the past five years, the solar PV microgeneration landscape has indeed seen significant evolution driven by both technological advancements and shifting consumer attitudes. Here are some notable changes:
- Stabilizing Costs: The cost of solar PV systems, including both equipment and installation, has continued to stabilize, making solar energy more accessible to a broader range of consumers.
- Improved Efficiency: Solar panel efficiency has continued to improve, meaning that smaller arrays can generate more electricity than ever before.
- Technological Advancements: There have been significant advancements in solar panel technology, including the development of new materials and manufacturing techniques. These advancements have led to more durable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solar panels, further boosting their appeal to consumers.
- Consumer Awareness and Demand: There has been a significant shift in consumer attitudes towards solar energy. Increasing awareness of the environmental and financial benefits of solar power, coupled with supportive government incentives and policies, has driven a surge in demand for solar PV microgeneration systems.
- Customization and Flexibility: Solar energy solutions have become more customizable to meet the specific needs and preferences of individual consumers. Zeno offers tailored solutions that can accommodate varying energy profiles and usage patterns, further enhancing the appeal of solar microgeneration.
Solar Alberta: “Microgeneration” typically means solar on homes or businesses in Alberta. Microgenerators are distinct from solar farms/power plants in that they are under 5MW and primarily produce electricity to meet their own needs.
The growth of microgeneration in Alberta over the past ten years has been truly astounding! In 2014, we only had about 5 MW of solar generated by approximately 1,000 microgenerators on the grid. By 2021, we had over 100 MW of generating capacity on the grid from approximately 6,000 homes and businesses, and just three years later, we have over 230 MW of installed micro-generation capacity across over 19,000 systems.
This growth has been partially driven by the cost of solar PV decreasing significantly. Between 2010 and 2020 the cost of solar globally actually dropped by 90%! In the last 3 years, much of the growth was driven by the Canada Greener Homes Grant and the Alberta Energy Savings in Business program. It doesn’t hurt that Alberta is also incredibly sunny!
We have also seen that people’s reasons for adopting solar have changed over the years. Not too long ago many folks were adopting solar for purely environmental reasons, now people are adopting solar for a variety of reasons including lower electricity bills, energy independence and to increase their property value.
Solar Club: More and more people are considering buying EVs nowadays. What should they know or consider from a solar perspective?
Kuby: With the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), integrating solar power with your EV charging can be a smart decision for homeowners. From a solar installer’s perspective, it’s essential to consider a few key points:
- System Sizing: If you recently purchased an EV or plan to do so, consider sizing your solar system to accommodate the increased energy consumption. This will allow you to charge your EV sustainably while optimizing your energy usage.
- Peak Charging Times: Align your EV charging schedule with your solar system’s peak production times. Charging during the day when solar production is highest maximizes your use of clean, renewable energy and reduces reliance on the grid.
- Future-Proofing: Investing in solar panels and EV charging stations now can future-proof your home for advancements in both solar and EV technology. It also adds value to your property and supports your sustainable living goals.
Zeno: When looking at solar for your home, it is always good to consider future expansion if possible and to communicate any EV considerations with your installer. This can mean adding modules for an EV or heat pump down the road, which is something that Zeno can work with you on to make sure your system is ready for future expansion. Adding an EV later is not something that will cause issues to your solar design and can be integrated into your electrical system after the solar installation.
Solar AB: Did you know that when a solar installer is determining how large an array you will be permitted to have on your home, they can give you a larger array if you have an electric vehicle?! It’s true. And, we actually have a free webinar from one of our Solar Shows called Electric Vehicles 101. You can check it out here. There is a lot of great information provided in the webinar by our partner EVAA.
Solar on your home or business coupled with an EV is ideal, because then you can ensure you are powering your EV with affordable and renewable electricity. This is particularly important in Alberta because our grid still draws heavily on natural gas.
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Learn More in Part Two of our Ask the Experts blog. For more information from our experts, check out their websites:
