Investing in solar energy provides homeowners the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills while contributing to a more sustainable future. | PHOTO: HALFPOINT/ADOBE STOCK
COMMUNITY
Living Solar
With a proper solar set-up, you can harness the sun’s energy to power your home sustainably.
By Kait Kucy
IMAGINE LIVING IN YOUR HOME, which runs on powerful, reliable and renewable energy. A clean alternative to fossil fuels, solar energy has gained popularity and become easier than ever for homeowners to adopt, utilize and to take advantage of its many benefits — a reduced carbon footprint, lower energy bills and even an increase in property values. There are rebates and tax incentives for switching to solar that are offered by individual municipalities, plus the interest-free Canada Greener Homes Loan of up to $40,000.
Shifting to solar energy requires installation of solar modules that make up a solar array. There are panels and racking for the roof, plus equipment for storing, running and monitoring the power produced. Essentially, the sun hits the solar cells, an inverter then converts the DC power produced by the solar modules to AC power, which is how most homes power appliances. As part of the switch to solar power, the electrical panel may need to be upgraded to work within the solar power ecosystem. “[Since 2020], monthly installations have surged from about 100 to nearly 1,000 — a sign that Albertans are catching onto the financial and environmental benefits of going solar,” shares Heather Mackenzie, executive director of the non-profit group Solar Alberta. “There are many drivers of this growth, but the Canada Greener Homes Loan program that [offers] Canadians [an interest-free loan of up to $40,000] toward a more energy-efficient home was the most important growth factor in the last few years.”
David Vonesch, president and CEO of SkyFire Energy Inc., says greater visibility within communities can encourage others to join the solar movement. “As more neighbours install solar, others are increasingly inspired to consider it for their own homes.”
“As more neighbours install solar, others are increasingly inspired to consider it for their own homes.”
The upfront costs of installing solar panels are significant, typically ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the size of the system. Savings on monthly energy bills start to accumulate over time, offsetting the initial costs within five to ten years.
You’ll want to find out how adding solar panels impacts your homeowner’s insurance policy and any resulting additional costs. The addition of solar panels to a residence, in most instances, increases the policy premium as their replacement value needs to be included in the policy. Solar panels mounted on the roof of a home are typically included within the coverage limit of the home, while panels mounted on a detached garage or on the ground must be covered under the Detached Structures section of the policy, which could require the homeowner to increase the coverage limit for the cost of the panels.
There are a few factors your contractor will review, including your home’s average energy needs, your roof’s direction and pitch, as well as local climate. If you live in southern Alberta, your home gets a lot more sunlight than up north, making solar energy a bit more efficient, though solar power has become a great option for homeowners across the province, no matter where they are.
When choosing a solar provider, look for companies that are certified by Solar Alberta or other trusted organizations. Make sure they meet industry standards and know the real ins and outs of solar installation. Ask for references from homeowners they’ve worked with and examples of past projects to get a feel for their expertise. A seasoned contractor will not only get your installation done right but will also guide you with confidence through the process.
Professional installation is very important. The company you hire should be certified by Solar Alberta or other trusted organizations. | PHOTO: POWEROFFFOREVER/iSTOCK
LIVING LIFE, OFF-GRID
Kathy McTaggart, coordinator for AMA’s School Safety Patrol in Red Deer, lives off-grid and has been fully reliant on solar energy to power her home for more than 20 years. One of her biggest lessons? “Treat your batteries well. They’re the most expensive and limiting part of the system when you’re off-grid.”
McTaggart’s set-up includes batteries to store power and a backup generator for cloudy days, ensuring her household runs smoothly even when the sun isn’t shining. “If you’ve heard the phrase ‘Make hay while the sun shines,’ well, we do laundry and run the dishwasher when the sun’s out,” she says.
Daily life with solar brings a few unique routines. In winter, McTaggart clears snow off her panels each morning and runs heavy appliances during peak sunlight hours. Living solar has made her and her family more mindful of energy use. “Lights are off when we’re not in a room and appliances are unplugged.” Over the years, the family’s commitment to solar has expanded into a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. “We eat with the 100-mile diet in mind, growing our own food and supporting local businesses. It’s become more than just power; it’s about creating a sustainable way of living.”
As McTaggart attests, one of the largest expenses when installing solar panels is the batteries. A battery back-up system provides reassurance when it matters most and a back-up generator ensures your power stays on even when sunlight is scarce. Most systems are designed with a 25-year lifespan, after which they need to be recycled and replaced. As solar installations continue to grow, so does interest in managing end-of-life waste. With new renewable energy recycling initiatives being developed, organizations like the non-profit Alberta Recycling Management Authority can expand their existing programs. With a pilot program in place, solar panels, batteries and even wind turbine components can be recycled.
As green energy sources such as solar power continue to evolve, they contribute to a more stable and efficient grid. “For residential customers, solar panels can directly power homes, decreasing reliance on grid electricity,” says Phillip Ramos, manager of customer engineering services at utilities provider EPCOR. “When solar panels generate excess energy, it is fed back into the grid, providing additional power to other customers and supporting overall grid stability.
“In Edmonton, green energy is predominantly generated through solar panels, with about 7,000 residential sites and 200 commercial sites using solar energy and contributing to the electrical grid.” This integration process is efficient and reliable, allowing customers to contribute to a greener grid.
Solar energy offers an incredible opportunity for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint, save money on energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. With the growing adoption of solar across Alberta, including developers, with a few new-home communities now starting to offer solar as an option. People are realizing the financial and environmental benefits of making the switch. And by choosing a trusted provider and investing in the right equipment, you can join the solar movement and be part of a cleaner, greener future for generations to come. AMA
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Solar panels on Kathy McTaggart’s home in Red Deer have allowed her family to be fully reliant on solar energy for over 20 years. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF KATHY McTAGGART