Much of Alberta’s electrical grid, around 89 percent, is currently powered using fossil fuels, meaning that even electric heating and cooling systems come with a carbon footprint. The same is true for appliances around the house. As such, the western province has a prime opportunity to decarbonize using renewables, such as solar. When paired with energy efficient upgrades and appliances—high-quality insulation and windows, heat pumps, etc.—private solar panels can cleanly power homes. By some counts, installing solar panels in Alberta can cost around $15,000, which is no small sum.
However, the savings that homeowners receive from them on their power bills can offset this initial fee. So, too, can the various government grant and rebate programs. Plus, solar panels can have lifespans up to 40 years—though newer models are regularly released—and can greatly impact the value of a home and, on the real estate market, speed up the sale process.
There are currently more than 10,000 micro-generation solar systems in Alberta, attached to homes or other structures. However, there remains some resistance to solar in the province, in part because of its winters. But Alberta is actually one of the sunnier provinces in the country! It annually receives between 1,500 and 2,500 hours of sun each year.
Plus, during the colder months, some solar panels function more efficiently than in warmer weather, though for a shorter time. That said, other forms of power generation can make up the difference in the cold months during peak hours—like in the evening when people start using their computers or making meals—and an energy efficient home will ensure that none of the power used for heat during the day goes to waste. So, in Alberta, is solar worth it? The answer is a clear yes, though there are ways to get the most out of it.
