Solar Frequently Asked Questions

Not only is it better for the environment, solar energy is powerful, sustainable and actually gives you a return on your investment. If you are creating your own electricity or thermal energy, this will have a direct effect on your utility bill. Solar energy is also about the cleanest energy you can get; it produces no pollution, no noise, and no waste product.

Though the initial cost for installation can be a bit pricey, ranging from $15,000 - $25,000, depending on the size of your home/garage, you have governmental incentives to look forward to, to help ease this initial cost. There are also financial options available such as lease and special financing rates as low as 1.5%. Opportunities like these will help ease the financial burden and make going green more manageable.

On average, Albertan households consume around 7,200 kWh of electricity per year. This would require a solar photovoltaic system of about 6,000 installed watts to equal net- zero electricity per year. If the system costs around $3.00/watt, this would cost around $18,000.

Farmers can expect to see a big return with the Alberta On-Farm Solar Photovoltaics Program and if you're in the city, the Residential and Commercial Solar Program will see a cut of up to 30% on residential solar energy system installation.

Everyone has a unique situation and it can be hard to determine what will be right for you before we meet. Request a free site visit at the bottom of this page and we will help you determine if solar is worth it for you!

Not necessarily, but the optimal house/property for employing a solar energy system is:

• Facing the sun; south, or very close to it.
• Free of obstructions that can create shade like trees, other buildings, etc.
• Allows a solar energy system to tilt at an angle equal to your latitude.
• Other factors that can be determined by a solar site assessment, usually free of cost (depending on driving distance) by a solar contractor.

With a grid-tied solar installation, your power usage is reduced by the solar energy generated. Your electricity still depends on the power grid since there are no batteries or any kind of power storage installed in which to store the solar energy generated.

You are guaranteed 25 years on the solar panels themselves, backed up by the manufacturer. A one year warranty is on the actual installation of the solar panels.

Solar panels are very durable, and stand up very well to elemental damage. It would take a hefty hail storm to damage these panels. Even if this is the case, regular home insurance should cover the repairs. Just be sure to let your insurance company know you have them.

Albertans choosing sustainable energy over unsustainable ones will be getting a tax rebate. For residential and agricultural system setups, there are 30% and 20% rebates, respectively.

More information on agricultural incentives.

More information on residential incentives.

In bright sunshine, one square foot of solar panel will produce about 15 watts of power or more. You can use this as a rule of thumb to determine how much space you might need for these units.

Yes, it is possible, but not recommended. There are strict electrical codes to adhere to and without a strong understanding of electrical systems, DIY installation could be very dangerous. It’s best to let the professionals install your solar energy system.

Regular cleaning is a good idea to maintain your solar panel’s efficiency. Bird droppings, dust, and snow can sully your system, and while rain usually cleans up the panels, it’s a good idea to inspect your panels every once in a while.

30-40 years is a safe bet if the units were installed correctly and your system is periodically inspected. However, a major part of a grid-tied system is an inverter, which may need to be replaced every 10-15 years. Consider a solar warranty, as inverter replacement can be costly.