There’s more help available for homeowners looking to go green.
The Province launched its residential and commercial solar program on June 21, aimed at helping businesses and families install solar panels and conserve energy. It’s part of the provincial government’s ongoing energy efficiency programs through the Climate Leadership Plan.
“The residential and commercial solar program will unleash the appetite for solar power in Alberta that’s been building for years now,” said Shannon Phillips, minister of environment and parks and minister responsible for the climate change office, during a press conference.
Phillips said the program will facilitate 10,000 solar installations in industrial parks, residential communities and large businesses by 2019. Homeowners will be eligible for up to 30 per cent rebates on solar systems, and businesses and non-profits could save up to 25 per cent, she said.
She said the initiative could also create hundreds of jobs by growing the solar power industry in Alberta.
Clifton Lofthaug, president of Great Canadian Solar, said it’s an exciting time to be involved with renewable energy in Alberta.
The solar industry has seen steady growth in recent years, and rebate programs will help promote further expansion, he said.
“Alberta is in good hands, as it is home to many existing solar companies that are well-positioned to help residents and businesses take advantage of the new provincial program,” said Lofthaug in a press conference.
Dawn Smith, Okotoks environment and sustainability co-ordinator, said the Province’s rebate program is a great opportunity for those who want to put green energy into their homes.
Knowing the provincial program was coming down the pipe with a substantial budget, the Town has not opted to provide solar rebates locally, she said. Instead, residents can receive rebates for energy efficiency audits, which she recommends are done prior to installing any kind of green energy system.
“We’re looking to educate people before they go purchase product,” said Smith. “I think it’s a nice marriage with the provincial programs.”
She said people will often spend money on something that has less of a payback that something else, which could actually be cheaper. For example, someone might choose to replace their windows – an expensive investment – when they could be better off replacing their insulation.
Those are the decisions an energy audit could help homeowners make in order to reduce the amount of energy they consume, she said.
“Once you’ve done all your energy efficiency upgrades and then you put a green energy solution on, that’s fabulous,” said Smith. “Then you’ve reduced your load and you can probably offset your house 100 per cent.”
To encourage residents to install green energy, she said the Town is working on streamlining the application process for solar permits.
Currently, residents installing a flush-mount system on their rooftop would have to apply for an electrical permit, she said. However, anyone looking to install racking systems that would increase the angle – and therefore the efficiency – of the solar photovoltaic (PV) units would need to apply for a development permit, she said.
She said prices have dropped significantly on solar PV over the last five years, so this is the perfect time for people to take advantage of the provincial program and make the switch.
Alberta’s sunlight rivals that of Miami International Airport, she said, making installation of solar panels a sound investment. She said the average single detached home would likely offset 100 per cent of its energy use over the course of a year.
“It is the most effective in our area. We have the best solar capability of all North America in southern Alberta,” said Smith. “The only thing that affects us is the shorter winter season, but throughout the entire year your load is pretty decent.
“On average when you’re feeding some into the grid and pulling some off the grid, it averages out to net zero.”
