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Buying a house with solar panels may seem a good choice because it’d save homebuyers from the hassle and upfront costs of the installation process, but that will depend on some key factors. If you are in the market for a new home and have your eyes on a house with solar panels, here’s what you need to know before deciding. 7 Essential Things to Know Before Buying a Solar-Powered Home 1 – Understand Solar Energy Do your research on how a solar system works. Inform yourself on how the solar panels produce energy, how the system is connected to the electric grid, how solar net metering works, and the micro-generation program key aspects to know what it means for you in terms of energy production and financial benefits. 2 – System Details Ask for a copy of the installer agreement and look for details such as the age and model of the panels and inverters. Find out if they have required  maintenance and service. If the panels are older, consider their remaining lifespan and potential maintenance or replacement costs. 3 – Energy Production You need to know if the solar system will positively impact your utility bills. Request the current homeowner’s previous energy bills to assess the system’s effectiveness and determine if it meets your energy needs and utility-saving goals. Evaluate the system’s capacity and whether it aligns with your expected electricity consumption. 4 – Warranty Warranty protection is a must when it comes to a pre-existing solar system. Understand the coverage period, the components included, and limitations or conditions. A comprehensive warranty will provide peace of mind and save you from unexpected repair or replacement costs. 5 – Installation Quality  Assess the quality of the solar panels’ installation. Ensure that it meets industry standards and has been installed by reputable professionals. A poor installation can lead to performance issues and potential safety concerns. If you are unsure of the system’s current state, contact the solar company that did the installation. 6 – Roof Condition During the home inspection, make sure the roof’s condition is assessed thoroughly. Look for any signs of damage, leaks, or aging. Consider if the roof will require repair or replacement in the near future, as it can affect the solar system’s integrity and the overall benefits of buying a home with pre-installed panels. 7 – Transferability and Resale Value Whether you choose to sell your house or not, researching how much solar panels enhance the resale value of homes in the area is a good idea to know the quality of your investment. Understanding the impact on your property value can help you make an informed investment. The Bottom Line Solar energy adoption is growing rapidly in Alberta, and homes with solar panels listed for sale are getting more common on the real estate market. With education and due diligence, you can purchase a solar-powered home with confidence in the financial and quality-of-life benefits it will provide you and your family.

The way we produce energy is changing, and our environment is one of the main motivations behind the shift. However, the general public is still unsure if switching to alternative energy sources like solar is the best choice, especially when fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are considered reliable and have powered human activities for decades.  Solar energy and fossil fuels have distinct environmental impacts, and comparing them provides insights into their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a comparison of their environmental impacts: Solar Energy Vs Fossil Fuels: Which One Is Better For the Environment? Greenhouse Gas Emissions Greenhouse gases are those released into the atmosphere that have the potential to trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect and subsequent warming of the planet’s surface. The primary greenhouse gasses include carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Fluorinated Gases.  Solar Energy Fossil Fuels Solar energy is considered a clean and renewable energy source, as solar panels generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases during operation. The manufacturing process of solar panels produces some emissions, but these are significantly lower than fossil fuel extraction and combustion. Fossil fuels produce energy through combustion, which releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, the most prevalent greenhouse gas. Methane and fluorinated gases are also detrimental byproducts of fossil fuel use. Air Pollution Air pollution is caused by natural processes and human activities, including industrial, agricultural, and residential. Sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are among the primary air pollutants. Solar Energy Fossil Fuels Solar energy generation does not contribute to air pollution as solar panels produce no emissions during operation. Burning fossil fuels for energy production releases various air pollutants, including SO2, NOx, particulate matter, and even mercury. These pollutants can have severe health impacts and contribute to smog formation. Water Usage Indiscriminate water usage has various environmental impacts, including pollution, ecosystem disruption, habitat destruction, and altered hydrological cycles.  Solar Energy Fossil Fuels Solar panels generally do not require water for electricity generation, except when water is used for panel cleaning or cooling purposes. However, this water usage is minimal. Fossil fuel power plants often require substantial amounts of water for cooling and steam generation. Moreover, other water-intensive processes like hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas and oil extraction also put additional strain on water resources. For example, a fracking operation in the Horn River Basin in British Columbia is reported to have used 15.8 million gallons of water. The water used for fracking is mainly fresh water from surface and underground sources, which can lead to drinking water shortages in the surrounding regions. Land and Habitat Impact Human activities, such as agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, or mining, are the main causes of habitat destruction. Habitat destruction has far-reaching consequences for both the environment and the species and people that depend on these habitats, including loss of biodiversity, species extinction, and negative impacts on indigenous and local communities. Solar Energy Fossil Fuels Solar installations typically require land space, particularly for utility-scale projects. However, solar panels can be installed on various surfaces, including rooftops, without significant land disturbance. Proper planning can minimize habitat disruption and enable coexistence with agriculture and other activities. The extraction, transportation, and processing of fossil fuels can destroy habitat, especially in ecologically sensitive areas such as forests and wetlands. Oil spills and mining activities can have severe consequences for wildlife and ecosystems. Solar Energy Helps Save the Planet  Switching to solar has clear environmental benefits. The initial manufacturing impact is greatly offset by decades of clean energy production, and with the ongoing technological improvements, the overall sustainability of solar energy is constantly improving.  If you’re ready to protect our planet for future generations, and lower your electricity bills at the same time, book a free, no-pressure consultation and start your solar energy journey. 

Solar panels are often marketed as a clean, sustainable way to take advantage of sunlight. While solar power production produces zero emissions, the manufacturing process of solar panels can impact the environment, which concerns many environmentally conscious people interested in going solar.  If this resonates with you, keep reading to get a full scope of the actual impact solar panel manufacturing has. The Real Impact of Solar Panels Manufacturing The good news is, solar panels are 90% recyclable. However, solar panel manufacturing does have positive and negative impacts on the environment. Here are some key points to consider: Mining Solar panels are made of glass, silicon, plastic/polymers, and metals like silver, cadmium, aluminum, and copper. While glass and silicon are vastly available and easy to extract, mining metals produce greenhouse gas emissions that can cause water, soil, and air pollution and habitat destruction. Energy Consumption Solar panel manufacturing requires energy-consuming processes such as refining the raw materials, producing semiconductor wafers, and assembling the panels. If the energy used in manufacturing comes from non-renewable sources, it can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, solar panel technology advances have permitted the use of more renewable energy sources, and it is becoming the standard used in manufacturing. Chemical Use Solar panel production uses solvents and acids at different stages. Improper handling and disposal of these chemicals, especially toxic ones such as Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), can pose environmental risks if not managed carefully. However, many manufacturers are implementing sustainable practices and reducing the use of harmful substances. Water Use Some stages of solar panel manufacturing require significant water usage, particularly for cooling and cleaning processes. In areas where water scarcity is a concern, this could affect local water resources. Waste Generation Solar panel production generates silicon scraps, small amounts of metal, and chemical byproducts. Proper waste management and recycling practices are crucial to minimize the environmental impact. Recycling efforts have improved in recent years, allowing for the recovery of valuable materials and reducing waste sent to landfills. This includes used solar panels that ended their life cycle since, as we mentioned, solar panels are 90% recyclable. How Solar Panels Offset Their Manufacturing Emissions Solar panels can offset these emissions within 3 to 6 years, despite having a potentially polluting manufacturing process. Considering that solar panels can last 30 to 40 years, the power a solar system will generate during its lifetime offsets the carbon footprint it produces during manufacturing, something that other energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas can’t do, as they’re responsible for over 40% of CO2 emissions from electricity and heat generation globally. Source: (IEA) Governments worldwide are shifting towards renewable energy sources like solar for various uses, including residential, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate their environmental impacts. This has given rise to offering financial incentives and tax benefits to support solar adoption and other renewable energy sources in several countries. The Future of Energy Production Although solar panel manufacturing impacts the environment, the benefits in energy production and the reduction of greenhouse emissions compensate for the solar panels’ manufacture.  Solar technology has been improving consistently over the years, and manufacturers continually strive to improve their processes and develop alternatives that minimize environmental impact and reduce the use of hazardous substances. Undoubtedly, solar energy will play a significant role in our energy production to achieve a more sustainable future. With constant improvement and innovation, zero-emission manufacturing is not far away. If you are ready to be part of the (still) early adoption of solar energy, contact us for a free estimate of how much you can save with solar.