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Solar Financial Incentives for Businesses
CategoriesSolar Incentives

Solar Financial Incentives for Businesses In 2024

For Canadian businesses, solar adoption isn’t just a step towards sustainability; it’s a savvy business decision that will make them save money over the long term. However, the upfront costs are still a barrier for many owners. Fortunately, the Government is supporting the adoption of solar and other forms of clean energy as part of the efforts to make Canada a net-zero emission country by 2050 and is offering financial incentives that make going solar much more attractive from a business perspective. This blog will give you an overview of the solar incentives available in Canada and Alberta for commercial adopters, so you know which option suits your business best.  Federal Incentives The Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit This tax credit aims to support the investment in clean energy projects and allows taxable Canadian corporations to claim up to a 30% refundable tax credit for the capital cost of eligible equipment required for energy production through solar and other clean sources, bought and available for use on or after March 28, 2023, and before 2034. For equipment that becomes available for use in 2034, the tax credit would be up to 15%. The Accelerated Investment Incentive This incentive provides commercial users who invest in solar or other forms of clean energy to support their activities with an enhanced first-year tax deduction for the equipment subject to the capital cost allowance regulations. This allows them to deduct a more significant portion of the cost of these assets in the year they are put into use rather than spreading the deduction over several years through depreciation. The deduction applies to property purchased after November 20, 2018, and scales down over time.  Canadian Renewable and Conservation Expense (CRCE) The CRCE covers the intangible costs of clean energy projects, such as feasibility studies and pre-construction development expenses, and allows taxpayers to deduct these expenses for the year incurred entirely. Alberta Incentives Emission Reductions Alberta This initiative allows Alberta’s small and medium businesses to get funding for their clean energy projects. (This program was closed when we wrote this blog, but you can join the waitlist to be among the first ones to know when the program receives funding.) Clean Energy Improvement Financing Program This program offers financing up to 100% of clean energy projects and upgrades on commercial property in Edmonton. It offers an up-to-20-year repayment period through your property tax bill and competitive interest rates. The program is planned to reopen for applications in Spring 2024, and you can join its newsletter to stay informed. An Investment With Long-lasting Benefits Few investments can give a business instant cash flow relief the way a solar system can, and with the financial incentives we discussed, going solar is an attainable option for businesses of all sizes. When your panels start producing energy, you can invest the money you save in bills in other areas of your business while knowing your activities will be powered by a reliable energy source. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or would like more information. Contact us for a free consultation to ask us all your solar questions.

CategoriesSolar Panels Installation

Are Critter Guards Necessary for Solar Panels?

Getting solar panels can be a hefty investment, so trying to protect them from damage to guarantee they perform at peak capacity for their lifetime is a natural concern for homeowners and businesses alike. One of the most common protection items for solar panels is critter guards, and in this blog we’ll discuss how they work, the different types available, and why you should consider installing one to keep pesky animals away from your panels. What Are Critter Guards? Critter guards, also known as wildlife deterrents, pest barriers or solar screens, are physical barriers that surround the solar array and prevent animals from accessing or nesting under the space between the panels and the roof.  Why Should You Install Critter Guards? Wildlife damage can be more severe than most people may think. For example, the main threats to solar panels are birds, squirrels, and rodents. They tend to nest under the panels and chew on exposed wires, leading to debris buildup and damage to wiring, resulting in a decrease in the system’s power output and expensive, unwanted repairs. Aside from wild animals disturbing your solar panels, critter guards can also serve as protection against environmental debris such as dust, dirt, pollen, leaves, branches, or bird droppings that can accumulate on the surface of solar panels over time and potentially reduce the amount of energy the panels can generate.  What Types of Solar Critter Guards Are Available? There are two types of critter guards in the market, and which one to choose will depend mostly on the most common animals in your area and your budget: Wire Mesh These guards consist of a flexible, sturdy mesh of light metal installed around the perimeter of the solar panels and attached to them with mounting brackets and fasteners. They create a barrier that prevents animals from crawling underneath. Wire mesh critter guards are effective at keeping out small animals like rodents and birds while allowing airflow and keeping the panels’ temperature stable. (Source) This critter guard option is the most cost-effective, and you can buy it online on sites like Amazon, but it can be more challenging to install if you want to do it yourself. Adhesive Barrier These are light metal strips that are adhered to the solar array with a peel-and-stick heavy-duty adhesive, forming a cage that will keep critters at bay. The metal strips can be cut with a snap or shears and bent at the corners as needed to fit and surround the array completely.  (Source) Adhesive critter guards are easier to work with for DIY installers but are usually more expensive than their mesh counterparts and can’t be reused in your panels if you have to remove the strips for repairs. Protecting Your Investment Is Easy Installing a critter guard for your solar system is a protective step that will save you money and more than a headache if squirrels, birds or rodents choose to make their home below your panels. Proactively protecting your investment with critter guards is easy and will ensure your panels produce energy with no mishaps for decades to come.

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